Rulebook

Near nudity (nudity covered only by an overlay, opaque object or see-through clothing), shots where crotch, buttocks or breasts are the focus, sexual activity shown only as shapes or silhouettes, recognized fictional implicit sex scenes, kissing with visible tongue, erotic or sexual dancing, simulated sex, sex-act hand gestures, porn-site logos/screenshots/clips, any audio of sexual activity, and sexually suggestive language or sexual metaphors (incl. in jokes).

Fix: Reframe or cut the focus shots, swap the sexual audio, remove adult-site logos, and tone down sexual wording if you want teen and non-follower reach.

Checker hint: Flag lingering zooms on body parts, twerking or grinding choreography, moaning sounds (including trending sounds), and watermarks or logos of adult sites (e.g. OnlyFans-style or porn tube logos). Swimwear or gym wear in a normal context does not count by itself. Content that is 18+ is also not recommended and hidden from teens.

“Logos, screenshots or video clips of known pornographic websites” Source

Medical-context video of dismemberment, innards, burns or throat-slitting; still images of those; a person's violent death or life-threatening event (hit by car, fall); brutality against restrained people; objects piercing skin; broken bleeding teeth; deceased babies or fetuses.

Fix: Trim or crop out the graphic moments, or accept the warning screen, 18+ limit and no recommendations. Keep such frames out of the cover.

Checker hint: These stay up with a sensitive-content screen, are limited to adults and are not recommended. Check the first frame and cover: a graphic cover shows before the warning.

“Imagery depicting acts of brutality (e.g., acts of violence or lethal threats on forcibly restrained subjects) committed against a person or group of people.” Source

Uncovered dead bodies without visible violence, needles piercing skin outside vaccination/tattoo/piercing/acupuncture, injured patients in visible pain, burning or exploding vehicles and violent crash aftermath, non-sport physical fights, human waste or bodily fluids (feces, vomit, pus, pimple-popping and other dermal extractions, blood), and fictional or photorealistic-fictional gore and violent deaths.

Fix: Crop or blur the fluids or injuries, cut the fight, or accept that adults only will see it and it will not be recommended.

Checker hint: Common creator hits: street fights, crash compilations, pimple-popping and skin-extraction videos, gross-out food challenges with vomit, horror skits with realistic gore. Combat sports in a sports setting do not count as fights.

“Imagery depicting human waste and bodily fluids (e.g., feces, urine, vomit, earwax, mucus, byproduct of dermal extractions, or blood).” Source

Animals dismembered, with visible innards, burned, boiled alive, going from live to dead, or people being brutal to living animals (kicking, drowning, plucking feathers) get a warning screen and 18+; animals with visible blood, giving birth with blood, with maggots, or injured and suffering are 18+.

Fix: Cut or crop the kill, blood or suffering moments, or accept the warning screen, 18+ limit and no recommendations.

Checker hint: Common hits: live seafood cooking (boiled alive), slaughter footage, hunting kill shots, vet or farm births with blood. Explicit sadistic remarks about animal suffering are removed.

“Imagery of humans committing acts of brutality on living animals (e.g. kicking, drowning, or plucking feathers).” Source

Personal admissions of self-injury or eating disorders, vague suicidal statements or memes presenting death as an escape (in a suicide/self-injury context), healed cuts or non-graphic self-injury imagery and body-part imagery in a recovery context.

Fix: Keep scars out of frame if they are not the point, and avoid 'I want to die' jokes. Recovery stories can stay but will reach fewer people.

Checker hint: Healed scars in frame and recovery body imagery get a warning screen plus 18+. Visible scars incidental to unrelated content are less likely to be actioned, but flag them.

“Content that depicts older instances of self-injury such as healed cuts or other non-graphic self-injury imagery in a self-injury, suicide or recovery context” Source

Speaking positively about or encouraging use of cannabis/THC products or entheogens (psychedelics), dispensary business posts, CBD sales, marijuana paraphernalia, admitting to taking prescription drugs.

Fix: Keep paraphernalia and positive use talk out of the video if teen and non-follower reach matters.

Checker hint: Bongs, rolling papers and dab rigs in frame count as paraphernalia. Fictional or documentary context is excepted for entheogens.

“Content depicting marijuana paraphernalia.” Source

Depicting consumption of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine or vapes; alcoholic drink recipes; promoting tobacco brands; legitimate businesses selling alcohol or tobacco; invitations to venues where alcohol is served.

Fix: Cut the drinking, smoking or vaping shots if you want teen reach; otherwise expect the 18+ limit.

Checker hint: Any visible drinking, cocktail recipe, smoking or vaping. Anti-smoking and cessation PSAs are excepted for tobacco. Being 18+ also removes teen reach and recommendations to teens.

“Content depicting the consumption of alcohol products or beverages or sharing recipes for alcoholic beverages.” Source

Selling, mentioning or favourably depicting weight-loss or weight-gain products, diet products or cosmetic procedures/surgeries (incl. skin whitening), or weight-loss clickbait with extreme claims or promised results in a set time.

Fix: Drop product promotion and timed results claims, or accept the 18+ limit and loss of recommendations.

Checker hint: Flag diet teas, appetite suppressants, GLP-1 promos, fat-burner patches, filler/botox/BBL promos and dramatic before/after reveals. Workout methods and makeup are not covered.

“Attempts to buy, sell, trade, donate, gift, mention or ask for weight loss or weight gain products or services.” Source

Claims (even by health professionals) to cure, heal or eliminate diabetes, herpes, thyroid disease, psoriasis, Ebola, cancer, autism, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS or HIV, or health clickbait promising specific results within a set time.

Fix: Replace 'cures' with accurate wording (manages, may help with symptoms), add qualifiers and sources.

Checker hint: Listed under Health and Wellness content Meta restricts to adults 18+. Claims about managing symptoms are not covered. Promoting harmful 'cures' like bleach is removed under the misinformation policy instead.

“Employs clickbait tactics in a health context, such as sensational language with exaggerated or extreme health claims, or promises of specific health-related results within a set timeframe without disclaimers or qualifiers.” Source

Selling or promoting adult sexual arousal products (sex toys, erotic products, sexual-performance products), adult entertainment businesses, or reproductive products focused on pleasure; depicting sex toys with no clear context.

Fix: Keep adult products out of general-audience videos or accept the 18+ limit.

Checker hint: Includes unboxing and review videos of sex toys and testosterone-booster promos. Family planning and contraception are treated separately.

“Depiction of sex toys with no clear context” Source

Depicting or promoting real-money online gambling (sports betting, casino, lotteries, sweepstakes), social casino games, or free-to-play games with gambling mechanics.

Fix: Remove promo codes and gambling-app screens if teens are in the audience; never claim guaranteed wins.

Checker hint: Slot streams, betting-app screens, promo codes and bet slips. Guaranteed-win claims, rigged-match claims or gambling promos disguised with unrelated text are removed under Prohibited Commercial Practices (see scams).

“Content that attempts to sell, trade, depict or promote social casino games that simulate gambling games such as slot machines, where there is no opportunity to win money or money’s worth.” Source

Identifiable people in a medical or health facility, children under 13, or people unable to consent, filmed without permission; removed when the person, a parent/guardian or the facility reports it.

Fix: Blur identifiable patients and children who are not yours, or get consent.

Checker hint: Report-based, so it cannot be predicted with certainty; flag identifiable patients and other people's children shown prominently.

“A minor under 13 years old, and the content was reported by the minor or a parent or legal guardian.” Source

Footage of dangerous driving that could cause life-threatening injury (street racing, speedometer at extreme speed, filming while driving recklessly), or promoting mid-risk viral challenges.

Fix: Cut the reckless-driving shots or show it in a clearly professional setting.

Checker hint: Fictional and professional settings (motorsport, stunt productions) are excepted. Teens' 13+ setting also avoids recommending risky stunts such as jumping from heights.

“Imagery depicting dangerous forms of driving a motor vehicle that could lead to life-threatening injuries or death to the driver or others, except if shared in fictional or professional settings.” Source

Coordinating, supporting or admitting to vandalism or theft (e.g. shoplifting hauls, 'I stole this' pranks, damaging property).

Fix: Remove admissions of theft or vandalism; make staged skits clearly fictional.

Checker hint: Exceptions: awareness or condemnation, redemption, fiction or staged settings, self-defence, protest vandalism, graffiti, and talking positively about others' theft.

“Coordinating, threatening, supporting or admitting to vandalism or theft (in written, visual or verbal form), except in the context of” Source

Offering cash, gift cards or prizes in exchange for likes, follows, shares or comments; requiring people to like, share, follow or otherwise publicly engage to unlock promised content; buying or selling engagement.

Fix: Make the reward or content available without requiring public engagement, or run giveaways without engagement requirements.

Checker hint: Flag 'like and follow to win $500', 'share this to unlock part 2', 'follow + comment to get the link'. Meta's text does not name comment-keyword DM automations specifically, so treat 'comment X to get it' as a risk only when following or other public engagement is required to get the content.

“Requiring users to engage (in the form of likes, shares, follows, or any other public-facing form of engagement) to gain access to specific, exclusive content.” Source

Posting or sharing at very high frequencies, manually or with automation, or posting repetitive near-identical content.

Fix: Pace scheduled posts and avoid reposting near-identical content.

Checker hint: Account behaviour, not visible in a single upload. Only mention when the creator says they bulk-schedule many near-identical posts.

“Posting, sharing, engaging with content or creating accounts, Groups, Pages, Events or other assets, either manually or automatically, at very high frequencies.” Source

Recorded music you do not have rights to, especially dense use of music or full-length tracks, music over a static image (a 'music listening experience'), or commercial/business use of music without licenses.

Fix: Use short clips or licensed/royalty-free music from the in-app library, and always have a real visual component.

Checker hint: Flag full songs, back-to-back tracks, lyric videos or song over a still image. Meta prohibits commercial or non-personal use of music without licenses, so brand and business posts are the riskiest; the in-app licensed library and Meta Sound Collection are safest. Does not count: short licensed clips or royalty-free tracks under real footage.

“The greater the density of music in content, the more likely it may be limited (e.g., blocked, muted or ineligible for Music Revenue Share)” Source

Photorealistic video or realistic-sounding audio that was digitally created, modified or altered (incl. with AI) shared without turning on the AI label, e.g. a realistic AI crowd scene, an AI-generated conversation, a song with AI vocals, or a Reel narrated by a realistic AI voice.

Fix: Turn on the AI label when posting realistic AI video or a realistic AI voice. Expect a label anyway if the export carries AI metadata.

Checker hint: Look for AI-generation artifacts, AI voice clones or TTS that sounds human, and C2PA/IPTC 'trainedAlgorithmicMedia' or generator names in metadata (Meta also auto-labels from such industry-standard signals). Not required: images and cartoon-style or obviously unrealistic video. Meta's examples of required labels are all realistic synthetic scenes or voices; light AI touch-ups (resize, colour) are low risk. Content detected as AI-generated gets an 'AI info' label; AI-modified content shows the info in the post menu.

“There may be penalties for content shared without a label when it is required.” Source

Content that discusses self-harm, suicide or eating disorders, or depicts or trivialises death or depression (e.g. 'kms' jokes, depression memes), even when allowed.

Fix: If non-follower reach matters, avoid casual death or suicide jokes in hooks, captions and overlays; recovery content will mostly reach followers.

Checker hint: Applies to supportive and recovery content too: it stays up and reaches followers but is not recommended. Personal experiences outside recovery are also hidden from teens.

“Content that discusses self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders, as well as content that depicts or trivialises themes around death or depression.” Source

Content that may depict violence, such as people fighting, shootings, brutality or deadly crashes.

Fix: Cut fight and violence clips if you want non-follower reach.

Checker hint: Street fights in reaction videos, crash compilations and brawl clips. Combat-sports content may also be caught.

“Content that may depict violence, such as people fighting.” Source

Content that may be sexually explicit or suggestive, e.g. see-through or revealing clothing, zoomed-in buttocks, near nudity, suggestive language.

Fix: Reframe shots and tone down suggestive captions for non-follower reach.

Checker hint: Lingering body-part zooms, see-through clothing and suggestive captions. Ordinary swimwear at a beach is a judgement call; flag only when the framing is sexualized.

