The Ultimate Disclaimer for Sensitive Content You Need (for Websites, Socials, YouTube, & Online Courses)

EntrepreneursCreatorsWebsite & bloggers
Written By Selene Snippe

Looking for a disclaimer for sensitive content for your platform? I’ve created the ultimate disclaimer, tweaked and customized for each platform with helpful tips to ensure you’re fully protected (and can say whatever you want).

Running a successful website, course, YouTube channel, Instagram account, or TikTok account is such a great achievement, but if you’re anything like me, you want to protect yourself from those viewers and customers that might get triggered... As a lawyer myself who drafts contracts and disclaimers for entrepreneurs and creators in various niches, like you, I’m sharing the ultimate disclaimer for sensitive content for you to share whatever content you want while being protected against legal claims.

You will learn about the key disclaimer for sensitive content you need for your specific platform, and I’ll share:

  • When you need to use a warning for sensitive content

  • A sample disclaimer for sensitive content for websites, YouTube channels, Instagram posts, TikTok videos, and online courses

  • A comprehensive, sensitive content warning template you can customize for any platform

After learning about this comprehensive disclaimer for sensitive content, you’ll have the freedom to say whatever you want without getting into legal trouble.

This post is all about the key disclaimer for sensitive content on websites, social media, YouTube, online courses, and other platforms, ensuring you remain fully protected while sharing anything you want in the way you want.

Iron-Clad Disclaimer for Sensitive Content

1. What Counts as “Sensitive Content”? Sensitive Content Examples

You may knowingly talk about sensitive subjects at times and, therefore, want a disclaimer for sensitive content you know can be triggering.

However, there are so many subjects that can be triggering you don’t even know or have considered.

Even if, in your experience (and according to most of your viewers), your content is positive, helpful, or educational, certain topics may still be difficult or triggering for some viewers.

Whenever you talk about any of these subjects or these subjects come up briefly in your content, these can be triggering to some:

  • Trauma, abuse, violence, or harassment

  • Mental health struggles, anxiety, depression, suicide

  • Grief, loss, or illness

  • Eating disorders, body image, body positivity, or weight loss

  • Any sort of diet or eating pattern, like veganism, keto, or intermittent fasting

  • Addictions, substance abuse, or recovery

  • Political, religious, socioeconomics, or ideological commentary

  • Personal views and beliefs

  • Personal stories that include profanity or distressing events

  • Manifestation

  • Even positivity that people could consider “toxic positivity”

You don’t have to avoid these topics — but all these topics can be triggering for some people, and that’s why you need a disclaimer for sensitive content to protect yourself.

2. Why You Need a Warning for Sensitive Content Disclaimer Is Necessary

Here’s exactly why you need a disclaimer for sensitive content and how it can protect your brand:

  • Legal Protection: If someone claims your content harmed them emotionally or mentally, a disclaimer helps limit your liability.

  • Audience Care: It enables viewers to make an informed decision about whether they want to proceed when you provide context and obtain consent.

  • Trust & Transparency: It demonstrates that you’re intentional and ethical in your message.

And yes — platforms like YouTube and TikTok increasingly favor creators who flag sensitive material appropriately.

3. What Should Be Included in Any Sensitive Content Warning Template

Your disclaimer should:

  • Mention the type of sensitive content covered

  • Warn about the potential emotional impact

  • State that you do not intend harm or offense

  • Make clear that you are not responsible or liable for individual emotional or psychological responses

As an extra layer of security, I also include language for:

  • Any profane language that might be used in your content (by you or someone else)

  • Any content that may be considered controversial or provocative

4. Every Sample Disclaimer for Sensitive Content for All Platforms

For Your Website

For your website, you’ll need:

Here’s a sensitive content warning example that you can insert at the beginning of each page or blog post:

“This [post/page] contains sensitive content, such as [insert specific sensitive topics]. Reader discretion is advised. By continuing to read, you acknowledge that [your name/brand name/the author] is not responsible for your individual emotional response to the content. Please read my Disclaimer [INSERT LINK] for more information.”

Here’s the adapted but complete disclaimer for sensitive content I have included in my disclaimer template that can be used for all platforms, including your website, YouTube channel, podcast, and all your social media accounts:

“1. VIEWS, OPINIONS, AND CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS

1.1 The views and opinions expressed of [your name/brand name] (hereinafter referred to as the “Owner”) on:

(a) [the website with domain name [your website’s domain name],

(b) [the audio recordings, text, and other content placed on [the Website] [and] [[podcast platform(s)] with the title [name of podcast]]; or]

(c) [the video recordings, text, and other content placed on [the Website] [and] [the Owner’s YouTube channel named [name of YouTube channel] with the following address: [address]]; or]

(d) [the images, video recordings, text, and other content placed on [social media platform] with the following social media handle: @[your handle] [and [social media platform] with the following social media handle: @[your handle]]; or]

(e) [the text, images, and other content included in the emails of the Owner; or]

(f) any other content created by the Owner and placed on any other social media channels or digital platforms,

(hereinafter referred to as the “Platforms”) by no means represent absolute facts. The opinions and views expressed on the Platforms can change at any time.

1.2 The views and opinions expressed on the Platforms are solely the views of the individuals who have expressed those views and opinions. The views and opinions expressed by third parties on the Platforms do not represent or reflect the views, opinions, ideas, policy, or position of the Owner. The Owner does not take responsibility for any views, opinions, or ideas expressed on the Platforms. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the Owner does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any views, opinions, ideas, information, products, services, or processes of any third parties or the third parties themselves presented or mentioned on the Platforms.

