Do Women Watch Porn? Statistics on How Many, What Type, and Reasons

In this meta-study we look at survey results from 11 different independent studies exploring if women watch porn. The short answer is, yes, women do watch porn. So, we dived deeper into how many women have watched porn before and how often they do so.

Feel free to use and reference all findings from this article by simply linking to it. The full aggregated dataset can be sent upon request, by sending an email to: researchcenter@bedbible.com.

Key statistics

• 82.7% of American women report that they watched porn at some point
• 1 out of every 3 visitors to porn sites are women
• Only 16.8% of women have watched porn for the sexual excitement
• Men are four times more likely than women to have watched porn in the last month
• 20-35% of women report that they have watched pornography in the past year
• The average age, at which girls are first exposed to porn is younger than 15 years old (14.8)

Prevalence of how many women have watched porn

• 82.7% of American women report that they watched porn at some point (voluntary or involuntary).
• Approximately 45-60% of women have reported having watched pornography at some point in their lifetime (voluntarily).
• Approximately 20-35% of women have reported having watched pornography in the past year, based on available survey data.
• Men are four times more likely than women to have watched porn in the last month.
• 42.3% of women who have seen porn, report that they did not look for it intentionally.
• Only 16.8% of women have watched porn for the sexual excitement.
• 1 out of every 3 visitors to porn sites are women.

Age at which girls watch porn the first time

Of the women, who have seen porn, the average age at which they as girls were exposed to porn the first time is 14.8 years old.

Other facts on women and porn

• Women are much more likely than men to read written porn or listen to erotica.
• Women are much more likely to visit porn chat rooms compared to men.
• 70% of women who watch porn have never told anyone.
• Women who watch porn self-report to have better sex.
• 12% of women fantasize about making a porn with their partner.

Feminist porn

Feminist porn is a growing movement within the adult film industry that aims to challenge traditional gender roles and empower women. Unlike mainstream porn, which has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and objectifying women, feminist porn places a strong emphasis on consent, communication, and the authentic representation of diverse bodies and sexualities. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of feminist porn, the key features that distinguish it from mainstream porn, and the ways in which it has been received and critiqued by audiences and critics alike.

Origins of Feminist Porn

The feminist porn movement emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as a response to the predominantly male-dominated and exploitative nature of the mainstream porn industry. Feminist porn producers and performers sought to create films that were sex-positive, ethically produced, and respectful of performers’ autonomy and agency. They also sought to challenge heteronormative and sexist narratives that had dominated the industry for decades, and to create a space for marginalized voices and experiences to be represented and celebrated.

Key Features of Feminist Porn

Feminist porn is characterized by a number of key features that distinguish it from mainstream porn. These include:

1. Emphasis on Consent and Communication: Consent is a cornerstone of feminist porn. Performers are required to give explicit and ongoing consent throughout the production process, and scenes are often structured around communication and negotiation between partners. This ensures that performers are in control of their own bodies and are able to engage in sexual acts that feel safe, pleasurable, and empowering.
2. Authentic Representation: Feminist porn prioritizes authentic representation of diverse bodies, genders, and sexualities. Performers are encouraged to bring their own experiences and desires to the screen, and scenes are often structured around real-world scenarios and situations. This creates a more authentic and relatable viewing experience for audiences, and helps to challenge dominant narratives around beauty, desirability, and pleasure.
3. Ethical Production Practices: Feminist porn is produced with a strong emphasis on ethical practices, such as fair pay, safe working conditions, and performer autonomy. Many feminist porn companies also prioritize environmental sustainability and community involvement, and are committed to creating a positive impact on the world around them.

Reception and Critiques of Feminist Porn

The reception of feminist porn has been mixed. While it has been praised for its commitment to ethical production practices, authentic representation, and empowerment of performers, it has also been critiqued for its potential to reinforce traditional gender roles and power dynamics. Some feminist critics argue that even “empowering” porn can still perpetuate harmful stereotypes and objectification, and that the industry as a whole needs to be reimagined from the ground up.

Despite these critiques, feminist porn continues to grow in popularity and influence, and has helped to spark a broader conversation about consent, communication, and authentic representation in the adult film industry. Many feminist porn companies have also started to collaborate with sex educators and activists, in order to create a more holistic and empowering approach to sexuality and pleasure.

Data and Statistics on Feminist Porn

Although there is limited data on the feminist porn industry, a number of studies have explored the ways in which feminist porn is perceived and consumed by audiences. Here are some key findings:

• A 2019 study found that feminist porn viewers reported higher levels of satisfaction, pleasure, and empowerment than viewers of mainstream porn.
• Another study found that feminist porn was more likely to feature diverse bodies, genders, and sexualities, and to prioritize authenticity and communication over performance and spectacle.
• According to Pornhub Insights, searches for feminist porn have increased by 117% since 2018, indicating a growing interest in alternative forms of adult entertainment.
• In a survey of feminist porn consumers, 89% of respondents reported
• that they felt feminist porn portrayed diverse bodies and sexualities in a positive and empowering way.
• A 2015 survey of feminist porn performers found that 83% of respondents felt their work had a positive impact on the industry, and that they felt empowered and respected on set.
• According to a 2021 report by the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC), there has been a significant increase in the number of performers seeking out ethical and feminist porn production companies in recent years.
• In a survey of feminist porn directors and performers, 86% of respondents reported that they had experienced discrimination or prejudice within the adult film industry, highlighting the ongoing need for alternative and ethical forms of production.

While the available data on feminist porn is limited, these findings suggest that there is a growing demand for more diverse, ethical, and authentic representations of sexuality in adult entertainment. As feminist porn continues to challenge dominant narratives and norms within the industry, it has the potential to create a more empowering and inclusive space for performers and viewers alike.

Conclusion

Feminist porn represents a new and growing movement within the adult film industry, one that seeks to challenge traditional gender roles, promote diversity and authenticity, and empower performers and audiences alike. While it has been critiqued for its potential to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and power dynamics, feminist porn has also been praised for its commitment to consent, communication, and ethical production practices. As the industry continues to evolve, it is important to support and amplify the voices of feminist porn producers and performers, and to create a more inclusive and empowering vision of sexuality and pleasure for all.