Jason Lipshutz of Billboard praised the video's "exquisite set pieces that offer a twisted take on hardcore sexuality".
It is an uptempo hi-NRG-Eurodance track with lyrics that revolve around sexual intercourse, sadomasochism, bondage, and fetishes.
After it reached number two on the United States' Billboard Hot 100 chart, a remix that features Britney Spears was released. When combined with sales of the solo version, it became Rihanna's tenth and Spears' fifth number-one single on the chart.
It has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
"S&M" peaked at number one in Australia, Canada, Hungary, Israel, and Poland in addition to the United States while peaking within the top five in France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, and the UK.