Internet EntrepreneurWhen Craigslist decided to axe its Personals page, a whole era faded out for tons of folks who relied on it for quick dates, casual hookups, and other adult connections. The 2018 shutdown, which was driven by fears of FOSTA-SESTA rules about online adult ads, left a ton of users scratching their heads, wondering where to post escort ads or score adult classifieds without getting into a mess.
Fast forward to 2026 and a lot of you are still on the hunt for workable Craigslist Personals substitutes. Trust me, you’re in good company. The need for low-key, dependable adult classifieds didn’t vanish—so a bunch of newer sites have popped up to take the old page’s place.
Right here, we’re breaking down what really made Craigslist martial the Personals, what’s stepped in since, and which sites are still going strong. Our number-one pick? 2backpage, hands-down the best Craigslist Personals stand-in you have today.
So what was the real reason Craigslist Personals got the boot?
That little slice of Craigslist was a magnet for folks tossing up ads for everything from casual dates to more direct escort services. But in 2018, the company suddenly hit the delete button. FOSTA-SESTA had just gone through Congress, and the rules were clear: if your site had any posts that could be twisted into helping trafficking, you could be held responsible.
Craigslist decided it wasn’t worth the legal nail-biting and yanked the Personals section to play it safe. Since then, a lot of adult services have bailed on regular websites and set up shop on small, private classified sites made just for those kinds of connections.
What Were Craigslist Personal Ads?
If you’re not familiar, Craigslist Personal ads were little postings you could put up looking for anything from casual hookups to long-term date-night buddies, and sometimes you could even find private services tucked in there. The ads took off because posting one was either free or super cheap, meaning just about anyone could give it a shot. Craigslist sorted them by city and region, so you could find someone in your neighborhood, and it welcomed a whole rainbow of identities—straight, gay, bi, kink, you name it.
Lots of independent escorts also turned to Craigslist Personals to slip the word out about their services without making a fuss. The site was simple and kind of private, which made it perfect for low-key adult meetups. But when Craigslist finally flipped the switch and shut that section down, everyone hunting for a casual or private date was kind of stranded—there was no simple, no-frills backup. The desire didn’t go away, though; it just migrated to smaller, specialized sites that popped up in Craigslist’s absence.
Where Can You Post Escort Listings Now?
The adult classified market didn’t vanish; it just changed its address. By 2026, a bunch of new sites will have popped up to give folks a safe and easy way to find adult services online. These platforms have slick designs, let you target specific areas, keep your identity private, and have solid safety checks so you can post and browse with more peace of mind.
Out of the options still accepting escort ads, the first and top pick is 2backpage.
1. 2backpage – The Number One CraigsList Personal Sub 2026
2backpage shot to the front of the pack for folks looking for a Craigslist Personal stand-in. The site was built from the ground up for adult classifieds, so it does exactly what Craigslist did but with a better vibe. What really makes 2backpage click is its chill and open attitude toward all kinds of adult ads—escorts, casual dating, and personal hookups—without a bunch of hidden rules against the content. You can post freely and not stress about your ad getting yanked.
The layout is clean and feels familiar, so even if you’ve never visited a site like this before, you’ll pick it up fast. Posting a new ad takes a few clicks, and browsing is easy, whether you’re on a computer or a phone. The whole site runs without a hitch.
2backpage is live in cities all over the U.S. and Canada, plus you can find it in spots across Europe, Asia, and Australia. With listings from all around the world, 2backpage makes it super easy to search for or share ads in your neighborhood or wherever you’re traveling. You can throw up an ad for free, or you can spend a little cash to give it a visibility boost, which is perfect if you want to catch more eyes or connect with a more serious crowd.
When it comes to safety and privacy, 2backpage gets it right. You can stay anonymous when you post, your real email is kept hidden, and there are moderation tools to keep spam and scams in check. If you want a replacement for Craigslist Personals that lets you post or browse adult ads in a safe and easy way, 2backpage is the clear winner.
2. obackpage – The Fast-Rising Adult Classified Hub
obackpage is the up-and-comer you’ve been hearing about if you’re looking for a site that feels like Craigslist Personals but speaks adult. The whole site is built around adult content, making it perfect for escort ads, personal meetups, and casual dating. Whether you’re a guy, girl, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or hunting for something super niche, obackpage welcomes you and your listing.
It’s got a slick, mobile-friendly design, which means it looks good and works smoothly on your phone or tablet as well as your laptop. With obackpage, you can make, view, and reply to ads from anywhere you happen to be—your couch, the subway, you name it. What’s really nice is that you can decide exactly what goes into your ad. Want to keep your name, phone number, and address private? No problem—totally your call.
obackpage covers the big hitters in the U.S., from New York to L.A., Houston to Chicago, and all the way down to Miami. That makes it super handy for anyone hunting for local gigs, gigs, or hookups. It doesn’t have the worldwide reach of 2backpage yet, but it’s catching on fast, and more and more regulars are signing up. So if you’re after a Craigslist Personal backup that cares about privacy and doesn’t shy away from adult ads, obackpage is a solid option to check out.
3. Starbackpage
starbackpage is the go-to spot if you’re in the premium escort game. It’s built for pros who want to meet reliable, verified clients in a clean, safe space. Unlike Craigslist Personal, where anyone could throw up a post and fake stuff slipped through, starbackpage keeps a tighter lid on what gets posted. That way, you can scroll through ads and feel pretty sure you’re looking at the real deal, not junk.
