Social media sites often act as the nexus for various communities to gather and celebrate unique interests and styles. However, due to each platforms' ultimate goal of garnering a profit, they must appease advertisers, which results in many platforms having to take a hardline stance against the posting of certain inappropriate topics, often including posts which break the law, promote-self harm, are threatening in nature, or are overtly sexual/pornographic. Latex fashion can be seen as flirting the line when it comes to social media content policies due in part to its status as both a legitimate fashion trend as well as a heavy association with the world of fetish and BDSM. It is for both of these reasons that latex has gained popularity among enthusiasts who showcase their outfits on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, there have been claims that because latex can be a non-sexual fashion trend and thusly isn't breaking any content policies, in place of banning latex content outright, social media platforms have begun to discreetly hide those tags associated with latex and latex fashion. This act of obfuscating or otherwise making it harder to access content posted under certain tags is known as shadowbanning. The goal of this article is to analyze both Instagram and TikTok to see once and for all if these claims of shadowbanning are true.

Instagram: Latex Fashion AND Fetish?

A look at the top posts after searching Instagram for #Latex

Instagram, a photo-based social media platform that boasts millions of users worldwide. It has become a hub for fashion influencers and enthusiasts alike. Users looking for a specific niche of content need only to search for keywords known as tags to have thousands of relevant posts at their fingertips. Using this tag system we can begin our look into the presence of latex content on the platform.

Simply typing #latex into the Instagram searchbar yields the following results:

1. #Latex (2.7M posts) The #latex tag dominates the scene with an impressive 2.7 million posts. It serves as a general label for latex-related content, encompassing both fashion and fetish posts.

2. #LatexFetish (666K posts) Interestingly, the second most popular tag for latex on Instagram is #LatexFetish. With over 666,000 posts, this tag is specifically dedicated to the fetish aspect of latex. 

3. #LatexFashion (536K posts) Focused on the fashion side of latex, the #LatexFashion tag showcases various styles, designs, and outfit inspirations. It demonstrates the growing interest in latex as a fashion statement rather than solely for fetish purposes.

4. #LatexModel (436K posts) Highlighting the presence of latex in modeling and photography, the #LatexModel tag exhibits diverse individuals who embrace latex fashion. It serves as a platform for aspiring and established models to display their unique styles.

5. #LatexLeggings (314K posts) The popularity of latex leggings is evident from the 314,000 posts under the #LatexLeggings tag. This subcategory within latex fashion captures the attention of enthusiasts who appreciate the sleek and daring look of latex leggings.

6. #LatexCatsuit (308K posts) Featuring 308,000 posts, the #LatexCatsuit tag showcases individuals sporting full-body latex outfits. It represents a specific subgenre within the latex fashion community, emphasizing the allure of this particular garment.

This cursory tag search reveals to us that not only is latex and latex related tags not shadowbanned on Instagram, there is also a highly populated tag dedicated to acknowledging latex as the subject of sexual excitement. This is a bit surprising considering Instagram's supposed zero tolerance policy towards overtly sexual content, but it is good news for all of us latex lovers out there: Instagram is a safe space for latex posting. Now what about TikTok?

TikTok: Embracing Latex Fashion, Discouraging Fetishization?

TikTok's top results for #Latex

TikTok, a rapidly growing shortform video-sharing platform, offers a different perspective on the representation of latex fashion. Here's a breakdown of the top tags associated with latex on TikTok.

1. #Latex (2.5B views) The sheer number of views, totaling 2.5 billion, under the #Latex tag on TikTok reflects the platform's vibrant latex fashion community. This tag acts as a gateway to a multitude of latex-related content, ranging from styling tips to fashion showcases.

2. #LatexFashion (529M views) Similar to Instagram, TikTok features the #LatexFashion tag, which garners 529 million views. The tag's popularity suggests that latex fashion content resonates well with TikTok's user base, reinforcing its acceptance on the platform.

3. #LatexCatsuit (395M views) As seen from the 395 million views under the #LatexCatsuit tag, TikTok embraces the allure of full-body latex outfits. This tag enables creators to share their experiences and demonstrate different ways to style and wear latex catsuits.

4. #LatexModel (346M views) With over 346 million views, the #LatexModel tag on TikTok highlights the role of models within the latex fashion community. Creators and influencers utilize this tag to showcase their unique latex outfits and inspire others to embrace this bold fashion choice.

5. #LatexLeggings (235.5M views) The popularity of latex leggings extends to TikTok as well, with the #LatexLeggings tag accumulating 235.5 million views. TikTok users often share videos featuring latex leggings, demonstrating their versatility and appealing aesthetic.

6. #LatexSkirt (33.1M views) While not as widely viewed as the other tags, the #LatexSkirt tag still garners significant attention, with 33.1 million views. This tag showcases the growing interest in latex skirts and the various ways they can be styled.

Distinct from Instagram, it is noteworthy that TikTok lacks a specific #LatexFetish tag. This absence suggests that TikTok aims to discourage the sexualized representation of latex and instead focuses more on celebrating latex as a fashion choice. It should also be noted that there's a definitively more comedic angle towards most of the latex content on TikTok as well. This approach aligns with TikTok's community guidelines, which prioritize a safe and inclusive environment. Though it is no surprise that users of the app often circumvent these guidelines through the creative use of letter substitution when discussing sexually charged themes.

 

 

 

 

The Latex Fashion Landscape: Insights and Implications

 

Based on the combined number of posts and views in relevant tags on Instagram and TikTok, it appears that latex content, in general, is not shadowbanned on these social media platforms. The significant volume of posts and views related to latex suggests a thriving and accepted community of latex fashion enthusiasts.

On Instagram, the presence of the #LatexFetish tag alongside other latex-related tags raises intriguing questions about the platform's moderation policies. While Instagram claims to have a zero-tolerance policy for sexually-themed content, the popularity of the fetish tag seems to contradict this stance. This discrepancy may reflect the challenges faced by platforms in striking a balance between freedom of expression and community guidelines.

In contrast, TikTok's focus on promoting latex fashion as opposed to fetishization is evident. By excluding a dedicated #LatexFetish tag and emphasizing tags related to latex fashion, TikTok appears to actively discourage the sexualization of latex and instead prioritizes a more mainstream, fashion-oriented and even comedic perspective as is in-line with the content popular on the platform.

As social media platforms continue to evolve, their moderation policies and the handling of niche communities like the latex fashion community will remain an ongoing discussion. Those on the cutting edge of new fashion trends, especially those that embrace more alternative themes, often envoke materials and styles from subcultures heavily intertwined with sexual undertones. Balancing user expression, community guidelines, and public perception is a complex challenge. The current landscape suggests that while latex fashion thrives on these platforms, there are subtle differences in how each platform attempts to facilitate discussions around the inescapable fetish aspect of latex.

Ultimately, the visibility and popularity of latex-related content on Instagram and TikTok indicate that these platforms aren't attempting to hide latex content from their users, allowing it to thrive as a niche subcommunity much like any other fashion trend or hobby community on their respective platforms...

 

 ...at least for the time being.

 

 One things for sure, if you're looking for a combination of latex fashion and make-up tutorials, look no further than the video below! This spicy story time is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!