Adult content creator Guy Spencer detailed strategies for building a queer audience across multiple social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, X, and Bluesky, in an article published on July 8, 2026. Spencer, a Carnal exclusive, emphasized adapting to platform-specific rules and algorithms to funnel new fans to subscription pages.

Navigating Platform Algorithms for Queer Content

Spencer outlined distinct approaches for each platform, noting that treating them as interchangeable distribution channels can lead to underperformance. He highlighted that queer creators continue to thrive online by learning platform rules, loopholes, and subtle differences in content tolerance and reward mechanisms.

On TikTok, Spencer identified the platform as a strong discovery engine due to its default distribution of new content to strangers. However, he noted restrictions on using the hashtag #gay, which can result in content being unrecommended, removed, or having its visibility suppressed. To circumvent this, Spencer suggested using #mlm as an alternative, along with coded language, alternate spellings, and community-specific tags. He also mentioned that sound choices can direct content toward queer audiences and that engagement in the comments section signals content relevance to the algorithm. Spencer stated that creators succeeding on TikTok and Instagram learn to express themselves without triggering words or tags that lead to content suppression.

Instagram, according to Spencer, functions primarily as a retention engine, with Reels initially reaching existing followers. Broader reach depends on early follower engagement. He pointed to the Trial Reels feature as an underutilized tool for growth, as it bypasses followers and pushes content to non-followers, mimicking TikTok's discovery model. Unlike TikTok, Instagram allows the use of #gay, #instagay, and #gayinstagram, offering a significant advantage for direct identity expression. Spencer reported having approximately 20,000 Instagram followers in January and over 1.3 million Reel views in the preceding 30 days, which he described as free advertising for his Linktree.

Spencer advised creators to use Instagram and TikTok to showcase aspects beyond pure sex appeal, such as hobbies, personality, and humor, to build an audience willing to subscribe. He stated that people pay for more of the person behind the content, and these platforms make that person visible. He contrasted this with X and Bluesky, where creators "flash the world your goods, hoping for conversion."

Challenges and Opportunities on X and Bluesky

Spencer noted that Twitter, now X, was previously effective for discovering adult creators. However, he described the site as unpredictable and "rage-filled," leading him to reduce its use for promotion. He cited fluctuating follower counts, reporting 103,000 followers one month, dropping to 91,000 two weeks later, and then rising to 140,000 two weeks after that. Spencer expressed distrust in these numbers and mentioned that subscribers rarely report finding him via X, in contrast to TikTok or Instagram. He also advised against listing free porn pages on Linktree, suggesting that users should have to actively seek those links.

Bluesky, which permits NSFW material, is a platform where Spencer maintains an account and posts consistently, but he has not yet found it effective for promotion. He noted that its audience is smaller and quieter, with less engagement.

Synergy, Consistency, and Audience Demographics

Spencer emphasized that a successful funnel requires each platform to perform its specific function: TikTok for attracting strangers, Instagram for deepening relationships and reaching new audiences via Trial Reels, and X and Bluesky for reminding people about adult content. He also highlighted that platforms reward consistency more than strategy, advising consistent posting and engagement with user comments. Spencer, a self-described "six-foot-seven power top," stated that being openly gay on these sites year-round has led to significant growth in his fan site subscribers, tripling them in 30 days.

The LGBTQ+ population in the United States reached 7.6% of adults in 2023 and skews younger, with 62.7% under 35 years old. This demographic is predominantly female (64.4%) and more racially diverse than the general population. LGBTQ+ adults are heavy users of social media and podcasts, spending 48% more time on podcasts compared to the general population. They show 6% higher social media usage than the general population, with 96% engagement across various platforms. Data privacy and sensitivity concerns have led Meta to remove the ability to target ads to specific audiences, including LGBTQ+ audiences, on Facebook and Instagram.

Key Facts

  • Guy Spencer, a Carnal exclusive, published an article on July 8, 2026, detailing strategies for building a queer audience across social media.
  • TikTok is identified as a discovery engine, but restricts the #gay hashtag, prompting use of #mlm and coded language.
  • Instagram serves as a retention engine, allows #gay hashtags, and features "Trial Reels" for non-follower reach.
  • X (formerly Twitter) is described as unpredictable for promotion, with fluctuating follower counts and low subscriber conversion.
  • Bluesky allows NSFW content but has a smaller, less engaged audience for promotion.
  • The LGBTQ+ population in the U.S. reached 7.6% of adults in 2023, with 62.7% under 35 years old.
  • LGBTQ+ adults spend 48% more time on podcasts and are 6% more likely to use social media than the general population.