If you’ve been on sex work Twitter lately, you’ve probably heard that several social media platforms have been “cleaning house” by targeting the accounts of webcam models and porn stars for shadow banning, temporary suspension, or deletion. Even if you’ve been following most of the rules–or even all of them–your account could still be in jeopardy. Social media promotion is critical to success in online sex work, and losing your account can be a huge blow to your income. Minimize your risk of permanent deletion by following the tips below for Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram.
1. Make your header and bio pics SFW (non-nude).
Twitter’s rules specifically ban nudity and adult content in your top banner and profile picture. Don’t use emojis or photo editing to censor your photos for these locations–play it safe and use clothed images. No handbra, no sheer or lace fabric. This isn’t the hill you want to die on if you use Twitter heavily to promote.
2. Mark your account as “sensitive”.
Go to “settings and privacy” > “privacy and safety” > “safety” and check the box next to “mark media you tweet as containing material that may be sensitive”. Twitter requires accounts that post nudity and other adult content to use this setting in order to comply with their rules.
3. Limit how much auto-posting you do.
It seems like every cam site and clip site these days offers to post to your account when you log on, when you do a show, when someone makes a purchase or sends a tip, when you upload new content, and when you log off. If you work several sites and make regular content sales, this can add up to a lot of automated posting that Twitter could flag as spam. Limit the number of sites that you allow to post to your account, and adjust the settings to reduce the frequency. If it’s possible, edit the default text to something custom to reduce the likelihood that your tweets get flagged for having content identical to hundreds of other accounts.
Snapchat
1. Don’t use swipe-up links.
Many porn sites are on a black list that will get your account shut down within minutes of posting the link. Nobody knows exactly which sites are on this list–Snapchat certainly isn’t telling–and some models are reporting that their accounts have been terminated after linking to personal sites associated with platforms like ModelCentro and redirect URLs. To stay safe, don’t use swipe-up links at all. It may seem like an over-correction, but if you rely on Snap for sales, it can be more valuable to keep the account than provide an easy way for followers to purchase.
2. Don’t put adult site URLs in the text on your snaps.
If you can’t use swipe-up links, your first thought might be to put the link in text on your story. Don’t do this. Inputting an adult site URL into Snapchat in any way can get your account deleted. Instead, use a premade graphic (a vertical photo with text slapped on in Paint or your phone’s default image editor will work just fine) to promote your links.
3. Separate public and private accounts.
If you use one account with a public story and a private story for subscribers, you’re putting yourself at risk of losing everything in one go. Make a second account for your paid subscribers. Accounts getting reported for nudity seem to be getting automatically deleted with no second chances, and freeloaders are more likely to get salty and report you than someone who paid for your story.
1. Be conservative in your covering/censoring.
While the Kardashians can post all the nearly-nude Instagram pics they want without consequences, the platform is taking a stronger stand against sex workers posting anything even slightly risque. Avoid using emojis, lighting, your hands, or sheer/lace fabrics to cover your bits. “Implied nudity” is increasingly leading to suspensions and bans, even though it is not explicitly forbidden in Instagram’s own rules. Don’t just stay within the lines, make sure nothing you post can even be argued to be toeing the line. Wear clothes, fully cover your areolas and all pubic hair, and make sure panties are visible when you show booty.
2. Don’t link to adult sites in your bio.
Similar to Snapchat, Instagram is shadow banning, suspending, and deleting accounts that use adult sites as links in their bio. If you have a personal site that is independent and not created through a platform like ModelCentro or IndieBill, you can put that as your link. I have found that linking my Twitter account has been successful, and I can link to adult sites on Twitter very easily.
3. Watch out for banned hashtags.
Instagram frequently bans hashtags that have been taken over by spam or pornographic content, and using banned hashtags in your posts increases your chances of getting shadow banned or deleted. There are several lists floating around online (try these three), and it’s worth checking if hashtags you’d like to use are on it. #CurvyGirls and #Kissing are both banned, along with tags like #Petite, #PrettyGirl, and even #ValentinesDay, so tread carefully!
4. Keep your captions clean.
Write suggestive–not explicit–captions. Avoid using the names of major porn and cam sites like Chaturbate or Streamate whenever possible, and don’t use slang for body parts at all.
Crackdowns like this can be stressful, but don’t despair. Practice some good self-care, monitor yourself for burnout, and remember that whatever happens, porn always finds a way!
The post Survive the Social Media Purge – September 2019 appeared first on Megacams Blog.