Wattpad has moved to reassure users that its content policies remain unchanged, after an online panic erupted over fears that sexually explicit 'smut' stories were being banned. The platform, which launched in 2006, updated its Content Restrictions page eight days ago, prompting a wave of concern among Gen Z users on TikTok and other social media.
What is actually changing on Wattpad?
Wattpad told Metro that the regulations are the same as they always have been, but the terms of use have been rephrased to be clearer for users. A spokesperson said: 'The updated language gives more specifics around our story ratings (Everyone or Mature) and what is banned on the platform, but our policies, content categories, and how we moderate have not changed.'
'We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful environment for our users, and providing clearer guidelines helps creators and readers better understand our rules.'
In other words, smut has not been 'banned', as some TikToks have claimed. There are, however, categories that are prohibited, including pornography or content created primarily for sexual arousal, any sexual content involving minors, sexual exploitation or non-consensual acts that are glorified, sexual roleplay or solicitation, and illegal sexual acts. Stories involving 'explicit' sexual content, themes of mental health and self-harm, or intense violence must be labelled as 'mature' content.
Why are users worried?
Wattpad may no longer be the cultural force it was a decade ago. BookTok, TikTok, and fanfiction platforms such as AO3 have changed how young people discover and consume stories. Still, people were upset online. This is because Wattpad was not just a place to read. For many young people, such as LGBTQ+ users, it offered a space to explore feelings and identities before they were ready to do so publicly.
Part of the anxiety seems to come from the difficulty of distinguishing between pornography, 'explicit' sexual content, and sexual content that exists within a wider story (and deemed suitable for under 17s). This comes as governments around the world consider tighter restrictions on young people's access to social media. The UK, for example, announced plans in June for an under-16 social media ban due to come into force in early 2027.
What did people say?
When Wattpad updated the terms on its 20-year-old platform, the reaction online was immediate. On TikTok, @Londynsspamacc said, 'We are LOSING the ancient scriptures', while @naina compared it to 'banning lemons from the lemonade stand.' @lakenariah exclaimed, 'No, this is truly the worst news of my life,' and @Whatyaue claimed, 'So basically Wattpad is gone lol.'
'That is so tragic for the upcoming generation. It's a canon event to stay up on a school night to read Wattpad stories until you realise you need to go to bed to sleep for 2 hrs,' @angieduke5 reflected. However, according to Wattpad, there is no need for panic. They said the 'Mature' label, which has been a feature since 2020, has not changed its content requirements. Everything should be as it was, but hopefully these rephrased guidelines will provide better clarity for both readers and writers on the platform, and protect those 17 and under.
'It was a non-judgemental place.'
Wattpad author and user Sophie, 27, from London, used to write dystopian teenage rom-coms for the platform. 'Think Hunger Games meets Divergent, but terrible!' laughs Sophie, who wishes to remain anonymous. 'It was essentially about how people at 16 got "sorted" into different districts across the country, then matched.'
'I also wrote two others where there were two people left in the world, and they had to fall in love in 90 days.' Sophie says she loved Wattpad as a creative outlet and if moderating teenage stories becomes too strict, users will simply seek smut elsewhere. 'It was quite an important, non-judgemental place where predominantly young adults could go and read and explore,' she says. 'It definitely made me more open-minded and curious.'
Metro Lifestyle Reporter, Eleanor Noyce, 28, used the platform during 'nerdy' teenage years to enjoy Harry Potter fanfic centred around Lily and James Potter. 'These days, I can't pick up a book or rewatch the films because I object to comments JK Rowling has made about the trans community, but back then, I was obsessed with it,' she says. Eleanor, who is bisexual, says the platform played a key part for many exploring sexual identity.
'Wattpad was a sort of haven for young LGBTQ+ fans, many of whom hadn't come out, and so relied on digital anonymity both to express themselves and engage with other queer people,' she says. 'Plenty of this was fairly smutty, and while I didn't engage in this myself, I had plenty of friends at school who did.' Nevertheless, she does think smut should be restricted in some forms for younger teenagers and broadly supports Wattpad's updated guidelines and 'mature' label. 'However, I do think it'll be disseminated on other platforms like TikTok anyhow,' she notes.
Being safe online
RSHE Educator Rebecca Jennings tells Metro that while platforms like Wattpad have a responsibility to limit content for young users, parents equally need to 'take some control over what they are allowing their children to view.' 'There are also many unrealistic expectations in fictional writing, including the mechanics of sex, body image and the reality of relationships,' she says.
Rebecca believes Wattpad could go further than their 'Mature' or 'Everyone' rating system. 'I think that platforms such as Wattpad need to put as many content safety warnings as possible, to include age ratings, content warnings or parental controls.' 'As a film would have the BBFC rating, Wattpad should replicate this system if possible, as some readers simply do not realise the fictional piece they have chosen includes so much graphic detail.' As it stands, Wattpad users must be 13 and over to create an account.
