LOS ANGELES — Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter has posted new “Mature Content” rules banning projects that involve adult content and sextech.
The new rules warn that Kickstarter “is not a venue for adult-only or sexually explicit content and such content is prohibited.”
Among the specific provisions listed are bans on “any project specifically stating it or the rewards being offered are being created for sexual pleasure,” as well as “any project that distributes or enables distribution of pornographic content” and sexual wellness products that are “explicitly designed for sexual stimulation through insertion or penetration, or are intended to have body parts inserted into them.”
The rules also prohibit sexual wellness products that are “marketed or presented primarily for sexual gratification in a manner that creates heightened safety or moderation concerns,” though the rules do not detail what factors might trigger such concerns. XBIZ has reached out to Kickstarter for clarification.
The rules do allow sexual wellness products that are not designed for insertion or penetration, as long as they are “not marketed primarily for sexual gratification,” listing as acceptable examples “lubricants, nipple jewelry, and other intimate items such as bras and underwear.”
A Change in Direction
The new rules represent a policy reversal, since numerous adult projects have previously found backing via Kickstarter.
Early in its history, pleasure brand Dame crowdfunded Fin, a finger-mounted vibrator. The platform was initially resistant but eventually hosted the campaign, which was then fully funded in two days.
Spanish men’s sexual wellness brand MyHixel conducted successful Kickstarter campaigns for its ejaculation control strokers in 2018, 2022 and 2024.
Last year, Ohdoki launched two new stroker sleeves via Kickstarter, ultimately receiving pledges totaling more than $1.5 million.
In 2025, insertable pleasure product Groove Thing, which plays audio, raised $100,000 in the first 12 hours of its campaign, ultimately receiving pledges of more than half a million dollars.
Last year, Kickstarter even introduced “Kickstarter After Dark,” which the platform billed as a newsletter for projects such as “adult lifestyle products and innovations,” as well as “personal wellness technology” and “mature-oriented design projects.”
That service included the slogan, “Because NSFW deserves a home on Kickstarter.”
“Adult creators deserve the same spotlight and promotion as any other project on Kickstarter,” the announcement read.