Social media is a space for everyone. People of all ages, backgrounds, and interests use these platforms, so companies like Twitter work hard to establish content guidelines and privacy settings to keep users safe.Some prefer to keep their content close by using private accounts, while others choose to share their posts with the world. How people use the app is up to them, so long as the content they post is appropriate and safe for viewers. For users with public accounts, that viewership is just about anyone, anywhere in the world. One of the ways posters can be mindful and keep social media a welcoming space is by warning viewers when they post sensitive content. Sensitive content includes posts that may not be appropriate for younger audiences, are potentially upsetting, or will trigger some viewers. Learn how to turn on the sensitive content setting on Twitter to alert others about content they may not want to see. It’s respectful, and considerate and contributes to a safe digital environment for all.

How does Twitter define sensitive content?

Sensitive content includes materials that users are allowed post on social media but some viewers may not want to see. According to Twitter, “you can’t include violent, hateful, or adult content within areas that are highly visible on Twitter, including in live video, profile, header, List banner images, or Community cover photos.” If you do post this kind of media, you need to mark your posts or accounts as sensitive. This places images and videos behind a warning message viewers must acknowledge before they can view your posts.These sensitive content labels may seem broad, but we can better understand what’s allowed by defining Twitter’s prohibited content. Users cannot display media that depict graphic violence, adult content, hateful imagery, violent sexual conduct, and gratuitous gore.The sensitive content setting exists, in part, because of the news. Reporting on world events can include disturbing images or texts, but journalism is an essential source of information. Think of sensitive material as some of the more challenging content you might see in reporting or art. In other words, the sensitive content setting isn’t an invitation to break Twitter’s prohibited content guidelines simply by giving viewers a warning. It’s a way to give viewers a heads-up and a choice.

“This Tweet might include sensitive content”: how to alert viewers

Doing right by your online community by flagging sensitive content is wise and conscientious. It’s also essential if you plan to stay in that community since Twitter suspends accounts for violating content guidelines. If you don’t flag sensitive media on Twitter, the app may take this step for you or permanently adjust this setting on your account so any content going forward bears this label. You can mark all your posts as potentially sensitive content or only flag specific Tweets. Here’s how:

Mark all content

Mobile devices

1. On an iPhone, open the Twitter app and tap your profile icon in the navigation bar. On the Android app, tap the “_”  icon.
2. Click on “Settings and privacy.”
3. Select “Privacy and safety.”
4. Tap on “Your Tweets.”
5. Move the toggle next to “Mark media you Tweet as containing material that may be sensitive” to the on position.

Desktop  

1. Open twitter.com and log in.
2. Click on the “More” icon.
3. From the drop-down menu, select “Settings and privacy.”
4. Go to the “Privacy and safety” settings.
5. Click on “Your Tweets,” then check the box for “Mark media you Tweet as containing material that may be sensitive.”

Mark specific Tweets (for all devices)

1. Open the Twitter app for iOS or Android or log in to twitter.com on a browser.
2. Draft your Tweet and add the sensitive photo or video.
3. Click on the three dots at the bottom left side of the image, then select the flag icon.
4. Check off the category that best describes the nature of sensitive Tweet.
5. Click “Done.”

Once you mark a Tweet as sensitive, a transparency will blur out the image or video with a content warning. Users who want to see the content can click on “View.”

Make the most of your time on Twitter

Playing by the rules and thinking twice about your content are the foundations of a strong Twitter presence. So how can you go above and beyond? We recommend making the most of your Twitter account with the following tips:

• Use multimedia: Many people associate Twitter with text-heavy Tweets, but images and video content are also popular on the app. Branch out and use visuals to make engaging posts.
• Use hashtags: Help users organically find your content by using a few hashtags that describe your Tweet, video or photo. Don’t put too many – this eats up precious characters.
• Post at the right time: Post when your followers are awake and active. If your audience isn’t on the app, they’ll likely see less of your content, which drives down engagement.  

Polish your presence with the perfect bio

As you gain more traction on Twitter, capitalize on new engagement. Use your Twitter bio to give followers a deeper look at your personal or professional brand. Remember: the space in your social media bios is precious, so use it wisely. Adding a Linktree to your bio allows you to keep your socials connected. You can link out to other platforms like Instagram, TikTok and a personal website, all in one place.