New research from Moonpig Australia reveals spicy pics are becoming a modern way Aussies express love — with 69% saying it has a positive impact on their relationship.

Move over chocolate and flowers, Australians are getting a little cheekier this Valentine’s Day. 

New research from Moonpig Australia, the leading online personalised card company, has revealed that sending cheeky pics between partners has become a common (and consensual) way Aussie couples express intimacy. So much so, Moonpig has unofficially crowned sending spicy pics as our nation’s sixth love language.

The nationally representative survey of Australian adults highlights how modern relationships are evolving, with private digital expressions playing a growing role in how couples flirt, connect and maintain intimacy — particularly among committed partners.

Survey reveals: Aussies embrace the cheeky snap

To get the full picture, Moonpig surveyed Australian adults and uncovered insights into how Australians are privately expressing affection in their relationships: 

• Over half (52%) of Aussies admit they’ve sent a cheeky photo before 

• 69% believe sending a cheeky photo has a positive impact on intimacy in a relationship (and before you ask, yes, this stat is 100% real)

• Half (50%) say sending cheeky pics makes them feel more flirty

• Adults aged 25-34 are much more likely (56%) to send cheeky pics vs 18-24 (42%)

• 4 out of 5 (79%) Aussie fiancés have sent cheeky pics, making this the biggest group partaking in the cheeky snap trend

• By location, Western Australia has the highest proportion of adults who have sent cheeky pics, at 72%, followed by NSW (54%), Victoria (53%), South Australia (46%), and Queensland (41%).

According to certified Australian sex and relationship practitioner Georgia Grace, the findings reflect a broader shift in how couples communicate desire — with trust and consent at the centre.

“Turns out cheeky pics aren’t just a trend, more people are embracing them as the modern love language. While everyone’s love language varies - from acts of service to physical touch - in my practice, I see that a great sex life always thrives on openness and trust. Sharing a spicy photo with a trusted lover or partner (always consensually!) can be a playful, flirty way to stay connected. It actively builds anticipation and serves as a bridge between everyday life and our sex lives.

“Desire thrives in environments that feel light and fun. Because many people don’t openly talk about their sex lives, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one who’s curious about sharing these types of photos - but as we saw in this research, it’s not only common, but sending intimate pics can help spark excitement, build our sexual confidence and remind partners they are wanted and desirable in an increasingly digital world.”

Modern love, with a wink

Love looks different for everyone. Whether it’s a spicy snap, a handwritten message or a perfectly timed card, today’s couples are expressing their love language in ways that feel fun, personal and true to them.

“Everyone expresses love differently, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to Valentine’s Day. Whether your love language is gift-giving, words of affirmation, or something in between, Moonpig has a card to help you say it your way,” said Elissa Ayling, Country Manager, Moonpig.

“Our range is designed to meet people wherever they are — from heartfelt and romantic to playful and light-hearted — because the most meaningful gestures are the ones that feel personal, considered and true to your relationship.”

Whatever your love language, shop here for Moonpig’s 2026 Valentine’s Day card and gift range, featuring a brand new ‘Sixth Love Language’ collection.