How to Use Mature Content Warnings in UseClick

What is a Mature Content Warning?

A Mature Content Warning adds an interstitial page before visitors reach your destination URL. This page warns users that the content may be sensitive, explicit, or age-restricted and requires them to confirm they want to proceed. It's a transparency feature that helps you comply with content policies, platform guidelines, and legal requirements while showing respect for your audience.

Why Use Mature Content Warnings?

Plan Availability

Plan	Mature Content Warning Available
Free	❌ Not Available
Starter	✅ Available
Growth	✅ Available
Pro	✅ Available
Business	✅ Available

How to Enable Mature Content Warnings

When Creating a New Link

1. Click "Create Link" in your dashboard
2. Enter your destination URL and configure basic settings
3. Scroll to the "Mature Content Warning" section
4. Toggle the switch to enable the warning
5. (Optional) Customize the warning message shown to visitors
6. Click "Create Link"

For Existing Links

1. Go to your Links dashboard
2. Find the link you want to add a warning to
3. Click the three dots menu → "Edit"
4. Scroll to "Mature Content Warning"
5. Toggle on and optionally customize the message
6. Click "Save Changes"

What the Warning Looks Like

When enabled, visitors clicking your link see an interstitial page with:

• ⚠️ Warning icon at the top
• Headline: "Mature Content Warning"
• Message: Default or your custom text explaining the content nature
• Two buttons:
  • "I Understand, Continue" - Proceeds to destination
  • "Go Back" - Returns to previous page
• Footer: "By continuing, you confirm you are of legal age to view this content"

Default warning message: "The content you are about to view may contain mature, sensitive, or age-restricted material. By proceeding, you confirm you are of legal age and wish to continue."

Customizing Warning Messages

Best Practices for Custom Messages

Content Type	Recommended Warning Message
Adult Products	"This page contains adult products and themes. You must be 18+ to continue."
Explicit Content	"Warning: Explicit content ahead. This material is intended for mature audiences only."
Sensitive Topics	"This content discusses sensitive topics including [specify]. Viewer discretion advised."
Violence/Gore	"Content warning: This page contains graphic depictions of violence. Proceed with caution."
Political Content	"This page contains political opinions and commentary that some may find controversial."
Health Topics	"This content discusses sensitive health topics that may be triggering for some viewers."

Writing Effective Warnings

• Be specific: Clearly state what type of content users will encounter
• Keep it brief: 1-2 sentences is ideal; users won't read long warnings
• Use clear language: Avoid euphemisms; be direct about content nature
• Include age requirements: Specify if content is 18+, 21+, etc.
• Mention alternatives: If appropriate, suggest other content for those who opt out

Common Use Cases

1. Adult Product E-Commerce

Scenario: Online store selling adult products, supplements, or intimate items.

Solution:

• Create link: uclick.to/adult-store
• Enable mature content warning
• Custom message: "This page contains adult products. You must be 18+ to shop here."

Result: Complies with platform advertising policies and legal requirements for age-restricted commerce.

2. Content Creator Links

Scenario: Artist, photographer, or creator sharing mature work on social media.

Solution:

• Bio link: uclick.to/artist-portfolio
• Enable mature content warning
• Custom message: "My portfolio contains artistic nudity and mature themes. 18+ only."

Result: Prevents platform penalties while maintaining access to full audience.

3. Educational Content

Scenario: Educational website covering sensitive health, mental health, or trauma topics.

Solution:

• Create link: uclick.to/trauma-resources
• Enable mature content warning
• Custom message: "This resource discusses trauma and mental health topics that may be triggering."

Result: Shows care for audience wellbeing while providing access to important resources.

4. News & Journalism

Scenario: News article covering graphic events, violence, or disturbing imagery.

Solution:

• Create link: uclick.to/news-report
• Enable mature content warning
• Custom message: "This article contains graphic descriptions and imagery of violence. Reader discretion advised."

Result: Respects readers while maintaining journalistic integrity and access to important news.

5. Entertainment & Media

Scenario: Podcast, video, or media containing explicit language or adult humor.

Solution:

• Create link: uclick.to/comedy-special
• Enable mature content warning
• Custom message: "This comedy special contains explicit language and adult humor. Not suitable for children."

Result: Sets appropriate expectations and avoids negative feedback from unprepared viewers.

Best Practices

✅ DO:

• Use for genuinely mature content: Don't overuse; reserve for actually sensitive material
• Be transparent: Clearly describe what users will encounter
• Check platform policies: Verify if your target platforms require warnings for your content type
• Update warnings if content changes: If destination content evolves, update the warning accordingly
• Combine with other features: Use with password protection or expiration for additional control
• Test the user experience: Click through yourself to ensure the warning displays correctly

❌ DON'T:

• Use as clickbait: Fake warnings to increase curiosity damage trust and may violate platform policies
• Over-warn: Excessive caution for mild content trains users to ignore warnings
• Skip when needed: Better to over-warn than face penalties or complaints
• Assume it's legal protection: Warnings help but don't replace legal age verification systems
• Use vague warnings: "May offend some users" is less helpful than specific content descriptions

Mature Warnings + Other Features

Feature Combination	How It Works	Use Case
Warning + Password	Users see warning first, then password prompt	Double-gated access for highly sensitive material
Warning + Expiration	Time-limited access to mature content	Limited-time adult promotions with automatic expiration
Warning + Click Limit	Limited access to mature content	"First 100 users" exclusive mature content access
Warning + Geo-Targeting	Different destinations by region, all behind warning	Region-specific mature content with universal warning

Troubleshooting

Warning not displaying

Solutions:

• Clear browser cache and try in incognito/private mode
• Verify the feature is toggled ON in link settings
• Check that you're on a paid plan (Starter or higher)

Can't enable warning (option greyed out)

Solutions:

• Verify you're on a paid plan with this feature
• Check subscription status in Account Settings
• Log out and back in to refresh permissions

Link blocked by social platforms despite warning

Solutions:

• Some platforms scan destination URLs directly, bypassing short links
• Ensure destination page also has appropriate age gates or warnings
• Review platform-specific content policies and appeal if appropriate
• Consider using platform-native content warning features in addition to UseClick warnings

Users bypassing the warning

Solutions:

• Warnings are transparency tools, not security features
• For true access control, use password protection instead
• Implement additional age verification at destination if legally required

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the mature content warning legally binding?

No. The warning is a transparency and good-faith tool but does NOT constitute legal age verification. For legal compliance with age restrictions, implement proper age verification systems at your destination.

Does it track who clicks through vs who leaves?

Yes. UseClick tracks how many users proceed past the warning vs bounce. View this in your link analytics under "Warning Interactions."

Can I customize the warning page design?

Currently, you can customize the message text but not the overall page design. The warning page maintains UseClick branding and consistent user experience.

Will the warning slow down my click-through rate?

Yes, typically by 10-30%. However, users who proceed are more engaged and less likely to complain, improving overall campaign quality.

Do I need warnings for "slightly mature" content?

When in doubt, add a warning. It's better to over-warn and maintain trust than face penalties or audience backlash. Warnings show respect for your audience.

Can I remove the warning later?

Yes. Edit the link and toggle off the mature content warning at any time. Changes take effect immediately.

Does UseClick moderate what content I can link to?

UseClick expects users to comply with its Terms of Service and applicable laws. Mature content warnings are provided as a tool, but you remain responsible for ensuring your content and links comply with all applicable regulations and platform policies.

Next Steps

• Add password protection for secure access control beyond warnings
• Set expiration dates for time-limited mature content campaigns
• Learn about creating links with all UseClick features
• Use the API to programmatically manage mature content warnings