“Content that may be sexually explicit or suggestive, such as pictures of people in see-through clothing.” Source

Content promoting tobacco or vaping products, adult products and services, or pharmaceutical drugs.

Fix: Keep vapes, cigarettes, adult products and prescription-drug promotion out of frame and caption.

Checker hint: Alcohol is not in this item; alcohol sales and drink recipes are hidden from teens instead (see alcohol-tobacco-18plus).

“Content that promotes the use of certain regulated products, such as tobacco or vaping products, adult products and services, or pharmaceutical drugs.” Source

Content that promotes or favourably depicts weight-loss products or services or cosmetic surgeries.

Fix: Focus on general fitness or nutrition without product or procedure promotion.

Checker hint: Before/after reveals tied to a product or procedure, discount codes for diet products, clinic promos.

“Content that promotes or favorably depicts the use of weight loss products or services and cosmetic surgeries.” Source

Unoriginal content largely repurposed from another source with only minor, immaterial edits.

Fix: Add real value: your own footage, on-screen presence, commentary or new information.

Checker hint: Downloaded clips with a caption bar, border, speed change or credit added. Material edits (your own presence, voiceover commentary, new analysis, meme or parody transformation) are fine.

“Unoriginal content that is largely repurposed from another source” Source

Long captions unrelated to the content (keyword or hashtag stuffing) and coordinated comment networks used to inflate engagement.

Fix: Keep the caption about what is in the video and drop unrelated tags; leave engagement pods.

Checker hint: Compare the caption topic with what the video shows; flag pasted keyword blocks and trending tags unrelated to the content.

“Long captions unrelated to the underlying content and coordinated comment networks intended to artificially drive engagement and distribution.” Source

The profile, Page, Group or Event recently violated the Community Standards, repeatedly posted non-recommendable content (including in Group or Page names and cover photos), bought likes or followers, or (where fact-checking runs) repeatedly posted content rated False or Altered.

Fix: Check Support home in the Professional Dashboard, clean up Page or Group names and cover photos, never buy engagement, and appeal mistakes.

Checker hint: Account-level; cannot be seen in one upload. Mention when other non-recommendable findings repeat across a creator's videos.

“Repeatedly engaged in misleading practices to build followings, such as purchasing ‘likes’.” Source

In countries where Meta still uses third-party fact-checkers, content rated False, Altered or Partly False.

Fix: Do not repost debunked clips or claims; verify before posting.

Checker hint: Flag reposts of widely debunked clips or claims. 'Missing Context' ratings get a label but usually no reduced distribution. In the US, Community Notes replaced fact-checking and Meta said it would stop demoting fact-checked content.

“Content that has been debunked as "False, Altered, or Partly False" by non-partisan, third-party fact-checking organizations” Source

Visible third-party watermarks or content visibly recycled from other apps; adding a watermark to someone else's clip does not make it original.

Fix: Re-export the original file without the watermark, or crop it out.

Checker hint: Check corners and end cards for other apps' logos and @handles.

“Avoid using visible third party watermarks and content that is visibly recycled from other apps or sources.” Source

Explicitly asking for votes, shares, comments, tags, likes or reactions for purposes other than a specific call to action.

Fix: Remove 'like if', 'share with 5 friends', 'tag someone who', 'comment YES'; use a specific call to action.

Checker hint: Check spoken hook, overlays and caption. Exceptions: missing people or property, fundraising, petitions, showing support for an issue, and time-sensitive disaster information.

“Posts that explicitly request engagement (such as votes, shares, comments, tags, likes, or other reactions) for purposes other than a specific call to action” Source

A post with a link that creates misleading expectations by withholding information, sensational phrasing ('You won't believe…'), or ALL CAPS and excessive exclamation marks.

Fix: Say plainly what the link contains; drop ALL CAPS and '!!!'.

Checker hint: Only applies to posts that include a link. Compare the caption promise with the link destination.

“Posts that lure people into clicking on an included link by creating misleading expectations about the post or article’s content.” Source

Posting someone else's video or photo with only minor changes: borders, logos or watermarks, a caption or title, background music, speed change, subtitles, describing what happens, watch-along or facial-expression reactions, basic compilations of clips, or an added intro/outro.

Fix: Make your own commentary, analysis or story the focus, or post footage you filmed.

Checker hint: Meaningful enhancements that DO count: your own on-screen presence as the focus plus new information, commentary or storyline; third-party clips interspersed in your own footage to support your critique; photo memes with text adding at least two new pieces of information.

“Third-party content that is posted without substantial changes is considered unoriginal and will receive reduced distribution.” Source

Long, distracting captions with an inordinate number of hashtags, or captions completely unrelated to the content.

Fix: Keep the caption short and about the video, with at most about 5 relevant hashtags.

Checker hint: Count hashtags and compare caption topic with the video. Meta's best-practice advice (not an enforcement rule): captions with no links, minimal capital letters and no more than five hashtags perform best (https://creators.facebook.com/blog/combating-unoriginal-content).

“Accounts that engage in these tactics will only have their content shown to their followers and will not be eligible for monetization.” Source

Networks of accounts posting the same content, manufactured (often paid) sharing, high-volume crossposting, or an audience largely made of fake likes, follows or views.

Fix: Grow organically, avoid paid share groups and bulk crossposting.

Checker hint: Behavioural; only mention if the creator says they post the same video across many owned Pages or use share groups. Sharing the same content across your own Pages or profiles is allowed per Meta's creator guidance.

“This includes manufactured sharing, which is coordinated distribution of content, often for compensation, and high volume crossposting.” Source

A video that is one static image with little motion, a slideshow of stills, a loop of the same segment (incl. GIFs), a text montage (images with overlaid text), or a static image poll.

Fix: Use real footage with motion; avoid slideshows and loops for videos you want to monetize.

Checker hint: Measure motion between frames and repetition of segments; quote-over-stock-footage montages count as text montages.

“Content that loops and displays the same segment multiple times.” Source

The video already contains manually inserted pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll or banner ads where Facebook offers ad placements.

Fix: Remove inserted ad segments and banners; integrate sponsors natively and tag them.

Checker hint: Look for ad-break bumpers, sponsor commercials spliced in, or banner ad overlays. Natively integrated sponsorships disclosed with the branded content tool are different.

“For example, a video that includes manually inserted mid-roll ads is ineligible for In-Stream Ads.” Source

Content that incentivizes clicks, likes, comments or shares, or asks for money/gifts in exchange for extreme behaviour (eating inedible things, showing graphic content, drinking or drug use, undressing or sexual behaviour).

Fix: Drop pay-for-stunt and engagement-for-reward prompts.

Checker hint: Flag 'if this gets 10k stars I'll…' and similar pay-for-stunt prompts.

“Content that requests compensation in exchange for extreme behavior, such as:” Source

Depicting or discussing race, gender, national origin, age, political affiliation, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, class, religion, immigration or election legitimacy in a polarizing or inflammatory way, or exploiting controversial issues for commercial purposes.

Fix: Keep the tone informative rather than inflammatory if the video is monetized.

Checker hint: Balanced or informative discussion is fine; flag rage-bait framing and insults.

“Content may be subject to reduced or disabled monetization if it depicts or discusses the following subjects in a polarizing or inflammatory manner:” Source

Depicting or discussing death, physical injury, mental disabilities, illness, physical/sexual/emotional abuse or property damage, real or fictional.

Fix: Keep tragedy coverage non-graphic and uplifting where possible, or accept limited ads.

Checker hint: Restricted category: may reduce or restrict monetization, not removal. Explicitly uplifting treatment may stay eligible.

“However, content that depicts or discusses these subjects in an explicitly uplifting manner may still be eligible for monetization.” Source

Depicting or discussing substance abuse, threats, advocating harm, trafficking, theft, vandalism, trespassing, fraud, hacking, copyright infringement and similar crimes; promoting sale or misuse of drugs.

Fix: Cut drug use and crime footage from monetized videos.

Checker hint: Real and fictional depictions both count (e.g. drug use, theft or vandalism pranks, hacking how-tos, pirated clips). Meta's page gives no exception for news or educational framing. Does not count: brief neutral mentions with nothing shown.

“We define "objectionable activity" as "substance use, abuse, or crimes."” Source

Nudity, sexual activity, sexual poses, suggestive dancing, simulated sex, sex objects, suggestive language, or revealing or absent clothing.

Fix: Avoid suggestive dancing, revealing outfits as the focus, and sexual jokes in monetized videos.

Checker hint: Stricter than the Community Standards: content that is allowed may still lose ads.

“We restrict the monetization of gratuitous nudity, depictions of people in explicit positions, or activities that are overly suggestive or sexually provocative.” Source

Profanity, derogatory words, sexual words, innuendo, crude gestures or vulgar motions, spoken, written or shown.

Fix: Bleep or cut strong language, especially in the opening, in monetized videos.

Checker hint: Count and locate swear words; frequent or early profanity is the main risk. Hateful conduct is restricted from monetization.

“We define “strong language” as "profanity, derogatory words, or vulgar sexual language."” Source

Wounds, infections, bodily fluids, medical procedures, food processing (slaughter), extreme body modification, bodily functions, eating inedible or nauseating substances, decay or infestation.

Fix: Cut or blur gore and bodily fluids in monetized videos.

Checker hint: Pimple-popping, surgery clips, slaughter, gross-out eating challenges.

“We restrict the monetization of sensational, disrespectful or excessively graphic content.” Source

Content rated false by a third-party fact checker, or medical claims disproven by an expert organization (including anti-vaccination claims).

Fix: Remove disproven claims or correct them with authoritative sources.

Checker hint: Prohibited category: ineligible to monetize. Check health claims against expert consensus.

“Content that contains medical claims that have been disproven by an expert organization.” Source

Content that features or is influenced by a business partner in exchange for money or free gifts (sponsorship, gifted product, discount code, affiliate deal) posted without the branded content tool ('Paid partnership' label) tagging the partner.

Fix: Turn on the Paid partnership label and tag the brand (with its permission); also say 'ad' or 'sponsored' in the video and caption.

Checker hint: Flag 'thanks to X for sponsoring', 'use my code', 'gifted', '#ad', '#sponsored', affiliate links, prominent product showcases with brand mentions. The platform tag is required in addition to any legal disclosure; creators also cannot accept value to post content that doesn't feature them or that they weren't involved in creating.

“Branded content may only be posted with the use of the branded content tool, and creators must use the branded content tool to tag the featured third party product, brand, or business partner with their prior permission.” Source

Branded content promoting illegal products, tobacco or vapes, drugs, unsafe supplements, weapons/ammo/fireworks, adult products (except family planning), payday loans or bail bonds, MLM, ICOs/binary options/CFDs, state lotteries, or exploiting political or social issues; posts by elected officials, candidates, parties or political committees (US exception for authorized partners).

Fix: Do not accept or post sponsorships in these categories on Meta apps.

Checker hint: Identify the sponsor's product category from the script, packaging and caption.

“Certain goods, services, or brands may not be promoted with branded content.” Source

Branded content for alcohol, subscription services, credit/loans/insurance, cosmetic procedures or weight loss, or contraception without the required age (18+, alcohol 21+ in the US) and country restrictions; or for dating, real-money gambling, pharmacies, prescription drugs, crypto or addiction treatment without the partner's written Meta authorization.

Fix: Set the required age and country restrictions before posting, and confirm the brand has Meta's written authorization where needed.

Checker hint: Identify the sponsor category; age-gating is set in the app, so remind rather than detect.

“Some sensitive content can only be promoted with restrictions, such as restricting who can see the post based on age or geographical location.” Source

The creator has a material connection to a brand they mention or show (paid deal, free or discounted product, affiliate link or code, employment, family or personal tie) and the video itself has no clear disclosure. A disclosure that is only in the caption or description, only at the end, hidden among hashtags, or uses vague words like 'sp', 'spon', 'collab', 'thanks' or 'ambassador' does not count.

Fix: Say it and show it at the start of the video, in the same language as the video: for example say 'This video is sponsored by X' and put 'Ad' or 'Paid partnership with X' on screen long enough to read. Keep the caption disclosure too, and also switch on the platform's paid-partnership label, but do not rely on the label alone. On a livestream, repeat it every so often.

