Although Tiktok is well known for it’s uncensored & raw contents, it still boasts a strict community guideline, which is why many people are still confused about whether swearing is allowed or not.
On the one hand, we can see many popular content creators dropping the F-bomb without facing any consequences, while TikTok’s terms & condition strictly prohibits using any explicit content.
If you are also confused about TikTok’s stance on swearing in videos, keep reading to learn the current answer & all the other nit bits about this topic.
Let’s dive in.
Can You Swear on TikTok?
As per the TikTok Community Guideline, you can swear on TikTok as swearing is not officially banned on the platform. There won’t be any problem unless someone manually reports the content. However, since the platform is PG-13, you might get shadow banned for using profanity.
TikTok’s stance on using swear words in videos is still unclear. According to TikTok’s ToS, users are not allowed to use explicit content or targeted harassment in videos/comments. But it doesn’t specify whether swear words are considered explicit content or not.
Also, the algorithm is not up to the mark to maintain the regulations throughout the platform yet. Many TikTok users can be seen posting videos that include profanity but didn’t get banned or removed from the recommended section.
To be honest, swearing means different things to different people. While some consider heck or crap as swear words, others might not see them as swearing at all. This is why it’s a bit difficult to collectively say whether or not swearing is allowed.
Personally, I think it’s best to avoid using cuss words on TikTok. TikTok’s algorithm is getting better & its policy more strict. Many popular creators don’t say swear words or use asterisks in their videos.
Furthermore, there’s a chance that your account’s quality score may fall off if you get flagged for using swear words. As a result, the reach of your content might get restricted. Most social media platforms strongly prohibit swear words.
Can You Swear in the Video Caption of a TikTok Video?
When it comes to swearing in the video captions of a TikTok video, uncensored swearing won’t result in a video takedown or a permanent ban. But like the video section, it is best to avoid using swear words if possible.
Swearing in the video caption might offend certain people & you might end up getting reported by them. If your content gets flagged as inappropriate, you will get fewer views as your content won’t show up in the For You section.
Can You Comment Swear Words on TikTok?
You can say swear words in the TikTok comment section, as comments often get ignored by TikTok’s algorithm. But in that case, your comments might not be visible to all. Users who have enabled the comment filter won’t be able to see your comment.
Furthermore, you might face temporary suspension if your comment receives several reports.
Can You Swear in the TikTok Live Comment Section?
You can not swear in the TikTok live comment section. TikTok’s back-end algorithm will block your swear words and prevent your comment from appearing in the public chat section. You might also get shadow banned if you spam swear comments.
Also, check out our separate post on fix TikTok won’t let me follow anyone.
What Words Are Not Allowed on TikTok?
There is no definitive list of banned words for TikTok. We can only assume about the words that can get flagged as explicit or inappropriate. Hate speech, strong/foul terms, racist words etc., are not allowed on TikTok & will result in immediate video takedown or account suspension.
TikTok is most likely adding or updating new words as offensive every day in their algorithm to regulate the platform’s environment.
Here are the possible words that are not allowed on Tiktok:
- Pandemic
- Cigarette(s)
- Disability terms
- LGBTQ
- Dead
- Strong swear words toward someone or a specific group of people
- Gun
- Anatomical terms of reproductive organs.
- Hole
- Thick/thicc
Use of these words will result in video takedown & temporary or permanent shadowban. Also, phrases that can be considered hate speech against a specific race or ethnicity are also banned. Words related to drugs or provoking violence will get flagged as well.
How to Censor Swear Words on TikTok
You can censor swear words & profanity on TikTok by turning on the Restricted Mode. To prevent swear words from appearing in your feed, navigate to Profile > Hamburger icon (3 vertical lines) > Settings and privacy > Content preferences > Restricted Mode & click the Turn on button.
Since so many kids these days are using TikTok, many parents often get concerned about their kids hearing cuss words on this platform. Some even find it offensive when they see videos containing profanity. Turning on the Restricted Mode is always an effective solution to this issue.
You can also block any words that you want on Tiktok. Users now have access to the Filter video keywords feature, which allows them to block videos containing any custom words the user has chosen.
Here are the steps to censor custom words on TikTok:
- Open the TikTok app.
- Click on Profile.
- Tap on the three vertical lines at the top right corner of the screen.
- Select Settings and privacy.
- Scroll down & go to Content preferences.
- Select Filter video keywords.
- Press Add keyword.
- Type your desired word in the Enter a keyword box.
- Select whether you want to filter the word from For You or the Following You’ll find these two options under the Filter from section.
- Click Save.
Now, if you’ve added, let’s say, the N-word, you’ll not see any video containing the N-word in your TikTok feed. It’s definitely a neat feature that people can use to keep their video feed free from unwanted content.
You may also like to read how to add pictures to a TikTok video?
How to Block Swear Words in TikTok’s Comment Section
You can also filter explicit words in TikTok’s comment section as well. TikTok has a built-in comment filter feature that can block comments that include offensive or user-specified words.
Here’s how to block swear words in TikTok’s comment section:
- Open the TikTok app.
- Select Profile.
- Click on the Hamburger icon.
- Select Settings and privacy > Privacy.
- Scroll down & select Comments under the SAFETY section.
- Enable the switch beside the Filter spam and offensive comments option.
- Turn on the Filter keywords toggle.
- Type your desired word in the Add keywords box.
After that, you won’t see any offensive or spam comments that include foul language under TikTok videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you smoke a cigarette on TikTok?
Yes. You can smoke on TikTok, but you have to use an e-cigarette or a vape pen.
How many TikTok violation warnings can you get?
You can get up to 3 TikTok violation warnings. On the 4th time, you’ll get permanently banned.
Does TikTok censor comments?
Yes. TikTok can now censor hateful comments & comments that include specific words like shop, link, bio etc.
Conclusion
Although swearing has become a natural thing in our everyday life, many people find it alienating & offensive. So it’s best to avoid using foul language or use alternate, less offensive words such as frick or just use emojis for TikTok videos.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with all the necessary information that you were looking for about swearing on TikTok.
If you have any further questions about TikTok or other social media platforms, feel free to share them in the comment section below.
