NSFW Instagram: Is Racy Content Allowed on the Platform?

Instagram is an app you can use to express yourself through visually appealing photos freely. People post anything about themselves here, from bold and unique glam shots to OOTD photos featuring eccentric, avant-garde fashion. But just how far do the boundaries of self-expression go on Instagram? Are people allowed to post cheeky and sultry NSFW Instagram content?

NSFW (Not Safe for Work) or adult content might be a touchy subject for some. It’s even more distracting and uncomfortable if you come across it on your Instagram feed. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into just how far you can go with sensual, provocative content on Instagram. Keep reading to see the platform’s stance on these kinds of posts and whether you can post them.

Getting Down and Dirty: Does Instagram Allow NSFW Content?

Allow us to preface this guide by saying that there’s nothing wrong with being sexual. In the modern age, people are very open and confident about their sexuality. This is wonderful and a natural part of being human.

Whether provocative content should be allowed on social media is another story. You’re probably here because you’re wondering, “Does Instagram allow NSFW content?” The straightforward answer is no, they don’t.

Many Instagram users might argue that posting nude and steamy photos and videos is a form of art and self-expression. And while Instagram is all for expressing yourself online, their community guidelines also have a strict no-nudity rule.

There are plenty of young teens and families on the platform. So, the content on Instagram always needs to be appropriate for all audiences. That’s why nude (and even partially nude) pornographic and sexually explicit photos aren’t allowed on the app.

Instagram can ban you if they catch you posting NSFW content on your page. The platform does this to protect even the youngest and most vulnerable users and keep Instagram safe for everyone.

Another probable reason Instagram doesn’t allow NSFW content on the platform is that it deters brands and advertisers. Thousands of ads run on Instagram every day. If it has a reputation for showing unmonitored adult content, brands might pull out of their placements. Instagram could lose all that ad revenue and simultaneously make the app unsafe.

Expressing Sensuality: Can You Post NSFW on Instagram?

You might be thinking that Instagram can’t possibly monitor every single post published in the app every day. Maybe the guidelines have a loophole that can enable people to post adult content without getting apprehended, right? Can you post NSFW on Instagram by bending the technical rules? Maybe by posting photoshopped, digitally created adult content?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but no, that’s not likely. Instagram lays out clear guidelines for what it allows and doesn’t allow when it comes to NSFW content. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of that, shall we?

No one is allowed to post photos and videos that show nude private parts or buttocks, or any form of intercourse. They even state explicitly that even digitally created sexual content isn’t allowed on the app.

You can technically post photos showing female nipples, but that has a caveat. It must be in the context of motherhood (like feeding a baby) and health (like getting a mastectomy). It’s also allowed if it’s an act of protest, such as posting for the Free the Nipple movement. If the post is overly sexual, it goes against the platform’s guidelines.

Posts selling sexual services are also not allowed. So, if you’re trying to run a business selling nudes and pornographic content, you’re out of luck on Instagram.

Can You Write Captions With an NSFW Instagram Emoji?

The platform clearly prohibits NSFW photos and videos anywhere. But is it okay to use Instagram emojis to express flirtation and seduction in captions and comments?

Emojis might just be cute smileys and icons to some. But a lot of people also use emojis as “codes” that hint at sexual innuendos. For example, the eggplant emoji is often used to signify the male genitalia. Other emojis that are sexualized include cherries (breasts), peaches (butts) and sweat droplets (you can guess what this means).

So, if you use emojis to express your sexuality and saucy side on Instagram, will your post get taken down? It depends.

According to the New York Post, Instagram can take down content with sexual emojis in the caption. However, this is only when the post has an indirect or implicit ask for sexual favors. These include nude photos, meet-ups for sex and more. If you’re using the emojis to be flirty and coy only, it looks like you’re off the hook.

Can You Watch Instagram Live NSFW Shows?

No, Instagram doesn’t allow NSFW shows on Instagram Live either. Instagram Live isn’t a regular post, but it still needs to follow the guidelines. Instagram Live still doesn’t allow nudity and any explicit sexual content.

If you want to experiment with Instagram Live to make your channel grow, try more wholesome content strategies instead. The format is awesome for streams that show the following:

• Question-and-answer sessions where your followers can ask you anything. It’s a great way to connect with your audience and show them your personality outside the feed.
• How-to demonstrations where you show your followers how to do something. This is excellent for accounts in the beauty, fitness and arts niches.
• Showcasing live events, like concerts and brand activations.
• Influencer takeovers for brands, where their brand ambassador uses a company’s social media for a day.
• Interviews and podcasts where people can listen in.

Banned Hashtags on Instagram: Cheeky Tags That Will Get You in Trouble

Hashtags on Instagram can boost your visibility on the app and increase engagement on content. But did you know that there are NSFW hashtags that hide your posts from your audience if you use them?

Yes, there are plenty of banned hashtags on Instagram that have a sexually suggestive connotation. With the help of user reports, Instagram has pinpointed these tags as those susceptible to housing NSFW content.

Here are just some of the banned tags you can’t use on Instagram:

• #bikinibody
• #curvygirls
• #date
• #dating
• #eggplant
• #kissing
• #milf
• #models
• #nasty
• #nudity
• #prettygirl
• #sopretty
• #sunbathing
• #swole
• #shower
• #tanlines
• #undies
• #youngmodel

Using these tags in your caption will prevent your post from appearing on the feed and the hashtag page. If you repeatedly use banned hashtags, the platform might shadowban you.

Keep It Wholesome To Grow Your Instagram Community More Efficiently

Instagram firmly prohibits nudity and other forms of NSFW content on its platform. It helps keep the app safe for everyone, especially younger users.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t be playful and flirty on the app. You can still get away with using emojis to express your sexuality when you post alluring photos. Just tone down on the nudity on the visuals, and you’re good.

Our advice? Don’t risk losing your account over racy NSFW Instagram content. Instead, focus on churning out wholesome, relevant and interesting posts for your audience to grow your page.

This is something we at Path Social can help you do. Our AI-powered targeting algorithm hunts down your niche audience and serves your content to them. This gives you an uptick in 100% real followers who will love your posts and engage with them. Start gaining more followers on your Instagram page with us today!