Content Filter

Automatically screen chat messages, posts, and recognitions for inappropriate language — and review flagged content before it reaches your members.


Overview

The Content Filter gives group admins control over what language members can post across three features: Chat, Posts, and Recognitions. When a member submits content that matches a filtered word, the group's enforcement mode determines what happens next — the word is replaced automatically, the submission is blocked outright, or it's held in a moderation queue for an admin to review.

Content filter availability may vary by plan. It is off by default and must be enabled by a group admin.

Where to find it Go to Group Settings → Content Filter. The card appears under the Content section of the settings hub.

Enabling the Filter

Open Group Settings → Content Filter and toggle Enable Content Filter on. The remaining options become active once the filter is enabled. All settings are saved automatically when you change them.


Filter Preset

The preset determines which built-in word list is used as the baseline for filtering. Two levels are available:

PresetWhat it covers
Moderate Common profanity and slurs — suitable for most groups that want a basic language guardrail
Strict Everything in Moderate plus suggestive and adult language — suitable for family groups or groups with minor members

The preset word list is maintained by Grūps App and cannot be viewed in full, but you can exclude individual words from it and add your own.

Groups with minor members If your group includes members under 18, the Strict preset is recommended. You can also enable Require Parental Consent for Minors in Group Settings → Safety for additional protection.

Enforcement Mode

The enforcement mode controls what happens when the filter detects a matching word in submitted content. Three modes are available:

ModeWhat happensBest for
Replace The filtered word is replaced with *** automatically. The content is published with the substitution in place. Groups that want light-touch filtering without blocking conversation
Block The submission is rejected entirely. The member sees an error message and must edit their content before resubmitting. Groups that want strict enforcement and no filtered content to appear at all
Send to Queue The content is held and marked "Under review." Admins and moderators review it in the Moderation Queue and approve or delete it. Groups that want human review before content reaches members

Also flag replaced content

When the enforcement mode is set to Replace, you can optionally enable Also flag replaced content. When on, any content that had words automatically replaced is also sent to the Moderation Queue so moderators are aware. The replaced content is published immediately — moderators can still delete it from the queue if needed.


Custom Words

Add words that are specific to your group's standards — on top of the chosen preset. Custom words follow the same enforcement mode as the rest of the filter.

Adding a word

  1. Scroll to the Additional Words section on the Content Filter page.
  2. Type the word in the input field. Words must be between 1 and 100 characters.
  3. Tap Add. The word appears in the list immediately.

Removing a word

Tap the × button next to any custom word to remove it from the list. Filtering takes effect on new submissions — existing content is not retroactively changed.

Matching is full-word and case-insensitive The filter matches complete words only — adding "bad" will not filter "badge" or "badminton". Filtering is case-insensitive, so "Bad", "BAD", and "bad" are all matched.

Excluded Preset Words

If a word in the built-in preset is too broad for your group — for example, a term that has legitimate use in your community — you can exclude it. Excluded words are removed from the preset's filter list for your group only.

The Excluded Preset Words section lists any words you've excluded. Tap Restore next to a word to add it back to the active filter list.


Moderation Queue

The Moderation Queue collects content that has been flagged — either because the enforcement mode is Send to Queue, or because Also flag replaced content is on. Only admins and members with a moderator role can access the queue.

Accessing the queue

There are two ways to reach the Moderation Queue:

Reviewing flagged content

Each item in the queue shows:

Actions

ActionWhat it does
Approve Publishes the content so all members can see it. The "Under review" state is removed. The author is not notified.
Delete Permanently removes the content. Members never see it. The author is not notified.

Real-time updates

The queue updates in real time — new flagged items appear automatically without a page refresh. The pending count badge on the Admin Dashboard also updates live.

Moderator notifications

When new content is flagged, all admins and members with a moderator role receive a push notification so the queue doesn't go unattended.


What Members See

Members are not shown the Content Filter settings or the Moderation Queue. Their experience depends on the enforcement mode:

ModeWhat the submitting member seesWhat other members see
Replace Their message appears with filtered words replaced by *** The same replaced version
Block An error toast: "Your message contains content that is not allowed in this group." The submission is not sent. Nothing — the content was never submitted
Send to Queue Their content appears with an Under review badge. It is visible only to them until approved. Nothing — the content is hidden until an admin approves it
Members don't know why their content was flagged The error message and "Under review" state give no detail about which word triggered the filter. This is intentional — it avoids giving members a roadmap for working around the filter.

Admin Dashboard Badge

When there are items pending in the Moderation Queue, a badge appears on the Moderate tab of the Admin Dashboard showing the number of pending items. The badge updates in real time as items are reviewed or new ones arrive.

Tap the Moderate tab to see the summary, then tap Moderation Queue to open the full list.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does the content filter apply retroactively to existing content?

No. The filter only applies to new submissions made after it is enabled. Existing chat messages, posts, and recognitions are not changed.

Can the filter catch variations like "h3ll0" or letters replacing symbols?

The filter performs full-word, case-insensitive matching on the literal words in the preset and your custom list. It does not detect creative substitutions or character swaps. For those cases, the Send to Queue mode with human review is the most effective approach.

What happens to flagged content if I disable the filter?

Disabling the filter stops new content from being filtered. Existing items in the Moderation Queue remain there for you to review and action — they are not automatically approved or deleted when the filter is turned off.

Can I give a member the ability to review the queue without making them a full admin?

Availability may vary by plan. Create a custom role with moderation permissions in Group Settings → Roles and assign it to the member. They will be able to access and action the Moderation Queue without having full admin access.

Is the content filter available on all plans?

Content filter availability may vary by plan. Where it's not included, the Content Filter card is shown locked in Group Settings.

Does the filter apply to chat message edits?

Yes. When a member edits a message, the updated text is checked against the filter before the edit is saved.