Checker hint: Step 1, find a likely brand relationship: discount or promo codes ('use my code'), affiliate or 'link in bio' calls to buy, 'thanks to X', 'X sent me', 'PR package', 'gifted', unboxing of products the creator says they got free, a brand repeatedly named or shown as the subject, or the creator saying they work for or own the business. Step 2, look for a disclosure inside the video that is hard to miss and comes with the endorsement (ideally both spoken and on screen, near the start): 'ad', 'advertisement', 'sponsored', 'paid partnership with X', 'Thanks to X for the free product'. Flag if the only disclosure is in the caption/description, at the very end, inside a block of hashtags, in a different language from the video, or uses 'sp', 'spon', 'collab', or stand-alone 'thanks'/'ambassador'. Do not flag a creator who clearly bought the product themselves and has no relationship with the brand. If a brand is promoted but no relationship is visible, report it as 'check: do you have a relationship with this brand?' rather than a violation.

“the disclosure should be in the video and not just in the description uploaded with the video.” Source

Content the creator was paid for, given free products for, or earns affiliate commission on is not clearly labelled as an ad from the very start. In the UK, labels such as 'sponsored', 'gifted', 'in partnership with', 'thanks to X', 'PR', 'collab', 'aff' or just tagging the brand are advised against, and a disclosure only part-way through a video or behind 'more' does not count.

Fix: Put 'Ad' on screen in the first seconds (and at the start of the caption), and say it. Swap 'gifted' or 'sponsored' for 'Ad'. Keep labelling content about that brand for 12 months after the deal ends.

Checker hint: Use the same brand-relationship signals as general.us-ftc-sponsored-no-in-video-disclosure. Then check the label wording and placement for UK audiences: accepted are 'Ad', '#ad', 'Advert', 'Advertising', 'Advertisement', 'Advertisement feature' (a '#' is optional). Flag labels the ASA advises against even though the US FTC accepts some of them: 'Sponsored', 'Sponsorship', 'Gift'/'Gifted', 'In association with', 'In partnership with', 'Supported by', 'Funded by', 'Made possible by', 'PR', 'PR trip', 'Affiliate'/'Aff', 'Collab', 'brand ambassador', 'iworkwith'. Flag when the label only appears after the start of the video, only in the caption after the 'more' cut, or buried in hashtags. A platform 'Paid partnership' label can be enough only if it is upfront, clear and prominent.

“include a clear and prominent ‘Ad’ label upfront before people view the rest of the content” Source

A video promotes a product or brand that paid for it (money, free products, affiliate deal) but presents it as ordinary content, without making the paid nature clear in the video by words, images or sounds. Also covers a business posing as an ordinary consumer.

Fix: Add a clear spoken and on-screen disclosure at the start in the local language, and use the platform's 'commercial content' / 'paid partnership' toggle, which EU platforms must offer under the Digital Services Act (Art. 26(2)).

Checker hint: Same relationship signals as the US rule. Look for a clear disclosure inside the video in the language of the audience (for example 'Werbung'/'Anzeige', 'publicité'/'collaboration commerciale', 'publicidad', 'pubblicità', 'reklama', or 'ad'). Also flag a brand owner or employee presenting themselves as an independent customer ('I just found this product…'). Do not flag unpaid, independent reviews.

“Using editorial content in the media to promote a product where a trader has paid for the promotion without making that clear in the content or by images or sounds clearly identifiable by the consumer (advertorial).” Source

In a sponsored or affiliate video the creator describes personal experience with a product they have not used, gives an opinion they do not hold, or makes claims that would need proof the brand does not have, especially health claims (treats, cures, prevents, weight-loss amounts) or results claims (income, returns).

Fix: Only describe what you actually experienced. Drop disease and cure claims and specific results unless the brand gives you the evidence and the claim matches it. Say 'the brand says…' rather than presenting a claim as your own experience.

Checker hint: Only check videos that look sponsored or affiliate (see general.us-ftc-sponsored-no-in-video-disclosure). Flag: 'cures', 'treats', 'heals', 'reverses', 'prevents' a disease or condition; specific weight-loss or income figures presented as typical; 'clinically proven' with no source; the creator saying they have not tried it yet while describing results ('this will clear your skin'). Do not flag clearly personal taste ('I like the smell') or claims the creator attributes to a cited study they show.

“You can’t make up claims about a product that would require proof the advertiser doesn’t have – such as scientific proof that a product can treat a health condition.” Source

A commercial video (ad, sponsored post, a brand's own channel) calls a product 'eco-friendly', 'green', 'climate friendly', 'sustainable' or similar without proven excellent environmental performance, claims it is climate neutral or has reduced emissions because of carbon offsetting, or shows a self-made sustainability badge that is not a certification scheme or public label.

Fix: Replace vague eco words with a specific, provable fact, drop 'climate neutral' claims that rely on offsetting, and only show certification labels the product actually holds.

Checker hint: Only check commercial content. Flag generic claims ('eco-friendly', 'green', 'environmentally friendly', 'nature's friend', 'ecological', 'climate friendly', 'gentle on the environment', 'biodegradable' with no detail), 'carbon neutral', 'climate neutral', 'CO2 compensated', 'net zero product' when based on offsets, and sustainability badges or seals designed by the brand. Do not flag specific, evidenced claims ('packaging is 100% recycled cardboard'), recognised certification logos, or non-commercial content.

“Making a generic environmental claim for which the trader is not able to demonstrate recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim.” Source

A video contains AI-generated or AI-manipulated image, audio or video that resembles real people, objects, places or events and would falsely appear authentic (face swaps, voice clones, lip-sync edits, realistic AI scenes or 'footage'), and the video does not disclose this at the first exposure.

Fix: Add a clear 'AI-generated' or 'Made with AI' label on screen from the first seconds (persistent for realistic content), say it in the audio if the AI part is a voice, and also switch on the platform's AI-content label. For satire or fiction, a short opening or closing note is enough.

Checker hint: Flag realistic synthetic or altered media: a real person's face or voice saying or doing something they did not, AI voice-over imitating a real person, photoreal AI 'news' or disaster footage, AI-altered real locations or products shown as real. File metadata with C2PA/Content Credentials or generator tags (for example Sora, Veo, Runway, Kling, ElevenLabs) is a strong signal. Then look for a clear disclosure at the start: on-screen 'AI-generated' / 'AI-manipulated' (or the EU 'AI' icon), and a spoken line for audio-only content; a caption-only note, a tiny faint label or a label that flashes for an instant is not enough. Do not flag clearly fantastical or physically impossible content (dragons, people flying), standard editing that does not change meaning (colour, noise reduction, stabilisation), or AI used only to write the script. For evidently artistic, satirical or fictional work the duty still exists but is lighter: a disclosure that does not spoil the work, e.g. in the opening or end credits.

“shall disclose that the content has been artificially generated or manipulated.” Source

A paid political ad or sponsorship about a candidate, election or ballot question in a US state with an AI-disclosure law contains AI-generated image, audio or video and lacks the required statement. In Michigan the statement must say it was generated in whole or substantially by AI, shown for at least 4 seconds and spoken for at least 3 seconds at the beginning or end of a video.

Fix: Add the state's required statement, for example on screen for at least 4 seconds and spoken for at least 3 seconds at the start or end: 'This ad was generated in whole or substantially by artificial intelligence.' Check the rules of the state where the election is.

Checker hint: Only check paid political content (creator says they were paid by a campaign, PAC or committee, or the caption says 'Paid for by…'). Flag AI-generated or altered images, voices or video of candidates or election scenes without an on-screen and spoken AI statement. Satire and parody are exempt in Michigan. Unpaid political commentary is not covered by the Michigan law (but see platform political-content and AI rules).

“State that the qualified political advertisement was generated in whole or substantially by artificial intelligence.” Source

The video encourages, promotes or gives instructions for suicide, self-injury, or an eating disorder or its behaviours, or is pornographic. Platforms must stop UK children from encountering this, using strong age checks, even where their own rules allow it for adults.

Fix: Remove methods, instructions and anything that presents self-harm or disordered eating as a goal; focus on recovery and add support resources. Pornographic content cannot be made suitable for minors.

Checker hint: Flag: methods or instructions for suicide or self-harm, content presenting self-harm or suicide as a solution or aspirational, 'pro-ana'/'pro-mia', extreme calorie-restriction or purging tips, 'thinspiration' or body-checking framed as goals, coded hashtags for these, and pornographic material. Do not flag recovery stories, awareness or support content that does not show methods, helpline information, or news reporting; still note that platforms may restrict sensitive recovery content for teens.

“Content which encourages, promotes or provides instructions for an act of deliberate self-injury.” Source

Near nudity (nudity covered only by an overlay, opaque object or see-through clothing), shots where crotch, buttocks or breasts are the focus, sexual activity shown only as shapes or silhouettes, recognized fictional implicit sex scenes, kissing with visible tongue, erotic or sexual dancing, simulated sex, sex-act hand gestures, porn-site logos/screenshots/clips, any audio of sexual activity, and sexually suggestive language or sexual metaphors (incl. in jokes).

Fix: Reframe or cut the focus shots, swap the sexual audio, remove adult-site logos, and tone down sexual wording if you want teen and non-follower reach.

Checker hint: Flag lingering zooms on body parts, twerking or grinding choreography, moaning sounds (including trending sounds), and watermarks or logos of adult sites (e.g. OnlyFans-style or porn tube logos). Swimwear or gym wear in a normal context does not count by itself. Content that is 18+ is also not recommended and hidden from teens.

“Logos, screenshots or video clips of known pornographic websites” Source

Medical-context video of dismemberment, innards, burns or throat-slitting; still images of those; a person's violent death or life-threatening event (hit by car, fall); brutality against restrained people; objects piercing skin; broken bleeding teeth; deceased babies or fetuses.

Fix: Trim or crop out the graphic moments, or accept the warning screen, 18+ limit and no recommendations. Keep such frames out of the cover.

Checker hint: These stay up with a sensitive-content screen, are limited to adults and are not recommended. Check the first frame and cover: a graphic cover shows before the warning.

“Imagery depicting acts of brutality (e.g., acts of violence or lethal threats on forcibly restrained subjects) committed against a person or group of people.” Source

Uncovered dead bodies without visible violence, needles piercing skin outside vaccination/tattoo/piercing/acupuncture, injured patients in visible pain, burning or exploding vehicles and violent crash aftermath, non-sport physical fights, human waste or bodily fluids (feces, vomit, pus, pimple-popping and other dermal extractions, blood), and fictional or photorealistic-fictional gore and violent deaths.

Fix: Crop or blur the fluids or injuries, cut the fight, or accept that adults only will see it and it will not be recommended.

Checker hint: Common creator hits: street fights, crash compilations, pimple-popping and skin-extraction videos, gross-out food challenges with vomit, horror skits with realistic gore. Combat sports in a sports setting do not count as fights.

“Imagery depicting human waste and bodily fluids (e.g., feces, urine, vomit, earwax, mucus, byproduct of dermal extractions, or blood).” Source

Animals dismembered, with visible innards, burned, boiled alive, going from live to dead, or people being brutal to living animals (kicking, drowning, plucking feathers) get a warning screen and 18+; animals with visible blood, giving birth with blood, with maggots, or injured and suffering are 18+.

Fix: Cut or crop the kill, blood or suffering moments, or accept the warning screen, 18+ limit and no recommendations.

Checker hint: Common hits: live seafood cooking (boiled alive), slaughter footage, hunting kill shots, vet or farm births with blood. Explicit sadistic remarks about animal suffering are removed.

“Imagery of humans committing acts of brutality on living animals (e.g. kicking, drowning, or plucking feathers).” Source

Personal admissions of self-injury or eating disorders, vague suicidal statements or memes presenting death as an escape (in a suicide/self-injury context), healed cuts or non-graphic self-injury imagery and body-part imagery in a recovery context.

Fix: Keep scars out of frame if they are not the point, and avoid 'I want to die' jokes. Recovery stories can stay but will reach fewer people.

Checker hint: Healed scars in frame and recovery body imagery get a warning screen plus 18+. Visible scars incidental to unrelated content are less likely to be actioned, but flag them.

“Content that depicts older instances of self-injury such as healed cuts or other non-graphic self-injury imagery in a self-injury, suicide or recovery context” Source

Speaking positively about or encouraging use of cannabis/THC products or entheogens (psychedelics), dispensary business posts, CBD sales, marijuana paraphernalia, admitting to taking prescription drugs.

