Content Gating
Content Gating is a system that allows users to filter or limit the type of content they encounter in VRChat. Creators are required to label their content appropriately so that users are able to curate their experience. Content Gating settings can be adjusted from inside VRChat or the website.
Content Warnings
Content Warnings can be applied to either avatars or worlds. These are all the content warnings with usage examples:
| Content Warning Label | Age-based forced gating | Explanation | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sexually suggestive[a] | †[b] | Avatars or worlds that display, imply, or promote sexually provocative poses, clothing, or activities. This includes but is not limited to overly revealing attire, sexually suggestive or provocative animations, or sexually-themed environments and avatars. | Content labeled “sexually suggestive” might be an avatar wearing revealing lingerie or an adult-themed dance club. |
| Adult language and themes | † | Avatars or worlds that include or promote mature subject matter such as drug use, gambling, or dark humor. This label focuses on explicit content that isn’t necessarily sexual, but is still “adult”. | Content labeled as “adult language and themes” might include avatars with very explicit language on their clothing or worlds that simulate drug usage. |
| Graphic violence | *[c] | Avatars or worlds that depict or encourage acts of violence in a detailed, realistic manner. This includes but is not limited to depictions of physical harm, depictions of self-harm, realistic weapons with violent animations, and other related content. | This label is not meant for “cartoon”-style violence but indicates that the content has some level of realism. |
| Excessive gore | * | Avatars or worlds that contain overly graphic or vivid depictions of blood, guts, or bodily dismemberment. This can include animations, textures, or scenes that aim to shock or disgust. | Content labeled as "excessive gore" might feature an avatar with overly graphic, realistic injuries or a world that depicts a gruesome, realistic crime scene. |
| Extreme horror | * | Avatars or worlds designed to instill intense fear, anxiety, or distress. This could include deeply unsettling themes or disturbing imagery beyond conventional and well-known horror aesthetics. | This label isn’t meant for the common types of “jumpscare” horror or “spooky” worlds, it’s a few levels above that.
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Explanations and usage examples are from VRChat's Creator Guidelines. No matter what, VRChat's Terms of Service are the "final word". These explanations will help guide you into labeling content correctly to not break TOS.
Age-based Content Gating
Age-based Content Gating would automatically enable Content Gating for users under 18 for every filter except Extreme Horror. This was revealed in the 22 November 2023 Developer Update[2]. Due to issues with the system in regards to users having the incorrect Date of Birth on their VRChat account and the way creators label their content, it has been disabled as of December 7th, 2023[1]. It has been suggested this will be reimplemented with Age Verification in the future, however there is no confirmation as to when or how it will be done.
Content filtering
Viewing content blocked by the Content Gating system results in the following:
| When blocked by Content Gating | |
|---|---|
| Avatars | Avatar gets replaced with the default VRChat Robot |
| Worlds |
|
| World Invites | Unable to join instance, will be prompted with a notice |
Note: Self-uploaded content marked and filtered with content warning labels is still viewable and usable, indicated by black and yellow hazard stripes.
Toggling Content Warning labels
To change which labels to filter, first open your Quick Menu, then select the Main Menu button at the top right. From here, select the Settings tab on the Main Menu header. Then, select the "Comfort & Safety" category on the left side. Under the "Content Gating" header, is where the labels can be changed.
Applying Content Warnings
SDK
Avatars & worlds
In the SDK's "Builder" tab, navigate to the "Prepare Your Content" header. Select the "Content Warnings" dropdown, choose applicable content warnings, then press the "Save Changes" button at the top of the "Builder" tab.
Website
Avatars
Navigate to the "Avatars" page on the VRChat website, then select an avatar. Scroll down to the "Content Warnings" section. Select applicable content warnings, and it will be automatically applied.
Worlds
Navigate to the "Worlds" page on the VRChat website, then select a world. Scroll down to the "Content Warnings" section. Select applicable content warnings, then press the "Save Changes" button at the top right of the page.
Reporting missing Content Warnings
Avatars or Worlds may not have any or have incorrect content warnings. These types of content can be reported using the in-client report form. There is no penalty to labeling appropriately, not doing so will result in VRChat labeling it at their own discretion, one could also potentially face action against their account in some circumstances.