1.3 The content on the Platforms may cover controversial or sensitive topics, including, but not limited to, [insert controversial or sensitive topics]. The content on the Platforms may include profane language. The Owner does not intend to offend, distress, or in any way adversely impact You or any other third parties. The Owner is not responsible or liable if You are offended, distressed, or adversely affected by any of these topics or for any reactions. The Owner is not responsible or liable if third parties besides You, including, but not limited to, minors, perceive any part of the content on the Platforms.

1.4 The content on the Platforms may not reflect reality. Any products or other material shown on the Platforms may have a different appearance, function, or usage in person. The Owner is not and will not be responsible or liable for any difference in appearance, function, or use of the products or other material shown on the Platforms.”

For the full list of disclaimers you need, make sure to get my complete disclaimer page included in my Legal Website Bundle!

For Your Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.)

Insert the following text either at the beginning of your caption: 

“⚠️ Content warning: This post contains sensitive content, such as [insert specific sensitive topics]. Viewer discretion is advised. By viewing this post, you acknowledge that [your name/brand name/the author] is not responsible for your individual emotional response to the content. Please read my Disclaimer [INSERT LINK] for more information.”

[Then continue post...]

Pro tip: Also include a general disclaimer in your bio if you regularly post on sensitive topics.

PLUS, if it concerns a video, make sure to actually disclose this in the video by (1) audio (actually say it) AND (2) text (overlay) with the same message in your caption.

Make sure to have a complete disclaimer page with the comprehensive disclaimer for sensitive content referred to above!

For Your YouTube Channel

This one’s similar to what you’d use for social media.

Insert the following text at the beginning of the description box of your YouTube video: 

“This video contains sensitive content, such as [insert specific sensitive topics]. Viewer discretion is advised. By viewing this video, you acknowledge that [your name/brand name/the author] is not responsible for your individual emotional response to the content. Please read my Disclaimer [INSERT LINK] for more information.”

PLUS, make sure to actually disclose this in the video by (1) audio (actually say it) AND (2) text (overlay) with the same message.

Ensure that you have a complete disclaimer page with a comprehensive disclaimer for sensitive content, as referred to above.

Pro tip: Also include a general disclaimer in your bio if you regularly post on sensitive topics, and insert the link to your disclaimer page there, too!

For Your Online Course & Other Platforms

As for your online course, you’ll want to add a disclaimer for sensitive content:

  • Inside your Terms of Purchase

  • On the sales page of your online course

  • At the start of modules or videos

On your sales page, you can add something like this sample disclaimer for sensitive content:

“Please note that this online course contains sensitive content, such as [insert specific sensitive topics]. Viewer discretion is advised. It may also contain strong language or express personal, political, religious, or ideological views.

The content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, therapy, or counseling. The creator does not intend to harm, offend, or distress any participant and is not responsible for how the material is received or any emotional or psychological response you may experience.

Please proceed with discretion and self-awareness. Your participation is entirely voluntary.”

As for your course videos, you could insert this disclaimer in your video description and an audio version thereof at the beginning of the video:

“This video contains sensitive content, such as [insert specific sensitive topics]. Viewer discretion is advised. By viewing this video, you acknowledge that [your name/brand name/the author] is not responsible for your individual emotional response to the content. Please read the Online Course Terms & Conditions [INSERT LINK] that you have agreed to for more information.”

Here’s a customizable version of a sensitive content warning template you can adapt to any platform or service:

“The content may cover controversial, sensitive, or provocative topics, including, but not limited to, [insert specific topic ] or other political, ethical, religious” social, ideologicHere’s personal views and beliefs. [Your name or brand name] The content may include profane language. [Your name/or brand name] does not intend to harm, offend, distress, or in any way adversely impact you or any other third parties. [Your name or brand name] is not responsible or liable for how such topics are received by you or your emotional or psychological response, including, but not limited to, any harm, offense, distress, or adverse effect you may experience.”

Combine this with other niche-specific disclaimers you need.

Looking for online course terms and conditions that include all the disclaimers and other protections you need for your niche?

Check out my online course terms and conditions template on this page of my contract shop!

5. Get ALL the Disclaimer Examples You Need for Your Niche!

So, now you know all about the disclaimer for sensitive content you need.

But you need a FULL list of disclaimers for your content, like:

  • An error disclaimer for any mistakes in your content

  • A professional advice disclaimer that clarifies that your content can not be taken as professional advice to any individual (even though it may feel like a personal interaction for the viewer)

  • A professional relationship disclaimer that clearly states that accessing or viewing your content (as personal as the content may seem) does not mean the client will have a professional-client relationship with you

  • A third-party views disclaimer that clearly states that you are not responsible or liable for any statements made by anyone else who is a part of your content

  • A results & outcomes disclaimer that makes clear that you do not guarantee any results and outcomes to the viewer/customer

These are just a few general disclaimers that every entrepreneur needs, but there are so many more niche-specific disclaimers you’ll need for your business.

Want a disclaimer template that includes all the disclaimers you need for your specific niche?

I offer a ready-to-use disclaimer template in my Legal Website Bundle for entrepreneurs and creators in all kinds of niches!

It includes disclaimers for all kinds of niche-specific topics that come with legal risks, such as:

  • Disclaimers for financial, tax, and legal information

  • Disclaimers for medical, fitness, nutrition, and health topics

  • Disclaimers for mental health subjects

  • Disclaimers for vitamins and other supplements

  • Disclaimers for recipes

  • Disclaimers for DIY projects

  • Disclaimers for income statements

  • Disclaimers for testimonials

  • Disclaimers and disclosures for affiliate links

  • Disclaimers and disclosures for sponsored content

Explore my disclaimer template and everything else in my Legal Website Bundle here!

This post was all about the ultimate disclaimer for sensitive content that every entrepreneur and creator needs to use to express themselves freely without getting into legal trouble.

To learn more about which disclaimers you need for your niche, read these blog posts:

Selene Snippe
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