Fix: Keep paraphernalia and positive use talk out of the video if teen and non-follower reach matters.

Checker hint: Bongs, rolling papers and dab rigs in frame count as paraphernalia. Fictional or documentary context is excepted for entheogens.

“Content depicting marijuana paraphernalia.” Source

Depicting consumption of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine or vapes; alcoholic drink recipes; promoting tobacco brands; legitimate businesses selling alcohol or tobacco; invitations to venues where alcohol is served.

Fix: Cut the drinking, smoking or vaping shots if you want teen reach; otherwise expect the 18+ limit.

Checker hint: Any visible drinking, cocktail recipe, smoking or vaping. Anti-smoking and cessation PSAs are excepted for tobacco. Being 18+ also removes teen reach and recommendations to teens.

“Content depicting the consumption of alcohol products or beverages or sharing recipes for alcoholic beverages.” Source

Selling, mentioning or favourably depicting weight-loss or weight-gain products, diet products or cosmetic procedures/surgeries (incl. skin whitening), or weight-loss clickbait with extreme claims or promised results in a set time.

Fix: Drop product promotion and timed results claims, or accept the 18+ limit and loss of recommendations.

Checker hint: Flag diet teas, appetite suppressants, GLP-1 promos, fat-burner patches, filler/botox/BBL promos and dramatic before/after reveals. Workout methods and makeup are not covered.

“Attempts to buy, sell, trade, donate, gift, mention or ask for weight loss or weight gain products or services.” Source

Claims (even by health professionals) to cure, heal or eliminate diabetes, herpes, thyroid disease, psoriasis, Ebola, cancer, autism, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS or HIV, or health clickbait promising specific results within a set time.

Fix: Replace 'cures' with accurate wording (manages, may help with symptoms), add qualifiers and sources.

Checker hint: Listed under Health and Wellness content Meta restricts to adults 18+. Claims about managing symptoms are not covered. Promoting harmful 'cures' like bleach is removed under the misinformation policy instead.

“Employs clickbait tactics in a health context, such as sensational language with exaggerated or extreme health claims, or promises of specific health-related results within a set timeframe without disclaimers or qualifiers.” Source

Selling or promoting adult sexual arousal products (sex toys, erotic products, sexual-performance products), adult entertainment businesses, or reproductive products focused on pleasure; depicting sex toys with no clear context.

Fix: Keep adult products out of general-audience videos or accept the 18+ limit.

Checker hint: Includes unboxing and review videos of sex toys and testosterone-booster promos. Family planning and contraception are treated separately.

“Depiction of sex toys with no clear context” Source

Depicting or promoting real-money online gambling (sports betting, casino, lotteries, sweepstakes), social casino games, or free-to-play games with gambling mechanics.

Fix: Remove promo codes and gambling-app screens if teens are in the audience; never claim guaranteed wins.

Checker hint: Slot streams, betting-app screens, promo codes and bet slips. Guaranteed-win claims, rigged-match claims or gambling promos disguised with unrelated text are removed under Prohibited Commercial Practices (see scams).

“Content that attempts to sell, trade, depict or promote social casino games that simulate gambling games such as slot machines, where there is no opportunity to win money or money’s worth.” Source

Identifiable people in a medical or health facility, children under 13, or people unable to consent, filmed without permission; removed when the person, a parent/guardian or the facility reports it.

Fix: Blur identifiable patients and children who are not yours, or get consent.

Checker hint: Report-based, so it cannot be predicted with certainty; flag identifiable patients and other people's children shown prominently.

“A minor under 13 years old, and the content was reported by the minor or a parent or legal guardian.” Source

Footage of dangerous driving that could cause life-threatening injury (street racing, speedometer at extreme speed, filming while driving recklessly), or promoting mid-risk viral challenges.

Fix: Cut the reckless-driving shots or show it in a clearly professional setting.

Checker hint: Fictional and professional settings (motorsport, stunt productions) are excepted. Teens' 13+ setting also avoids recommending risky stunts such as jumping from heights.

“Imagery depicting dangerous forms of driving a motor vehicle that could lead to life-threatening injuries or death to the driver or others, except if shared in fictional or professional settings.” Source

Coordinating, supporting or admitting to vandalism or theft (e.g. shoplifting hauls, 'I stole this' pranks, damaging property).

Fix: Remove admissions of theft or vandalism; make staged skits clearly fictional.

Checker hint: Exceptions: awareness or condemnation, redemption, fiction or staged settings, self-defence, protest vandalism, graffiti, and talking positively about others' theft.

“Coordinating, threatening, supporting or admitting to vandalism or theft (in written, visual or verbal form), except in the context of” Source

Offering cash, gift cards or prizes in exchange for likes, follows, shares or comments; requiring people to like, share, follow or otherwise publicly engage to unlock promised content; buying or selling engagement.

Fix: Make the reward or content available without requiring public engagement, or run giveaways without engagement requirements.

Checker hint: Flag 'like and follow to win $500', 'share this to unlock part 2', 'follow + comment to get the link'. Meta's text does not name comment-keyword DM automations specifically, so treat 'comment X to get it' as a risk only when following or other public engagement is required to get the content.

“Requiring users to engage (in the form of likes, shares, follows, or any other public-facing form of engagement) to gain access to specific, exclusive content.” Source

Posting or sharing at very high frequencies, manually or with automation, or posting repetitive near-identical content.

Fix: Pace scheduled posts and avoid reposting near-identical content.

Checker hint: Account behaviour, not visible in a single upload. Only mention when the creator says they bulk-schedule many near-identical posts.

“Posting, sharing, engaging with content or creating accounts, Groups, Pages, Events or other assets, either manually or automatically, at very high frequencies.” Source

Recorded music you do not have rights to, especially dense use of music or full-length tracks, music over a static image (a 'music listening experience'), or commercial/business use of music without licenses.

Fix: Use short clips or licensed/royalty-free music from the in-app library, and always have a real visual component.

Checker hint: Flag full songs, back-to-back tracks, lyric videos or song over a still image. Meta prohibits commercial or non-personal use of music without licenses, so brand and business posts are the riskiest; the in-app licensed library and Meta Sound Collection are safest. Does not count: short licensed clips or royalty-free tracks under real footage.

“The greater the density of music in content, the more likely it may be limited (e.g., blocked, muted or ineligible for Music Revenue Share)” Source

Photorealistic video or realistic-sounding audio that was digitally created, modified or altered (incl. with AI) shared without turning on the AI label, e.g. a realistic AI crowd scene, an AI-generated conversation, a song with AI vocals, or a Reel narrated by a realistic AI voice.

Fix: Turn on the AI label when posting realistic AI video or a realistic AI voice. Expect a label anyway if the export carries AI metadata.

Checker hint: Look for AI-generation artifacts, AI voice clones or TTS that sounds human, and C2PA/IPTC 'trainedAlgorithmicMedia' or generator names in metadata (Meta also auto-labels from such industry-standard signals). Not required: images and cartoon-style or obviously unrealistic video. Meta's examples of required labels are all realistic synthetic scenes or voices; light AI touch-ups (resize, colour) are low risk. Content detected as AI-generated gets an 'AI info' label; AI-modified content shows the info in the post menu.

“There may be penalties for content shared without a label when it is required.” Source

An account that repeatedly posts content prominently featuring a photorealistic AI-generated person without the 'AI-generated profile' label turned on.

Fix: Turn on 'AI-generated profile' in Edit Profile, or appeal in Account Status if the person is real.

Checker hint: Flag when the main on-camera person looks AI-generated (virtual influencer, AI avatar presenter). Using AI tools for edits, captions or graphics does not require the profile label.

“Repeatedly and recently shared content that prominently features a photorealistic AI-generated person, unless the account has disclosed this by adding the AI-generated profile label.” Source

Content that discusses self-harm, suicide or eating disorders, or depicts or trivialises death or depression (e.g. 'kms' jokes, depression memes), even when allowed.

Fix: If non-follower reach matters, avoid casual death or suicide jokes in hooks, captions and overlays; recovery content will mostly reach followers.

Checker hint: Applies to supportive and recovery content too: it stays up and reaches followers but is not recommended. Personal experiences outside recovery are also hidden from teens.

“Content that discusses self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders, as well as content that depicts or trivialises themes around death or depression.” Source

Content that may depict violence, such as people fighting, shootings, brutality or deadly crashes.

Fix: Cut fight and violence clips if you want non-follower reach.

Checker hint: Street fights in reaction videos, crash compilations and brawl clips. Combat-sports content may also be caught.

“Content that may depict violence, such as people fighting.” Source

Content that may be sexually explicit or suggestive, e.g. see-through or revealing clothing, zoomed-in buttocks, near nudity, suggestive language.

Fix: Reframe shots and tone down suggestive captions for non-follower reach.

Checker hint: Lingering body-part zooms, see-through clothing and suggestive captions. Ordinary swimwear at a beach is a judgement call; flag only when the framing is sexualized.

“Content that may be sexually explicit or suggestive, such as pictures of people in see-through clothing.” Source

Content promoting tobacco or vaping products, adult products and services, or pharmaceutical drugs.

Fix: Keep vapes, cigarettes, adult products and prescription-drug promotion out of frame and caption.

Checker hint: Alcohol is not in this item; alcohol sales and drink recipes are hidden from teens instead (see alcohol-tobacco-18plus).

“Content that promotes the use of certain regulated products, such as tobacco or vaping products, adult products and services, or pharmaceutical drugs.” Source

Content that promotes or favourably depicts weight-loss products or services or cosmetic surgeries.

Fix: Focus on general fitness or nutrition without product or procedure promotion.

Checker hint: Before/after reveals tied to a product or procedure, discount codes for diet products, clinic promos.

“Content that promotes or favorably depicts the use of weight loss products or services and cosmetic surgeries.” Source

Unoriginal content largely repurposed from another source with only minor, immaterial edits.

Fix: Add real value: your own footage, on-screen presence, commentary or new information.

Checker hint: Downloaded clips with a caption bar, border, speed change or credit added. Material edits (your own presence, voiceover commentary, new analysis, meme or parody transformation) are fine.

“Unoriginal content that is largely repurposed from another source” Source

Long captions unrelated to the content (keyword or hashtag stuffing) and coordinated comment networks used to inflate engagement.

Fix: Keep the caption about what is in the video and drop unrelated tags; leave engagement pods.

Checker hint: Compare the caption topic with what the video shows; flag pasted keyword blocks and trending tags unrelated to the content.

“Long captions unrelated to the underlying content and coordinated comment networks intended to artificially drive engagement and distribution.” Source

The account recently violated the Community Standards, repeatedly posted non-recommendable content (including in its name, username, profile photo or bio), bought likes or followers, or (where fact-checking runs) repeatedly posted content rated False; on Instagram also accounts banned from ads.

Fix: Check Account Status, clean up the bio and profile photo, never buy engagement, and appeal mistakes.

Checker hint: Account-level; cannot be seen in one upload. Mention when other non-recommendable findings repeat across a creator's videos.

“Repeatedly engaged in misleading practices to build followings, such as purchasing ‘likes’.” Source

In countries where Meta still uses third-party fact-checkers, content rated False or Altered (e.g. a debunked viral clip or claim).

Fix: Do not repost debunked clips or claims; verify before posting.

Checker hint: Flag reposts of clips or claims that are widely known to be debunked. In the US Meta replaced fact-checking with Community Notes and said it would stop demoting fact-checked content.

“In countries where Meta supports third-party fact-checking, content that has been reviewed and rated by independent third-party fact-checkers.” Source

Exaggerated health claims or products sold on them ('miracle cures'), or promotion of misleading business models such as payday loans.

Fix: Remove exaggerated claims, add qualifiers, and avoid promoting payday or instant loans.

Checker hint: Flag 'cures', 'melts fat', 'guaranteed results', instant-loan or payday-loan promos. Cosmetic-procedure promos are covered by rec-weight-loss-cosmetic, so don't double-flag. Does not count: accurate health information with qualifiers, or mainstream bank/credit products.

“Content that promotes misleading or deceptive business models, such as payday loans.” Source

Posts that bait engagement ('like if…', 'tag someone who…', 'comment YES') or use withholding, sensational hooks people say they dislike.

