What is the sensitive content warning on TikTok?
The sensitive content warning on TikTok is a message that appears before certain videos that may contain mature or inappropriate content. It lets viewers know the video may be inappropriate for some audiences.
The warning reads “The following content may be inappropriate for some audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.” It shows up as an interstitial screen that users have to tap through before viewing the video.
TikTok’s algorithm automatically detects videos that may contain mature themes, violence, nudity, or other sensitive material. If the system flags a video, the sensitive content warning will appear for viewers before the video plays.
The warning acts as a barrier to protect younger users on the platform and give viewers a chance to opt out of seeing potentially objectionable content. It’s part of TikTok’s efforts to create a safe viewing experience.
Why do you get the sensitive content warning?
TikTok automatically flags videos that contain content it deems inappropriate for younger users. According to TikTok’s community guidelines, videos may get the sensitive content warning for containing:
- Nudity or sexually suggestive content
- Harmful or dangerous acts
- Violent, graphic, or shocking content
- Promotion of illegal activities
- Hateful ideologies or behavior
The sensitive content filter aims to create a safe environment, particularly for TikTok’s younger user base. Videos with the warning are not shown to users under 18 years old and require users to confirm they want to view the content.
However, the automated system can sometimes flag innocuous videos incorrectly. You may get the warning without meaning to post sensitive content. According to one report, even a video of Blake Shelton acting silly received the warning.
Types of content that can trigger the warning
TikTok’s sensitive content warning can be triggered by videos containing explicit language, violence, nudity, and other mature content. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, some types of content that may receive the warning include:
- Excessive profanity
- Graphic or violent content
- Nudity or sexually suggestive content
- Content related to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
- Controversial or sensitive subjects
Videos discussing mental health, self-harm, or eating disorders may also be flagged. TikTok aims to protect younger users from inappropriate content while allowing freedom of expression.
Even if your video doesn’t explicitly show mature content, things like suggestive captions, lyrics, or behavior may trigger the warning. It’s a good idea to keep your audience and community guidelines in mind when creating and posting videos.
How to avoid getting the sensitive content warning
Here are some tips to avoid triggering the sensitive content warning on your TikTok videos:
Avoid restricted keywords and tags in your video’s description or metadata. TikTok’s algorithm scans for certain words or phrases that may indicate mature content. Avoiding these can help your video stay clear of the warning.
Censor any nudity or revealing clothing. TikTok’s guidelines prohibit nudity or sexually suggestive content. Use stickers or blurring features to cover up any areas that may be flagged.
Keep costumes and role play PG. Avoid overly revealing, provocative, or sexualized costumes and characters. Opt for more modest, family-friendly choices.
Moderate your language. Swearing, hate speech, and other mature language can also trigger the warning. Keep your vocabulary clean and inoffensive.
Film in well-lit spaces. Poor lighting or overly dark/grainy footage may be misinterpreted as inappropriate. Record videos in spaces with plenty of light.
Review Community Guidelines. Understand what content is and isn’t allowed on TikTok. Refer to the Community Guidelines to avoid common pitfalls.
Ask a friend to preview your video. Get a second opinion to catch anything potentially objectionable you may have missed.
Ultimately, err on the side of caution when filming and posting. If you have doubts about a video, it’s better not to risk posting it versus dealing with restrictions afterward.
Appealing the sensitive content warning
If you believe your video was wrongly flagged with the sensitive content warning, you can appeal the decision directly within the TikTok app. Here are the steps to appeal the warning according to TikTok’s instructions:
1. Tap the share icon on the video that has the warning applied.
2. Tap ‘report’ and select ‘the sensitive content label is wrong’.
3. Explain why you think the warning is incorrect. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible on why your video doesn’t violate the community guidelines.
4. Tap ‘send’. TikTok will then review your appeal and determine whether to remove the warning.
According to TikTok’s guidelines, it may take 1-2 business days for them to review the appeal, during which the warning will remain on your video. If they agree the warning was wrongly applied, they will remove it and your video will return to normal.
It’s important to provide thoughtful and respectful reasoning in your appeal, as getting emotional or aggressive is unlikely to get the warning removed. Focus on explaining why you believe your content abides by the community guidelines.
