The Clarifai API is a tool leveraging deep-learning technology to identify objects, categories, and tags in images and videos, particularly useful for filtering out "not safe for work" (NSFW) content. It offers a free tier with up to 5,000 calls per month and allows for both general image tagging using pre-built models, such as those for detecting NSFW content, and custom tagging where users can train the AI with specific images. To use the API, users must obtain an access token from Clarifai's developer page and can then make calls through RapidAPI, which supports live coding and easy integration with applications. An example demonstrated the API's effectiveness by identifying a photo of a lamp as safe for work with 97% certainty, highlighting its capability in distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate content.