Fix: Replace vote/like/tag asks with a specific, honest call to action and a hook that tells viewers what they will get.

Checker hint: Check the spoken hook, overlays and caption. A specific call to action (watch the full tutorial, sign this petition) is not engagement bait.

“Content that users broadly tell us they dislike, such as clickbait or engagement bait.” Source

Content that promotes using fraudulent documents, such as a post about using a fake ID.

Fix: Leave fake-ID references out or frame them critically.

Checker hint: Joking approvingly about fake IDs counts. Selling or offering fake documents is removed under the restricted goods policy.

“Content that promotes the use of fraudulent documents, such as someone sharing a post about using a fake ID.” Source

A visible watermark or logo from another app (e.g. TikTok, CapCut template, other platforms' usernames) on a Reel.

Fix: Re-export from the original project without the watermark, or crop or cover it. Do not download from TikTok to repost.

Checker hint: Check corners and the end card for bouncing TikTok logos and @handles, CapCut template marks, and other app badges. Instagram's head said in 2024 that a creator's own logo is fine (credible reporting).

“low-resolution or watermarked reels” Source

Re-uploading a video identical to one already on Instagram; Instagram recommends only the original, replaces the copy and may add a label linking to the original creator.

Fix: Post your own footage, or transform the clip (voiceover, reaction, remix) and credit or Collab with the original creator.

Checker hint: Applies when the original is relatively new and the audio/visual match is confident. Material edits are exempt: memes, parody compilations, new voiceover, reaction remixes.

“when we find two or more identical pieces of content on Instagram, we will only recommend the original one.” Source

Posting content from other Instagram users that you didn't create or materially enhance 10 or more times in a rolling 30 days makes the account ineligible for recommendations. Since April 2026 this reportedly extends to accounts that primarily post unoriginal photos and carousels too (Engadget quoting Meta; Meta's own post not located).

Fix: Transform reposts with your own narration, edits or graphics, or use Collab with the original creator; check eligibility in Account Status.

Checker hint: One upload only adds to the count; flag when this upload is itself an unenhanced repost. Watermarks or credits to the original creator are 'low-effort edits' that do not count as material. Publishers with licensing agreements are exempt.

“accounts that repeatedly (10 or more times in the last 30 days) post content from other Instagram users that they didn't create or enhance in a material way will not be shown in surfaces where we recommend content” Source

Content that features or is influenced by a business partner in exchange for money or free gifts (sponsorship, gifted product, discount code, affiliate deal) posted without the branded content tool ('Paid partnership' label) tagging the partner.

Fix: Turn on the Paid partnership label and tag the brand (with its permission); also say 'ad' or 'sponsored' in the video and caption.

Checker hint: Flag 'thanks to X for sponsoring', 'use my code', 'gifted', '#ad', '#sponsored', affiliate links, prominent product showcases with brand mentions. The platform tag is required in addition to any legal disclosure; creators also cannot accept value to post content that doesn't feature them or that they weren't involved in creating.

“Branded content may only be posted with the use of the branded content tool, and creators must use the branded content tool to tag the featured third party product, brand, or business partner with their prior permission.” Source

Branded content promoting illegal products, tobacco or vapes, drugs, unsafe supplements, weapons/ammo/fireworks, adult products (except family planning), payday loans or bail bonds, MLM, ICOs/binary options/CFDs, state lotteries, or exploiting political or social issues; posts by elected officials, candidates, parties or political committees (US exception for authorized partners).

Fix: Do not accept or post sponsorships in these categories on Meta apps.

Checker hint: Identify the sponsor's product category from the script, packaging and caption.

“Certain goods, services, or brands may not be promoted with branded content.” Source

Branded content for alcohol, subscription services, credit/loans/insurance, cosmetic procedures or weight loss, or contraception without the required age (18+, alcohol 21+ in the US) and country restrictions; or for dating, real-money gambling, pharmacies, prescription drugs, crypto or addiction treatment without the partner's written Meta authorization.

Fix: Set the required age and country restrictions before posting, and confirm the brand has Meta's written authorization where needed.

Checker hint: Identify the sponsor category; age-gating is set in the app, so remind rather than detect.

“Some sensitive content can only be promoted with restrictions, such as restricting who can see the post based on age or geographical location.” Source

A video or post that only promotes or sells a product, service or event without useful insight, news or advice.

Fix: Add real value: a tip, a lesson learned, data or a how-to alongside the promotion.

Checker hint: Ad-style videos: product shots, prices, 'book now', with no tips or lessons. A product update paired with practical insight is fine.

“Content that solely attempts to promote or sell products, services, or events without also offering useful insights, news, or advice.” Source

Explicitly asking for likes, shares, comments or follows: 'Like if you agree!', reaction-vote polls, tagging people for attention, unrelated sharing requests, exaggeration, or irrelevant hashtags.

Fix: Drop the engagement request; ask a real question instead and use only relevant hashtags.

Checker hint: 'Comment YES', 'like for part 2', 'react with heart for A', 'follow for more', hashtags unrelated to the topic. Asking for genuine opinions to start a discussion is allowed. The rule is about irrelevant hashtags, not a set number.

“Content or actions that explicitly ask for likes, shares, comments, or follows. Examples include reaction-vote polls (e.g. “Like if you agree!”), tagging for attention, unrelated sharing requests, posts exaggerating information, or adding irrelevant hashtags.” Source

Emoji or reaction polls, posts that misrepresent LinkedIn features (e.g. 'double-tap to...'), or chain-letter posts asking for likes, reactions and shares.

Fix: Remove the fake-feature or chain-letter request.

Checker hint: 'Type 1 to see magic', 'double-tap to unlock', 'share this to 10 people'.

“Posts that misrepresent the functionality of the LinkedIn platform (e.g. double-tap feature) to artificially increase engagement” Source

Simply copying and posting someone else's content (video, carousel, text) without your own insight.

Fix: Reshare with your own perspective, or make your own version.

Checker hint: Other creators' watermarks or faces, viral clips downloaded from other platforms. Using LinkedIn's reshare with your own commentary is fine.

“Resharing valuable posts with your network is always encouraged, but simply copying and posting someone else’s content is discouraged.” Source

Dismissive or derisive content that mocks people or groups, shouting, swear words, provoking arguments, exaggerating to create fear, jokes at others' expense, corporate memes or viral videos.

Fix: Remove swear words and mocking, and make your point calmly.

Checker hint: Any swearing in speech or captions, sarcastic put-downs of a group, 'hot take' fear-mongering. Respectful disagreement is welcome.

“Unconstructive: content that disrupts conversations, like shouting, using swear words, provoking arguments, or exaggerating to create fear or upset others.” Source

Non-sexual nudity (e.g. medical, art, body-positivity content).

Fix: Crop or cover nude areas.

Checker hint: Any exposed breasts, buttocks or genitals even in a non-sexual context. Gratuitous nudity is removed (see linkedin.nudity-sexual-activity).

“While there are some limited scenarios where non-sexual nudity may be appropriate for LinkedIn, it's best to avoid it.” Source

Images or video of injuries or death, including of animals, even when not graphic or violent.

Fix: Leave out injury or death imagery, or describe it in words instead.

Checker hint: Workplace accident photos, wounds, dead animals (e.g. pest-control or hunting footage).

“Content that may be sensitive or unsettling, such as images related to injuries, death (including of animals). Even if it’s not graphic or violent, these posts can still make some members uncomfortable.” Source

Content that is false or substantially misleading but not likely to cause harm (e.g. made-up stats, fake quotes attributed to famous people).

Fix: Check facts and cite sources; correct misattributed quotes.

Checker hint: Misattributed quotes ('Einstein said...'), invented statistics, fabricated success stories presented as true.

“Content that is false or substantially misleading but not likely to cause harm is not eligible for distribution beyond the author’s network.” Source

Jokes, memes, emoji or symbols with overt sexual connotations, comments on someone's attractiveness, or romantic or sexual advances.

Fix: Remove the sexual joke or remark.

Checker hint: Sexual double-meaning jokes, eggplant/peach emoji used sexually, 'she's hot' remarks about colleagues or members.

“Posting or sharing jokes, memes, emojis, or symbols with overt sexual connotations or otherwise commonly associated with sex acts or genitalia” Source

Running a sweepstakes, giveaway, lottery or contest on LinkedIn ('comment to win', 'tag 3 friends to enter').

Fix: Run the giveaway elsewhere (e.g. your website) and don't use LinkedIn engagement as entries.

Checker hint: 'Win', 'giveaway', 'raffle', 'enter to win', 'winner announced Friday'.

“You may not use LinkedIn to hold lotteries, contests, sweepstakes, or giveaways.” Source

Sensationalizing or capitalizing on tragic events (disasters, pandemics, famine, economic collapse) for commercial purposes.

Fix: Separate any promotion from the tragedy; offer help without a sales angle.

Checker hint: Promos tied to a current disaster ('hurricane sale'), fear-based selling during an emergency. Genuine relief information or donations are fine.

“Monetization and/or exploitation of a sensitive global event, such as famine, natural disaster, pandemic, or economic collapse” Source

Endorsing a product, service or person in exchange for money, free products or services, or a personal or family relationship, without a clear and conspicuous notice.

Fix: Say clearly at the start and in the post text that it is sponsored, gifted or that you have a personal connection.

Checker hint: Brand mentions with discount codes or affiliate links, 'my partner's company', gifted tools. Check for '#ad', 'sponsored', 'paid partnership' or a spoken disclosure.

“Do not share content or endorse someone or something in exchange for personal benefit (including personal or family relationships, monetary payment, free products or services, or other value), unless you have included a clear and conspicuous notice of the personal benefit you receive” Source

Political advertisements, endorsements or support posted in exchange for money or other personal benefit.

Fix: Don't accept payment for political posts.

Checker hint: Only when the political post is paid or incentivized. Unpaid political opinions are allowed (members can choose to see less political content in their feed).

“We don't allow political advertisements, endorsements, or support posted in exchange for money or personal benefit.” Source

Misleading claims about yourself or your business: qualifications, work history, affiliations or achievements you don't have, or presenting yourself as part of an organization you are not associated with.

Fix: Only claim roles and affiliations you actually have.

Checker hint: Claims like 'as a Google engineer' or a company logo used as if you represent it. The checker can't verify claims; flag only clear impersonation signs (another person's face/name, official logos).

“Do not post misleading or deceptive information about yourself, your business, your qualifications, work experience, affiliations, or achievements.” Source

Untargeted, irrelevant or gratuitously repetitive content, such as posting the same video or promo repeatedly.

Fix: Post each video once and vary your content.

Checker hint: Needs posting history; warn if the creator says they repost the same clip often.

“We don't allow untargeted, irrelevant, obviously unwanted, unauthorized, inappropriate commercial or promotional, or gratuitously repetitive messages or similar content.” Source

Posting content you don't have rights to: TV or film clips, commercial music, other creators' videos, your employer's material.

Fix: Use your own footage and royalty-free or licensed music.

Checker hint: Recognizable songs, broadcast logos, other creators' watermarks. Removal follows a rights-holder notice (DMCA).

“It is also our policy, in appropriate circumstances and in our discretion, to disable and/or terminate the accounts of Members, or groups as the case may be, who infringe or repeatedly infringe” Source

Promoting commercial sexual services (escorts, sexual chats, webcams) or sexual enhancement products.

Fix: Remove the promotion.

Checker hint: Links or calls to action for adult chat, cam sites, 'male enhancement' pills.

“Promotion of commercial sexual services like escort services, sexual chats or webcams.” Source

Marijuana products and paraphernalia, illicit or synthetic drugs, tobacco or nicotine products, promotion of excessive drug or alcohol use, or unauthorized selling of alcohol, supplements, steroids or prescription drugs.

Fix: Remove drug or tobacco content and any unauthorized selling.

Checker hint: Vapes, joints, bongs, drug paraphernalia, binge-drinking content, 'buy steroids/Rx without prescription'. Moderate adult drinking in a recipe or party video is not named.

“Promotion of excessive drug or alcohol use.” Source

Instructions, offers, glorification or promotion of firearms, attachments, components, ammunition, other regulated weapons, explosives, or 3D-printed weapons.