Note that there is no guarantee your appeal will be successful. But submitting reasonable arguments gives you the best chance of removing the warning if it was indeed a mistake on TikTok’s part. Check TikTok’s community guidelines to ensure your video contents are compliant.
Turning off the sensitive content filter
The sensitive content filter on TikTok is designed to block potentially mature or objectionable content. However, you can turn it off in your app settings if you want to see all content.
To disable the sensitive content filter:
- Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner to open the menu
- Select “Settings and privacy”
- Tap “Digital wellbeing”
- Toggle off “Restricted mode”
With the sensitive content filter disabled, you’ll be able to see all content on TikTok without restrictions. However, keep in mind that turning off the filter means you may encounter mature, graphic, or explicit videos that some viewers may find offensive or disturbing. Use discretion when browsing feeds with the filter disabled.
You can always re-enable the sensitive content filter in your settings if you want to limit the visibility of certain content again.
Age rating your videos
TikTok allows you to manually set an age rating for your videos based on their content. This helps ensure your videos reach the appropriate audience. To rate a video:
- Go to the video in your profile and tap the three dots in the bottom right corner.
- Select “Edit video” then tap “Next” on the editing page.
- Choose an age rating from “All ages,” “13+,” or “18+.”
- Tap “Save” to apply the age rating.
Setting an age rating doesn’t prevent people from viewing your video. However, TikTok uses the rating to customize viewing experiences:
- Users under the age rating will get a warning before watching.
- Videos 18+ won’t be recommended to users under 18.
- Videos 13+ and 18+ won’t appear for younger users with Restricted Mode enabled.
Age rating videos appropriately helps create a safer, more tailored experience. If your content is sexually suggestive, violent, or deals with other mature themes, consider using the 13+ or 18+ rating.
Learn more about age ratings in TikTok’s safety center.
Restricted Mode
Restricted Mode on TikTok limits exposure to content that may not be suitable for everyone, for example, because it contains mature or complex themes. Some of the content that is limited in Restricted Mode includes:
- Content with overtly sexual lyrics or themes
- Depictions of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco
- Suggestive dances or outfits
- Mature language
- Content related to sensitive world events
Restricted Mode differs from warnings because it preemptively filters out potentially sensitive content instead of reacting to user reports. Users enable Restricted Mode in their account settings. When enabled, the app algorithmically limits videos shown in the user’s For You feed.
Restricted Mode provides a way for users, especially younger ones, to limit exposure to mature content. It’s an optional setting that users can toggle on or off as desired. The sensitive content warning is applied after a video gets flagged, whereas Restricted Mode proactively filters content.
Community guidelines
TikTok has published community guidelines that outline what type of content is allowed on the platform. These guidelines aim to foster an inclusive environment and prevent harmful content.
In the guidelines on sensitive content, TikTok states they are “mindful that certain content may not be appropriate for young people, may be considered offensive by some, or may create the potential for exploitation.”
TikTok prohibits content related to adult services, pornography, and nudity. They also do not allow gore, illegal activities, dangerous acts or challenges, or regulated goods. Any content that contains or promotes these types of sensitive material may receive a warning label or be removed.
Users are encouraged to flag inappropriate content using the reporting mechanism within the app. Moderators review all reported content and make decisions based on the community guidelines.
Conclusion
In summary, the sensitive content warning on TikTok is designed to alert users when a video may contain mature or potentially inappropriate content. While annoying, it serves an important purpose in allowing users to avoid content they don’t wish to see.
There are several ways to avoid getting the sensitive content warning on your videos:
- Carefully review content to ensure it doesn’t violate TikTok’s community guidelines
- Turn on the restricted mode filter when filming and editing
- Age-rate your videos appropriately if they contain mature themes
- Avoid using profanity, nudity, or violent imagery
If you do receive the warning, you can request a review to remove it. But keep in mind that TikTok aims to create a safe environment, so some content flags may remain. Overall, being mindful of what you post and using appropriate discretion is the best way to avoid any limitations on your account.
With some common sense and discretion, you can feel confident posting engaging content without limitations. The sensitive content warning is there to protect users, not punish creators. Follow the guidelines and focus on your audience and you can build a successful TikTok channel.