Another big plus for starbackpage is that its ads pop up really well in Google and other search engines, so clients who are serious about finding you can track you down without having to dig too deep.
Ads put on this site often pop up in Google searches, which means way more people are likely to see them. That makes it a solid pick for anyone wanting to get noticed without having to pay for social media ads or deal with social feeds.
Getting around the site is a breeze. You can filter listings by city, just like the old Craigslist Personal section, so no matter if you live in a huge city or a small town, it’s quick to find or put up ads that matter to your area. If you’ve got a fancy service or just want to be the ad everyone notices, starbackpage sells options to bump your ad higher up the list for extra visibility.
All in all, starbackpage suits anyone who needs a tidy, safe, and upscale spot to post escort or adult service ads, especially if looking professional and having a nice layout is a big deal for you.
4. YesBackpage – Your Go-To Modern Craigslist Alternative
If you’re looking for a fresh Craigslist Personal backup and Alternative to Backpage, YesBackpage is creating a lot of conversation. It gives adult classifieds a clean, modern feel while keeping the quick-and-simple posting style that kept Craigslist users coming back. You can post dating, escort, or casual encounter ads here without a single snag.
What gives YesBackpage its edge is how it prioritizes privacy and content tools. You can edit or delete your ads whenever you feel like it, upload multiple images in one shot, and create eye-catching layouts. This lets providers showcase their offerings without the rushed, cluttered look that can turn people off. YesBackpage is growing fast in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and the numbers keep rising as Craigslist Personal fans hunt for something newer and more adaptable.
5. AdultSearch – An Escort Directory with Verified Profiles
AdultSearch takes a different angle. Instead of general classifieds, it’s a neat directory that zeroes in on escorts. Craigslist Personal had a mix, but AdultSearch is all adult, all the time. That focused approach means you’ll find a lot of verified providers and real client reviews side by side.
Every profile can showcase pictures, contact info, pricing, and a clear breakdown of services. Clients can search for pros by filters like age, body shape, or exact spot, so finding the right match is simple. AdultSearch also lets you zoom in on specific neighborhoods in major metro areas, which is a nice perk for everyone.
If you’re after a cleaner experience and a rating system that Craigslist Personals never offered, AdultSearch is a solid choice.
6. EroticMonkey – Trust and Reviews for Escorts
EroticMonkey does things a little differently than most Craigslist Personal knockoffs. Instead of being a regular classifieds board, it zeros in on escort reviews and keeping reputations in check. Instead of a giant pile of listings, you’ll find a way for escorts to show off their street cred by letting clients leave verified feedback.
If you’re a client who likes to know who you’re actually booking, this site is a big help. You can read the full scoop in reviews, look at their photos, and see a yes or no on whether the escort is verified. EroticMonkey doesn’t have ads the way 2backpage or starbackpage does, but a lot of escorts will drop a link to their main profile in their EroticMonkey bio. For anyone who cares about trust and straight talk, EroticMonkey is a solid add-on for the other classifieds you’re using.
What Should You Look for in a Craigslist Personal Alternative?
Still stuck on where to post or scroll? Think about these questions:
Is the platform safe and anonymous?
Discretion is everything. The site should let you post without using your real name, keep your data locked up, and never show your email or phone number unless you say so.
Does it let adult content and escort listings through?
Some sites say they’re for personalities but will yank down anything that looks even a little adult. Stick to sites like 2backpage, obackpage, and starbackpage that don’t hide the fact they allow this kind of content.
Is it organized by region?
Just like the old Craigslist Personals, the best sites let you post and browse by city. That way, you’re only seeing ads that matter to you, and you’re more likely to get good results.
Are there fake or spam ads?
Keep an eye out for moderation. If a site’s drowning in fake ads, it’s stealing your time and your trust.
FAQs About Craigslist Personals and Escort Ads in 2026
What took over when Craigslist Personals vanished?
Craigslist Personals didn’t vanish and leave one hero behind. Instead, sites like 2backpage, obackpage, and starbackpage stepped in as the big 2026 winners. They let you post adult listings, casual encounters, and discreet personals.
Is it legal to post escort ads online?
The answer’s in the local laws. Some places let you post escort ads for companionship or non-sex stuff, while others outlaw any kind of adult ad. Check what your city or state allows before you hit “post.”
Can I find real escorts on these Craigslist Personal replacements?
Yep, lots of real providers use 2backpage and obackpage to connect with clients. Just be careful, look for verified listings, and keep your messages clear. Sites like EroticMonkey let users help keep things real by posting and reading reviews.
Conclusion
Craigslist Personals is gone for good, but adult classifieds are busier than ever in 2026. Whether you’re an independent escort about to publish a fresh ad or you’re on the hunt for a low-key meet-up, there are safe, up-to-date platforms ready to take over.
Out of every Craigslist Personals replacement we’ve checked out, 2backpage still stands out as the most dependable, easy-to-use, and crowded space for adult classifieds. When you team up 2backpage with obackpage, starbackpage, YesBackpage, and AdultSearch, the classic Craigslist Personals vibe is not just hanging in there—it’s actually leveling up.