Fix: Remove firearm and explosive content.

Checker hint: Gun reviews, build guides, 3D-printed gun parts, explosive making. Fictional or prop weapons are not named.

“Firearms, attachments, components, ammunition, and other regulated weapons.” Source

Promotion of online gambling, betting or lotteries.

Fix: Remove gambling promotion.

Checker hint: Casino or sportsbook apps, promo codes, slot footage, lottery ticket promotions. News or discussion about gambling with no service, code or link being promoted does not count.

“Online gambling and lotteries.” Source

Pranks or challenges that risk imminent physical harm or extreme emotional distress, especially involving minors.

Fix: Don't post the stunt or prank.

Checker hint: Choking or ingestion challenges, scare pranks, stunts with fire, heights or vehicles.

“Harmful pranks or challenges that risk imminent physical harm or extreme emotional distress, especially if showing or encouraging the participation of minors” Source

Selling wild or endangered animals, products from cat or dog parts or ivory, harmful animal tourism, or animal fighting.

Fix: Remove the footage or offer.

Checker hint: Riding elephants, tiger selfies, exotic pets for sale, ivory items, dog or cock fights.

“Irresponsible and harmful animal tourism or otherwise exploitative practices like organized animal fighting.” Source

Cyberbullying, content made or edited to degrade or shame someone, body shaming, sexual remarks about people's bodies, name-calling or profanity at people, or mocking someone's grief.

Fix: Remove the insulting or shaming parts.

Checker hint: Targeting identifiable people. Criticism is allowed; insults are not.

“Shaming people for their bodies or assumed sexual or romantic history.” Source

Denying climate change or its human cause, cherry-picking climate data, false disaster information, or conspiracy theories that target people or deny atrocities.

Fix: Remove the false claims.

Checker hint: 'Climate change is a hoax', fake disaster alerts, conspiracy theories naming people or groups as targets.

“Content that denies the existence or impacts of climate change, the human influence on climate change, or that climate change is backed by scientific consensus.” Source

Fabricated or meaningfully manipulated visuals or audio (AI or otherwise) that erode trust or cause harm, or real footage with changed or removed context, date or time.

Fix: Label AI or edited content clearly and keep the original context and date.

Checker hint: Deepfakes, voice clones, old disaster footage labelled as new. Harmless, obviously creative AI art is not the target. Pinterest's AI label and 'see fewer AI Pins' controls apply to image Pins only (not video) as of 2026-10-01.

“Fabricated or meaningfully manipulated visual or audio content that erodes trust or causes harm” Source

Creating or saving repetitive, deceptive or irrelevant content to make money, stuffing irrelevant keywords into titles or descriptions, buying engagement, or using unapproved automation.

Fix: Write a natural title and description with a few relevant keywords; post each video once.

Checker hint: Titles or descriptions that are long lists of unrelated keywords or trending terms; the same video posted many times. Relevant, descriptive keywords are encouraged.

“Don’t use any other unscrupulous tactics to attempt to improperly influence distribution, clicks, or other metrics, including: buying or selling engagement, "stuffing" irrelevant keywords, generating inauthentic traffic, or redirecting existing Pins to new destinations.” Source

A Pin link to an unsafe, deceptive, untrustworthy or unoriginal site, excessive or deceptive redirects, or link shorteners used for spam.

Fix: Link directly to an original page that matches what the Pin shows (Pinterest calls this the 'no surprises' principle).

Checker hint: The checker sees only links in the description; the Pin's destination URL is set separately. Flag shorteners and links whose text does not match the destination.

“Links that exhibit excessive or deceptive redirection, as well as shortener services that are abused for spam, may be blocked.” Source

Sponsored, gifted or otherwise incentivized content with no clear disclosure (#ad or Pinterest's paid partnership label).

Fix: Turn on the paid partnership label when publishing (it can't be added later) and add #ad.

Checker hint: Brand deals, gifted products, discount codes. In the EEA a disclosure is required for all commercial content, including your own products.

“Include a clear disclosure to indicate the commercial nature of your content (such as the use of #ad to indicate that your content is a paid partnership, or applying a label to your content using Pinterest’s paid partnership tool)” Source

Commercial content that promotes or sells cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana, firearms or weapons, or prescription-only medicines, or that shows excessive drinking, drunk people, drinking with risky activities, or minors in unsafe situations.

Fix: Remove the restricted product or scene from the commercial Pin.

Checker hint: Only applies when the Pin promotes goods or services (including your own business).

“People under the influence of alcohol, or associate drinking with activities that are risky (such as driving and operating heavy machinery)” Source

Asking others to save your affiliate Pins in a quid pro quo, paying people per save, using fake accounts to save affiliate links, or posting affiliate Pins repetitively or in large volumes.

Fix: Add original value to affiliate Pins and keep the volume moderate.

Checker hint: Captions like 'save this Pin and I'll save yours', affiliate links with no original content.

“Creating affiliate Pins repetitively or in large volumes - marketers should follow our spam policy and use affiliate links in moderation.” Source

Content that infringes someone's copyright, trademark, privacy or other rights, such as re-uploaded videos, copyrighted music or another creator's artwork.

Fix: Use your own footage and music you have the rights to.

Checker hint: Other creators' watermarks, film or TV footage, commercial songs. Removal happens after a rights-holder report.

“If your account gets content removed based on too many copyright infringement reports, you could lose the ability to save Pins on Pinterest, or we may disable your account altogether.” Source

Content close to a policy line, content kept for an acceptable reason (education, condemnation, remembrance), or content Pinterest's systems predict is not inspirational, relevant or safe.

Fix: Keep the video clearly positive, useful and away from policy edges if you want it in search and the home feed.

Checker hint: Use when the video touches any Pinterest rule but has an educational or news context, or is edgy rather than violating. Limited distribution means the Pin stays up but 'won’t be featured in recommendation or discovery surfaces, such as search results or the home feed'. Pinterest may also add a sensitivity screen.

“Content that our systems predict may not meet those criteria may be shown less often or less prominently, even if we haven't determined that the content necessarily goes against our Community Guidelines.” Source

A promoted Pin with any weight-loss language or imagery: diet pills, appetite suppressants, before-and-after photos, weight-loss testimonials, BMI references, body shaming, or unrealistic cosmetic results.

Fix: Remove weight-loss claims and before/after shots before promoting.

Checker hint: Only if the creator plans to promote the Pin as an ad. Organic Pins fall under the disordered-eating rule instead.

“With the exception of approved healthcare advertisers in the US and Canada who promote prescription GLP-1 medication, we don’t allow any weight loss language or imagery in advertisements.” Source

A promoted Pin for or against candidates, parties or PACs, political issues meant to influence an election, legislation or referendums, or political campaign merchandise.

Fix: Don't promote political content as an ad on Pinterest.

Checker hint: Only if the Pin will be promoted. Organic political opinion is allowed if it is not misinformation.

“The election or defeat of political candidates running for public office, including fundraising for political candidates or parties” Source

A promoted Pin with offensive or profane language (censored or not), excessive violence or gore, vulgar content, or politically, culturally or racially divisive material.

Fix: Remove profanity and shock content before promoting.

Checker hint: Bleeped swearing still counts. Only applies if the Pin will be promoted.

“Offensive or profane (censored or not)” Source

Footage that is blurry, low-resolution or pixelated, or that was poorly re-encoded, upscaled or cropped from another format.

Fix: Export at 1080x1920 from the original source, avoid re-saving downloaded copies, and re-shoot out-of-focus parts.

Checker hint: Flag resolution below 720p on the short side, heavy compression blocks, visible upscaling softness, or out-of-focus footage for most of the video. Short intentional blur (transitions, censoring a face) does not count.

“This includes content with blurry, low-resolution, or pixelated imagery; incorrect orientation; unoriginal or poorly reformatted content; letterboxed videos; or missing audio.” Source

A horizontal (landscape) video, or footage rotated the wrong way, submitted to Spotlight.

Fix: Shoot or re-edit as vertical 9:16 and check the rotation flag before export.

Checker hint: Width greater than height, or a vertical file whose content is rotated 90 degrees. The Quality page lists 'incorrect orientation' as not eligible too.

“Snaps should be vertical videos with sound. Still-image photos, horizontal Snaps, blurry Snaps, and text-only Snaps won’t show up in Spotlight.” Source

A wider clip placed inside a vertical frame with black, colored or blurred bars above and below (or at the sides).

Fix: Re-frame the footage to fill the 9:16 frame (crop, zoom or re-shoot) instead of adding bars.

Checker hint: Look for static bands that fill more than about 15% of the frame height or width on both sides. The policy only says 'letterboxed'; treat pillarboxing and blurred-background fills as likely matches but say so with lower confidence.

“letterboxed videos” Source

Video with no audio track or a silent audio track.

Fix: Add a voiceover, original sound or a licensed Snapchat Sound before posting.

Checker hint: No audio stream, or an audio stream that is silent for the whole video. Quiet ambient sound counts as audio.

“missing audio” Source

A single still photo, or a Snap that is only text on a plain background, submitted to Spotlight.

Fix: Post real video with movement and sound; put text over footage instead of a plain background.

Checker hint: Flag videos where nearly every frame is the same image, or where the only content is text. A slideshow of several stills is not named on the page, so flag it only as a possible risk.

“Still-image photos, horizontal Snaps, blurry Snaps, and text-only Snaps won’t show up in Spotlight.” Source

Intense flashing, strobing or rapid light changes with no photosensitivity warning at the start.

Fix: Tone down the effect, or add a clear 'flashing lights' warning at the start.

Checker hint: Look for more than 3 large brightness flashes per second or saturated red flashes. A clear on-screen warning in the first seconds makes it compliant.

“Intense visual effects without a warning for photosensitive users.” Source

A URL, QR code or other redirect (in the video or caption) that sends viewers to a social network, messaging app or cloud-storage service.

Fix: Remove the link or QR code from the video and caption.

Checker hint: Look for QR codes, URLs and phrases like 'link in bio', 'DM me on Telegram', Google Drive or Dropbox links. Snap allows some links for vetted creators on limited surfaces only.

“We also prohibit redirections to destinations that are social media, messaging, or cloud-storage services.” Source

A username shown with the name or logo of another social or messaging app, for example 'Follow me on IG @name' or a TikTok/Reels export watermark with an @handle.

Fix: Export the original file without the watermark, and remove other-app handles from the video and caption.

Checker hint: Check corners and the last seconds for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X or Telegram logos next to an @handle. A TikTok export watermark matches the page's example. A logo with no username (e.g. CapCut template mark) is not named on the page; flag it as lower confidence. Exception: crediting the original creator while adding your own transformative commentary.

“For example, a username paired with the name or logo of a different social media or messaging app.” Source

A video generated entirely by an outside AI tool (for example a Sora, Veo, Kling or Runway clip), even if it carries an AI disclosure.

Fix: Use real footage you shot, or make the AI parts with Snapchat's built-in AI tools, which stay eligible.

Checker hint: Check C2PA / metadata for AI generator tags, and frames for typical AI artifacts (warping hands, morphing objects, gibberish text). Content edited with Snapchat's own AI Lenses/tools stays eligible. Real footage with light AI touch-ups is not 'wholly' AI-generated.

“As of this month and going forward, wholly AI-generated videos will no longer be eligible for recommendation on Spotlight.” Source

Posting someone else's video without creative change, low-effort 'reactions' that are a pretext to repost, or re-posting the same video again with minimal differences.

Fix: Post your own footage, or add real commentary or transformation to clips you use.

Checker hint: Signs: another creator's watermark or face throughout, TV or movie footage with no added commentary, a small reaction box over someone else's clip. Commentary, real reactions and edits that transform the clip do not count.

“Repeatedly posting the same content, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, with minimal creative differences” Source

Content about candidates, parties, ballot measures or PACs, 'go vote' messages, or advocacy on debated public issues, posted by a creator who is not a pre-approved Partner or Snap Star.

Fix: If you are not a Snap Star or approved Partner, expect no Spotlight reach for this video; post it to your Story for followers instead.

Checker hint: Look for candidate or party names, campaign logos, 'vote', 'register to vote', ballot or referendum references, or advocacy on abortion, immigration, guns and similar debated issues. Followers and friends still see it.

