What sensitive content settings do on X

X lets you mark your own posts as containing sensitive material — images, videos, or text that you want to hide behind a warning until someone chooses to view it. When you add this label, followers see a message saying the post contains sensitive content instead of seeing the image or video directly. They can tap to reveal it if they want to.

This is different from X's automatic detection, which flags some content on its own. The manual setting gives you control over what you consider sensitive, whether that's graphic images, political content, adult material, or anything else you want to gate behind a warning.

The setting applies to individual posts, not your whole account. You decide which posts get the label each time you post, or you can add it to posts you have already published.

Key Takeaways

  • You can mark a post as sensitive either before you publish it or by editing an existing post afterward.
  • The sensitive content label hides images and videos behind a warning that followers must tap to see.
  • You can also turn on a preference in your settings to automatically mark all your posts as sensitive if you post frequently about sensitive topics.
  • Marking content sensitive does not remove it from search or prevent anyone from seeing it — it only adds a warning layer.
  • X may still remove posts that violate its rules even if you mark them sensitive.

How to mark a post sensitive before publishing

When you are composing a post on X, look for the icon that looks like a circle with an exclamation mark or a warning symbol — the exact appearance depends on whether you are using the web version or the mobile app. Tap or click it before you post.

A menu will appear with options including "Mark as sensitive." Select that option. The label will be applied to your post when you publish it. On the web, this icon is usually in the row of formatting buttons below your text. On mobile, it may be in a menu you access by tapping the three dots or a similar icon.

If you do not see this option, check that you are logged into the correct account and that your account is not restricted in some way. New accounts sometimes have limited access to certain features.

How to add the sensitive label to a post you already published

Find the post you want to edit. Tap or click the three dots in the corner of the post (usually the top right). A menu will appear with options including "Edit post" or "View post details."

Select "Edit post." You will see the post text and media again. Look for the same warning icon you would use when composing a new post, and tap it to mark the post as sensitive. Save your changes. The label will appear on the post when ready.

If you cannot find an edit option, your post may be too old — X limits how long you can edit a post after publishing it. In that case, you would need to delete the post and repost it with the sensitive label applied.

Automatically marking all your posts as sensitive

If you post frequently about sensitive topics and want every post labeled without having to choose each time, you can turn on an account-wide setting. Go to your account settings by clicking your profile picture and selecting "Settings and privacy."

Navigate to "Privacy and safety." Look for an option related to sensitive content — the exact wording varies, but it may say "Mark media you post as sensitive" or "Sensitive content." Toggle this on.

Once this setting is active, every post you publish will automatically carry the sensitive content label. You can still turn it off for individual posts if you want to — the setting is a default, not a lock. This approach is useful if you post about politics, health, violence, or other topics you consistently want to warn people about.

What happens when someone sees your sensitive post

When a follower scrolls past your post, they see the text but not the image or video — instead, they see a message saying the post contains sensitive content. The image or video itself is blurred or hidden. They can tap the post or the image to reveal it.

This does not prevent anyone from seeing the content. It only adds a step. People who want to view it can do so in seconds. The warning is meant to give people a choice rather than to block access entirely.

The sensitive label also affects how X's algorithm handles your post. Posts marked sensitive may reach fewer people in the feed and may not appear in certain contexts, like when X is recommending content to new users. This is by design — the label signals that the content is not for everyone.

When marking content sensitive is not enough

If your post violates X's rules — for example, if it contains graphic violence, hate speech, or non-consensual intimate images — marking it sensitive will not protect it from removal. X's moderation team reviews posts regardless of the label, and the sensitive tag does not override the platform's policies.

Marking content sensitive also does not prevent it from appearing in search results or from being quoted and shared by other users. If someone retweets your sensitive post, their version may or may not carry the label depending on how they share it.

If you are trying to keep content private, the sensitive label is not the right tool. For that, you would need to post to a private account or use direct messages instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mark someone else's post as sensitive?

No. Only the person who posted it can add the sensitive label. If you see a post you think should be marked sensitive, you can report it to X, but you cannot label it yourself.

Does marking a post sensitive hide it from my followers?

No. Your followers will still see the post in their feed. They will just see a warning before the image or video, and they can tap to view it. The post is not hidden or removed.

Will marking my posts sensitive hurt my reach?

Yes, it typically will. Posts marked sensitive reach fewer people in the feed and may not be recommended as widely. If you want maximum visibility, avoid the label. If you want to warn people about the content, the reduced reach is usually a fair trade-off.

What if I mark something sensitive by mistake?

Edit the post and toggle the sensitive label off. The change takes effect when ready, and the post will display normally in feeds.

Does the sensitive label work the same way on mobile and web?

Yes. The label functions the same way across devices. The button to add it may be in a slightly different location depending on your app or browser, but the result is identical.