Has anyone else been dealing with the effects of shadowbanning or algorithm changes on their OnlyFans promotions? It feels like every time I try to grow my audience on social media, my posts get buried or flagged. I swear the algorithms are working against us, especially if you’re in sex work or adult content. How are you all handling this?
I’ve been struggling with this a lot lately. It’s like Instagram and TikTok are out to get creators like us. My engagement has tanked even when I’m super careful with my language and don’t post anything explicit. It’s frustrating because social media is one of the main ways I promote my OnlyFans, and when the algorithm pushes my posts down, it directly affects my income. I’ve started using alternative platforms, but it’s not the same.
I’ve experienced the same thing, especially on Instagram. I’ll post something totally tame, like just a selfie, and somehow it still gets less engagement than it used to. I’m convinced that once they know you’re linked to adult content, they just stop showing your posts to people. It’s not like we’re violating the rules, but there’s definitely a bias in the algorithm. The worst part is, they never tell you that you’re shadowbanned, so you’re left guessing why your reach is suddenly down.
TikTok is brutal when it comes to shadowbanning. I had a few videos blow up, but as soon as I mentioned that I had an OnlyFans, my views completely dropped off. I get that these platforms want to stay “safe for work,” but they don’t seem to realize that not all adult content creators are violating their rules. It’s like they’ve lumped us all into one category and decided we’re bad for business. It’s incredibly unfair because we’re still trying to operate within their guidelines.
What gets me is that these platforms are so inconsistent. I’ve seen creators post way more revealing stuff and not get flagged, but as soon as I hint at promoting my OnlyFans, my posts get taken down. It feels like there’s no clear rulebook, and you’re constantly walking on eggshells trying to figure out what’s okay to post. I’ve had to start using coded language and get creative with promoting my OnlyFans, but even then, it’s hit or miss.
I’ve started to rely more on Twitter (X) and Reddit to promote my OnlyFans because they’re a bit more lenient when it comes to adult content. But even then, you have to be careful. Twitter’s been cracking down lately too, especially with their algorithm updates. Reddit is better, but you have to find the right communities or risk getting your posts removed. It’s a full-time job just trying to figure out where you’re allowed to promote.
I feel like social media platforms are making it harder and harder for adult content creators to thrive. It’s not just shadowbanning either—there’s a real stigma that follows you once you start promoting your OnlyFans. I’ve noticed that even my non-explicit content gets fewer views because I think the algorithm has flagged my account. It’s like once you’re in that category, you’re stuck there, and no matter how much you follow the rules, you’re treated differently.
It’s crazy how much power these algorithms have over our income. One week, everything’s going great, and the next, your reach is cut in half with no explanation. I’ve had to diversify my platforms just to stay afloat. It’s exhausting trying to stay one step ahead of the algorithm changes. But at this point, it feels necessary if you want to keep growing on OnlyFans.
I feel like shadowbanning and algorithm issues are going to keep getting worse, especially as more platforms try to “clean up” their image. It’s frustrating because we’re just trying to make a living, and we’re being penalized for content that isn’t even breaking the rules. The best advice I’ve gotten is to not put all your eggs in one basket—use multiple platforms, build your own website, and keep evolving with the changes. It’s tough, but it’s better than being at the mercy of these unpredictable algorithms.