“Political Content is eligible for recommendation on Spotlight only from trusted, pre-approved Partners or Snap Star Creators.” Source

Newsworthy but potentially disturbing footage (accidents, conflict, injuries) posted without a graphic-content warning.

Fix: Add a clear graphic-content warning at the start and blur the most graphic parts.

Checker hint: If the video shows distressing real events for news value, check for a warning card in the first seconds.

“When potentially-disturbing content is truly newsworthy, you must use a graphic content warning.” Source

Any nudity in any context, including breastfeeding, medical, paintings, drawings or AI-generated images.

Fix: Crop, cover or remove nude frames if you want Spotlight or Discover reach.

Checker hint: Exposed nipples (female), genitals or bare buttocks in real footage, art, animation or AI images. Swimwear and fitness clothing are not nudity (see snapchat.sensitive-revealing).

“But the Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines prohibit all nudity, in any context, even if not photographic or realistic (for example, paintings or AI-generated images).” Source

Camera, clothing or pose that emphasizes breasts, rear or crotch in a provocative way; close-ups of these body parts; posing in sex positions, mimicking sex acts (even clothed or as a joke), showing sex toys.

Fix: Re-shoot with neutral framing and remove sexualized gestures or close-ups.

Checker hint: Applies to real people, animation and drawings. Thirst-trap framing, twerking close-ups, suggestive banana/lollipop gestures count. Normal swimwear at the beach or gym wear while training does not (that is 'Sensitive').

“This also includes simulated sexual activity, such as posing in sex positions, mimicking sex acts, displaying sex toys, or interacting with objects in a sexually provocative way.” Source

A moderately suggestive Snap that directs viewers to a separate account, platform or website (possible sexual solicitation).

Fix: Remove the redirect, and avoid pairing suggestive content with calls to visit other accounts.

Checker hint: Suggestive content combined with 'link in bio', 'check my other account', 'premium', 'DM for more' or similar.

“a moderately suggestive Snap that directs Snapchatters to a separate account, platform or site will be denied amplification, even if we are unable to confirm that sexual solicitation is the intent” Source

Speech, captions or on-screen text that describe sex acts, genitalia, sex toys, sex work or sexual taboos, including sexual emoji use and specific innuendo.

Fix: Remove or reword explicit language in audio, captions and text overlays.

Checker hint: Explicit terms, eggplant/peach/water-drop emoji used sexually, innuendo specific to a sex act or body part. Vague flirting is 'Sensitive', not ineligible.

“these Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines prohibit explicit language that describes sex acts, genitalia, sex toys, sex work, or sexual taboos (for example, incest or bestiality). This includes emojis in explicitly sexual contexts.” Source

Sexually objectifying someone, edits that sexualize a real person without consent, speculating about someone's gender or sexuality, or lurid coverage of sex crimes.

Fix: Drop the sexualizing edit or speculation; cover news respectfully and factually.

Checker hint: Celebrity photos edited to exaggerate body parts, 'Is X gay?' style captions, '10 teachers who married students' style lists.

“We also prohibit speculation about someone’s gender or sexuality (for example, “Is ___ in the closet?”) and coverage of sex crimes or sexual taboos in a lurid, sensationalized format” Source

Real or fictional content about romantic or sexual relationships between adults and minors, or sexual activity between minors.

Fix: Remove the storyline or reframe so no minor is in a romantic or sexual situation with an adult.

Checker hint: Skits or stories with a teen and adult as a couple, teen sexual activity storylines. Allowed: non-suggestive content about teens' identities or age-appropriate teen relationships, and newsworthy, non-sensational crime coverage.

“we deny amplification to any content, real or fictional, about romantic or sexual relationships between adults and minors, unless the specific incident is newsworthy” Source

Content where it is unclear the subject agreed to be mocked (roasts, pranks on strangers), demeaning language, objectifying someone's looks (even public figures), wishing injury or death, or mocking tragic events or survivors.

Fix: Only feature people who clearly agreed, and cut mocking or harm-wishing lines.

Checker hint: Strangers filmed and mocked, rating people's looks, lines like 'I hope my ex crashes their new car', jokes about domestic-violence survivors. Criticizing what public figures say or do is allowed.

“these Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines apply a stricter standard in ambiguous cases where the intent to embarrass is uncertain (for example, a Snap of a “roast” where it’s unclear if the subject wants to be mocked on camera).” Source

Coarse language or profanity directed at an individual or group, even if bleeped or blurred.

Fix: Cut or reword insults aimed at people.

Checker hint: Profanity with a target ('you're a f***ing idiot', insults at a named group). General swearing not aimed at anyone ('this is f***ing amazing') is allowed. Bleeping does not fix targeted profanity.

“these Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines prohibit coarse language or profanity directed at an individual or group, even if it is bleeped or obscured” Source

Sensitive personal information, people covertly recorded or exposed where they reasonably expect privacy (homes, bathrooms, changing rooms), or details that reveal where a child can be found.

Fix: Cut footage of people filmed without their knowledge in private spaces, and blur school names, street signs and location tags near children.

Checker hint: Hidden or candid filming of people inside homes, bathrooms, changing rooms or similar private spaces; a child's school name or uniform crest, home street, or live location shown with the child. People filmed openly in public places, and footage where everyone visibly takes part, do not count.

“These Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines additionally prohibit sharing sensitive personal information, covertly recording or exposing people in places where they reasonably expect privacy, or exposing where a child can be found.” Source

Images of children (including children of public figures) that are not newsworthy, not with a parent at a public event, and not made with parental consent.

Fix: Blur children's faces, or only feature children whose parent or guardian agreed.

Checker hint: Identifiable children who are not the creator's own family or clearly filmed with guardian consent, e.g. strangers' kids in public, kids at school. Allowed: newsworthy stories, a child with their parent at a public event, or content made with parent/guardian consent.

“We also prohibit sharing images of children, including the children of public figures, unless:” Source

A prank that could make the victim believe they are in imminent danger of injury, death or loss (fake break-ins, fake car crash, fake kidnapping, fake fire).

Fix: Drop the scare element or don't post the prank.

Checker hint: Panic or fear from the victim, staged threats, fake emergencies. Harmless surprise pranks do not count.

“That could cause the victim to believe they are in imminent danger of injury, death or loss.” Source

Imagery meant to shock or disgust: disturbing natural processes, extreme or unsafe eating, using food to shock, sharp objects near skin or eyes, vermin near the mouth.

Fix: Cut the shock shots or choose a less graphic angle.

Checker hint: Mukbang with extreme quantities, eating non-food items, insects crawling near mouths, needles near eyes, decay time-lapses meant to disgust.

“these Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines restrict any imagery intended to shock or disgust viewers, including disturbing natural processes, and extreme or unsafe eating, or using food to shock.” Source

Medical or cosmetic procedures (pimple popping, ear cleaning, liposuction) showing real bodily fluids or waste such as pus, blood, urine, excrement, infection or decay.

Fix: Cut or blur the graphic moments; show before/after instead of the procedure itself.

Checker hint: Procedures where skin is not broken, and tattoos or piercings, are only 'Sensitive' (limited audience), not ineligible.

““Graphic” in this context includes real-life imagery of bodily fluids or waste, such as pus, blood, urine, excrement, bile, infection, or decay.” Source

Even ambiguous support or tacit approval of violence, or mocking or celebrating victims' suffering (e.g. fight compilations with 'he deserved it' captions).

Fix: Remove celebratory framing; do not post real fight footage for entertainment.

Checker hint: Laughing emoji or praise over real violence, 'knockout' compilations, captions approving an attack.

“These Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines go further to prohibit even ambiguous support for or tacit approval of violence, including mocking or celebrating the suffering of victims of violence.” Source

Content that depicts, glorifies, encourages or trivializes self-harm or suicide, including suicidal ideation or threats, or content promoting eating disorders.

Fix: Reframe toward recovery and support, avoid showing injuries, and drop jokes about suicide.

Checker hint: Jokes like 'kms', 'I want to die' memes, scars shown on camera. Non-graphic recovery or educational talk is only 'Sensitive' (limited audience).

“These Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines go further to deny amplification to content depicting, glorifying, encouraging, or trivializing self-harm or suicide, including suicidal ideation or threats, or content promoting eating disorders.” Source

Non-professionals doing stunts or 'challenges' that could cause injury, illness, death or property damage.

Fix: Don't post amateur dangerous stunts; show safety measures or use professional footage with context.

Checker hint: Roof-jumping, car surfing, fire stunts, choking or ingestion challenges, Snapping while driving. Professional athletes and stunt performers in controlled settings are not the target.

“These Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines deny amplification to content that depicts dangerous activities performed by non-professionals, such as stunts or “challenges” that could result in injury, illness, death, harm, or property damage.” Source

Content focused on violent or disturbing incidents (especially involving minors) that are not newsworthy, i.e. not timely or not about a prominent person, group or ongoing public issue.

Fix: Keep to timely, public-interest news and avoid sensational framing.

Checker hint: True-crime style retellings of local crimes, CCTV crime clips posted for shock. Timely, factual news about a prominent person, group or ongoing public issue does not count.

“These Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines deny amplification to content that focuses on non-newsworthy violent or disturbing incidents, including violent or sexual crimes, especially those involving minors.” Source

Political claims that Snap's reviewers cannot confirm as true, false or misleading.

Fix: Source political claims clearly, or expect followers-only reach.

Checker hint: Unsourced claims about candidates, parties, election fraud or policy outcomes.

“Ambiguous content may be allowed among friends or followers, but will not be eligible for recommendation.” Source

Photo-edited or AI-made imagery that misleads, even when harmless (a snake the size of a bus, actors edited into costumes for fake casting rumors).

Fix: Label edits as edits, or drop the misleading image.

Checker hint: Realistic edited or generated visuals presented as real events. Obvious jokes, clearly labelled edits and visible effects Lenses are fine.

“Our Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines go further to deny amplification to false or misleading information even where there is no obvious risk to society.” Source

Links that redirect excessively, open pop-ups or pop-unders, carry heavy ad load, or whose landing page is changed after posting.

Fix: Link straight to the final page and do not change it after posting.

Checker hint: URL shorteners chaining to other sites, 'link changed' notes. The checker can only flag link presence; it cannot see redirects.

“We prohibit links with excessive redirects or links that generate pop-ups or pop-unders or excessive ad load.” Source

A 'wait for it' that never pays off, challenges based on fake Snapchat features, 'if this gets 20,000 likes I'll...', or tricks to make people re-watch or pause (long text blocks, split-second glimpses, spot-the-difference).

Fix: Remove the bait line; make sure any promised payoff actually happens.

Checker hint: Look for 'wait for it', 'watch till the end', 'Snapchat won't let you like this 10 times', 'if this gets X likes', walls of text shown for a second, hidden-object frames.

“Attempts to trick people into re-watching or pausing a Snap via long blocks of text, brief glimpses of something, or “spot the difference” games.” Source

Sensational or misleading headlines, tiles or cover images: unfounded rumors, old events shown as breaking news, or edited body/face images implying a radical transformation.

Fix: Use a cover and headline that accurately match the video.

Checker hint: Compare the cover frame/tile and headline with what the video actually shows. Flag 'BREAKING' on old news and before/after images that are edited.

“Misleading or sensationalized headlines or Tiles, such as unfounded casting rumors, presenting a celebrity’s years-old arrest as breaking news, editing an image of someone’s body or face to imply a radical transformation, etc.” Source

Showing tobacco, nicotine (vapes, pouches) or cannabis products or paraphernalia, even legal adult use.

Fix: Cut or crop shots that show these products.

Checker hint: Cigarettes, vapes, hookah, joints, bongs, grinders visible or in use, even briefly in the background.

“While our Community Guidelines do not prohibit Snaps of adults using these products in places where they are legal, these Recommendation Eligibility Guidelines deny amplification to such content.” Source

Excessive or dangerous drinking by adults: chugging large amounts, drinking near heavy machinery or vehicles, drinking to slurred speech or passing out.

Fix: Show moderate drinking only, or cut the drinking scenes.

Checker hint: Shotgunning, keg stands, drinking games, visibly drunk people. Moderate adult drinking is only 'Sensitive' (limited audience).

