Content Creators!

Did you know that influencer sourcing platforms like Sprout Social flag risky words automatically?

An explicit vocabulary can lower your brand safety score, and make it harder for brands to find you. 


Brands can flag key words independently, so it’s impossible to compose a master list. As a rule of thumb, words related to swearing, gambling, drugs and alcohol, adult content, the military, politics, and violence will likely get flagged.

If you want to increase your chances of securing social media partnerships, here are some risky words with double meanings to avoid when you’re proof-reading your captions.

1. Weed 🍀
“My kid is growing like a weed.” Cute sentiment, but the algorithm thinks you’re a stoner.

2. Pills 💊
Chill pills, and hard pills to swallow will get flagged the same as hard drugs.

3. Addicted 🧠
Instead, opt for “hooked” or “can’t get enough”.

4. Vote! 🗳️
Not sure how much I agree with this one, but brands can get nervous when it comes to picking sides.

5. Kill 💀
As in “killer work-out” or “killed-it” at work.

6. Shots 📸
I’m guessing you meant photos... 🥃 🔫

7.  Bar🍸
Like “raised the bar”, or “passed the bar”

8. Porn 🍆
Millenials... enough food porn please we’ve had enough.

9. Gamble 🃏
Taking a figurative gamble might not be a great idea.

10. Jackpot 💰
Opt for “scored big” or “lucked out” instead.

Cheers to ruining my own safety score with this post... hope it helps someone! 🥂