You can’t come right out and say it — not on Instagram, not on Meta ads, and definitely not on TikTok. That’s why adult toy marketing is an art form in euphemism. You have to beat around the bush (yes, we said it) to spark curiosity, get the point across, and stay on the right side of platform policies
At Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, we specialize in marketing that pushes the envelope without pushing it off the table. Whether we’re promoting THC-infused seltzers or NSFW giveaways, we help brands say what they mean — without ever saying it directly.
Let’s talk about how we marketed adult toys for one of our bar clients without getting flagged — and how we can help you do the same.
Case Study: How We Marketed Adult Toys for a Music Bingo Event
When Seven Mile Post, a bar and event venue in Wilmington, NC, teamed up with Priscilla McCall’s, a local adult toy store, they wanted a way to promote a spicy twist on their Ladies’ Night Music Bingo.
But how do you advertise a sex toy giveaway on Instagram without getting reported or removed?
We used a photo of sexy cuffed hands to create intrigue, then wrote a caption that was suggestive, but clean:
Our spiciest take on Ladies’ Night Music Bingo yet… completely sponsored by @priscillamccalls. We’d share the gifts, but they’re #NSFW and we want them to be a surprise. Come play with us at Seven Mile Post at 7PM on Monday. Oh, and don’t forget to indulge in our 1/2 off bottles of wine to loosen things up.
No explicit product photos. No banned words. Just cheeky, elevated language that draws attention without crossing a line. That post was one of their highest-performing event promos of the month — and not a single flag or takedown in sight.
What Is Adult Toy Marketing?
Adult toy marketing refers to the promotion of products related to sexual wellness — including vibrators, lubricants, accessories, and intimate apparel. Because this market deals with sensitive (and highly regulated) content, marketers have to be careful about how products are displayed, described, and distributed — especially on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Google Ads.
Our Favorite Tactics for Marketing Taboo Products
Want to stay sexy and safe? Here are our top tips:
1. Imply, don’t show.
Instead of showing a toy in action (a major no-no), suggest its use through imagery and copy. Think: nightstand aesthetics, steamy shadows, or even fruit cut just so. Dame Products is a master at this — using elegant, minimal photography to keep things tasteful. See image below, Aaron
2. Use clever metaphors.
Say it with a 🍌. Or a 🐱. Or even a punny caption like “Come again?” Using emojis and double entendres lets your message get through without being censored. We love how Lovehoney did this with a video on cleaning your 🍌, keeping it light, funny, and informative
3. Know the rules and bend them artfully.
We stay up to date with Meta’s evolving ad policies, shadowban trends, and flagged word lists. We also know when to pivot to safer platforms (like email, Pinterest, or Reddit ads) to get your message out.
Who Do We Help?
If your business lives in a gray area — legal, loved, but tricky to promote — you’re our kind of client. We specialize in:
- Adult toy shops & sexual wellness brands
- Cannabis & THC beverages
- Bars, breweries & nightlife venues
- Plastic surgeons & med spas
- Astrology, tarot & spiritual wellness
- Mental health & ketamine clinics
You deserve a marketing team that gets how to walk that fine line — and isn’t afraid to push creative limits while keeping your brand safe.
Ready to Tease the Algorithm?
At Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, we’ve proven time and again that we can sell anything — even when the product can’t speak for itself.
If you’re ready to show off your brand in a bold, strategic way — without getting shadowbanned — let’s talk.
Because taboo doesn’t scare us. In fact, we thrive in it.
