We are sure that nearly everybody has seen the below sticker on a cd, cassette or a digital release, the "Parental Advisory / Explicit Content" Sticker

In this help centre article, we will answer all your questions regarding explicit content and tell you if the explicit content tag will have an effect on the visibility of your release in the stores.

When does a song/release need to be marked as explicit?

The stores have certain criteria that determine whether a release is explicit or not. If the lyrics of a song contain one or several of the following criteria, then the song has to be marked as explicit:

-Strong language / Swear words such as F**k, S**t or Bulls**t.  

-References to violence, sex or drugs in the lyrics or displayed on the cover art.

-Discriminatory language 

Does marking a song as explicit affect the visibility in the stores?

Marking your song as explicit will only affect the visibility of the release in the Apple Music/iTunes stores of Belarus, Burkina Faso, India, Nepal, and Uzbekistan. In those countries Apple Music/iTunes won't display your release.

In all other Apple Music/iTunes stores and all other services, your release will be as visible with an explicit content tag so listeners are aware. 

Please note if you don't tag your release correctly there could be a delay in the delivery of your release.