“content that shows excessive or dangerous alcohol use by an adult, such as rapidly consuming large quantities of alcohol, or operating heavy machinery while intoxicated or while alcohol is present, or drinking to the point of slurred speech or loss of consciousness.” Source

Real modern lethal weapons shown outside a news, education or sports context.

Fix: Remove weapon shots unless the video is news, education or sport.

Checker hint: Real firearms, tactical knives, grenades. Allowed: historical weapons (swords, catapults), fictional weapons (cosplay props, game weapons), sport shooting or hunting in a sports context.

“Guns, combat knives, explosives, etc. - outside of a news, education, or sports context.” Source

Attempted sale or promotion of regulated goods like tobacco, alcohol or vape products, or offering loans or other financial products.

Fix: Remove the sales pitch; promote regulated products only through Snap's approved ad or sponsored-content routes with the right targeting.

Checker hint: Prices, discount codes, 'order now' for these products, loan or credit offers. Some regulated goods may only be promoted by eligible accounts through approved ads or sponsored content with age targeting.

“This includes the attempted sale or promotion of regulated goods such as tobacco, alcohol, vape products.” Source

Promoting gambling services, including betting websites, gambling apps, tip or prediction services, or gambling referral codes.

Fix: Remove gambling promotion and codes.

Checker hint: Casino or sportsbook logos with promo codes, 'use my code', betting slips with links, paid tipster plugs. The Illegal or Regulated page puts gambling and high-risk financial products in the 'Sensitive' tier even when not removed.

“promoting gambling services (including betting websites, gambling apps, tip or prediction services, or referral codes)” Source

Content that solicits regulated products or services such as alcohol, tobacco or health products with unrealistic claims, even when sharing it with followers is allowed.

Fix: Drop the sales pitch if you want recommendation reach.

Checker hint: Any 'buy', 'link', 'code' pitch for these products, including sponsored posts.

“But in order to be eligible for recommendation, content must not solicit regulated products or services, including but not limited to: alcohol, tobacco, health products with unrealistic claims, and others.” Source

Content that is ambiguously demeaning to a protected group, or may be a coded 'dog whistle' for discriminatory beliefs.

Fix: Cut jokes or symbols that play on stereotypes about a group.

Checker hint: Stereotype jokes, coded numbers or emoji (e.g. 88, triple parentheses), 'just asking questions' about a group. The protected list here also includes socio-economic status and weight.

“If it is unclear whether content is intended as a “dog whistle” for discriminatory beliefs, we err on the side of not promoting such content.” Source

Pay-for-follower promotions or follower-growth schemes, promoting spam apps, or promoting multilevel marketing or pyramid schemes.

Fix: Remove the scheme pitch.

Checker hint: 'Add me for a shoutout for $5', 'follow train', 'join my team and be your own boss' recruitment pitches.

“We prohibit spam, including pay-for-follower promotions or other follower-growth schemes, the promotion of spam applications, or the promotion of multilevel marketing or pyramid schemes.” Source

Content that promotes a brand, product or service (including your own business, or anything you were paid or gifted for) without identifying it as commercial and using Snap's paid partnership tool on every Snap.

Fix: Turn on the Paid Partnership label, say 'ad' or 'sponsored' in the Snap, and disclose on every Snap of a multi-Snap promo.

Checker hint: Brand mentions with discount codes, affiliate links, 'thanks to X', unboxing gifted items, or selling your own products. If the creator says it is sponsored, remind them to turn on the Paid Partnership label. Buying a product yourself to review it does not need the label.

“Commercial content must identify the commercial nature of the content, and any promoted brand. You must also use Snap's paid partnership tool to label this content” Source

Commercial content for alcohol, gambling, dating, weight-loss products, complex financial products (e.g. crypto) or pharmaceutical/health products posted without the required age (and location) targeting.

Fix: Set profile-level age and location targeting before posting; if no age-target option is available, don't post it.

Checker hint: Sponsored or self-promotional content in these categories. The app cannot see targeting settings, so remind the creator to set them. Alcohol promos also must not show excessive drinking or drunk people; dating promos must not be overtly sexual.

“Commercial content that promotes weight loss products or services must not be directed at anyone under the age of 18. You must use available targeting options.” Source

Commercial content that contains profanity or obscene gestures, bullying or body-shaming, smoking or vaping, scare tactics to sell, false celebrity testimonials, fake Snapchat features or UI, or bait-and-switch links.

Fix: Remove the restricted elements from the sponsored Snap.

Checker hint: Applies only to sponsored, gifted or self-promotional Snaps. Also: no use of Snapchat logos, Bitmoji art or app UI in a way that suggests Snap endorses it.

“Bullying or shaming. For example: commercial content related to fitness must not belittle anyone on the basis of body shape or size.” Source

Sponsored or paid content about candidates, parties, ballot measures, PACs, 'go vote' messages, or debated issues (abortion, immigration, environment, guns, etc.).

Fix: Don't accept payment for political posts; political ads must go through Snap's ad platform.

Checker hint: Only flag when the political content is paid or incentivized. Unpaid personal opinions are allowed (but see snapchat.political-content-spotlight).

“Snapchatters are free to express their own political opinions, but Snap restricts the paid promotion of political messaging to traditional ad formats in approved markets (which excludes the European Union).” Source

Music added outside Snapchat Sounds (e.g. a commercial song edited in elsewhere) without the needed licenses.

Fix: Replace the track with a Snapchat Sound (for non-commercial Snaps) or with music you own or licensed.

Checker hint: Recognizable commercial tracks in the audio. Spotlight Terms also require you to hold all music rights for Snaps submitted to Spotlight. Repeated violations can deactivate the account.

“If your content contains music other than Sounds, you are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and rights that may be required for such music. Any such content may be muted, removed, or deleted if your use of music is not authorized.” Source

A licensed Snapchat Sound used in a Snap that is sponsored by, promotes or advertises any brand, product or service.

Fix: Use original audio or commercially licensed music in promotional Snaps.

Checker hint: Any commercial Snap (paid partnership, own-business promo, affiliate) with a popular song in it.

“Sounds may only be used for your personal, non-commercial use. For example, Sounds may not be used to create, send or post Snaps (or a series of Snaps) that are sponsored by, promote, or advertise any brand, products, goods, or services.” Source

AI-generated or AI-altered realistic content posted without a disclosure in a region whose law requires AI labelling (e.g. the EU under the AI Act).

Fix: Add a clear 'AI-generated' label on screen and in the caption.

Checker hint: Realistic AI faces, voices or scenes with no 'AI-generated' text. Content made with Snapchat's own AI tools already carries indicators.

“This includes local laws that mandate disclosures for AI-generated content. If a user does not comply with these transparency rules, we may restrict the content's visibility or remove the content.” Source

Unaltered clips or compilations from TV shows, movies or music videos, or re-uploads of other people's social media posts.

Fix: Add substantial original commentary or editing, or post your own footage.

Checker hint: Broadcast logos, film footage, other platforms' watermarks. Monetizable: reviews with relevant excerpts, real commentary, creatively edited compilations with clear editorial judgment, properly credited social clips with commentary on newsworthy events.

“Unaltered clips or compilations of clips from TV shows, movies, music videos” Source

Reposting your own content, reusing the same tile image, near-identical Snaps such as nodding and pointing at text quotes, stock reaction footage or template-based effects as the main contribution.

Fix: Add real creative effort: your own voice, footage and editing that differ from post to post.

Checker hint: Text-quote videos with a person nodding or pointing, AI voice over stock clips, the same format with only the words changed. Requires history to judge repetition; flag the format.

“This includes content where the core visual or audio contribution is mechanically or automatically generated, such as the consistent use of stock reaction footage, or template-based visual effects.” Source

A reaction to someone else's video where your face is not visible throughout, you are not speaking (pointing or nodding doesn't count), the reaction is generic, or your audio is not clearly audible.

Fix: Keep your face on screen throughout, talk about the specific clip, and mix your voice clearly above the source audio.

Checker hint: Check that the reactor's face stays visible the whole time, that they speak about the clip specifically, and that their voice is not buried under the source audio. Generic reactions that could be placed on any video do not count.

“Your face must be clearly visible throughout the duration of the video.” Source

Irrelevant or shocking tile images, unfounded rumors, long-past events shown as current, AI-manipulated media that misleads, or 'reaction' content with no real reaction.

Fix: Use accurate tiles and intros that the content actually delivers on.

Checker hint: Tile shows a celebrity who isn't in the story, tiles that resemble genitalia at a glance, 'casting rumor' with no source.

“Long-past events presented as current events (for example, a celebrity’s years-old arrest depicted as breaking news)” Source

Content made with sophisticated editing or AI tools that does not disclose the AI use in the content or the creator profile, or that misleads.

Fix: Add an AI disclosure in the Snap or your profile bio.

Checker hint: AI voices, AI avatars, generated scenes. Check for an AI disclosure in the video or caption; the profile bio may also have it (not visible to the checker, so ask).

“Content that leverages sophisticated editing or AI-based tools is monetizable—if it is original, entertaining, or informative, not misleading, and if the use of AI is disclosed anywhere in the content or creator profile.” Source

Near nudity (nudity covered only by an overlay, opaque object or see-through clothing), shots where crotch, buttocks or breasts are the focus, sexual activity shown only as shapes or silhouettes, recognized fictional implicit sex scenes, kissing with visible tongue, erotic or sexual dancing, simulated sex, sex-act hand gestures, porn-site logos/screenshots/clips, any audio of sexual activity, and sexually suggestive language or sexual metaphors (incl. in jokes).

Fix: Reframe or cut the focus shots, swap the sexual audio, remove adult-site logos, and tone down sexual wording if you want teen and non-follower reach.

Checker hint: Flag lingering zooms on body parts, twerking or grinding choreography, moaning sounds (including trending sounds), and watermarks or logos of adult sites (e.g. OnlyFans-style or porn tube logos). Swimwear or gym wear in a normal context does not count by itself. Content that is 18+ is also not recommended and hidden from teens.

“Logos, screenshots or video clips of known pornographic websites” Source

Medical-context video of dismemberment, innards, burns or throat-slitting; still images of those; a person's violent death or life-threatening event (hit by car, fall); brutality against restrained people; objects piercing skin; broken bleeding teeth; deceased babies or fetuses.

Fix: Trim or crop out the graphic moments, or accept the warning screen, 18+ limit and no recommendations. Keep such frames out of the cover.

Checker hint: These stay up with a sensitive-content screen, are limited to adults and are not recommended. Check the first frame and cover: a graphic cover shows before the warning.

“Imagery depicting acts of brutality (e.g., acts of violence or lethal threats on forcibly restrained subjects) committed against a person or group of people.” Source

Uncovered dead bodies without visible violence, needles piercing skin outside vaccination/tattoo/piercing/acupuncture, injured patients in visible pain, burning or exploding vehicles and violent crash aftermath, non-sport physical fights, human waste or bodily fluids (feces, vomit, pus, pimple-popping and other dermal extractions, blood), and fictional or photorealistic-fictional gore and violent deaths.

Fix: Crop or blur the fluids or injuries, cut the fight, or accept that adults only will see it and it will not be recommended.

Checker hint: Common creator hits: street fights, crash compilations, pimple-popping and skin-extraction videos, gross-out food challenges with vomit, horror skits with realistic gore. Combat sports in a sports setting do not count as fights.

“Imagery depicting human waste and bodily fluids (e.g., feces, urine, vomit, earwax, mucus, byproduct of dermal extractions, or blood).” Source

Animals dismembered, with visible innards, burned, boiled alive, going from live to dead, or people being brutal to living animals (kicking, drowning, plucking feathers) get a warning screen and 18+; animals with visible blood, giving birth with blood, with maggots, or injured and suffering are 18+.

Fix: Cut or crop the kill, blood or suffering moments, or accept the warning screen, 18+ limit and no recommendations.

Checker hint: Common hits: live seafood cooking (boiled alive), slaughter footage, hunting kill shots, vet or farm births with blood. Explicit sadistic remarks about animal suffering are removed.

“Imagery of humans committing acts of brutality on living animals (e.g. kicking, drowning, or plucking feathers).” Source

Personal admissions of self-injury or eating disorders, vague suicidal statements or memes presenting death as an escape (in a suicide/self-injury context), healed cuts or non-graphic self-injury imagery and body-part imagery in a recovery context.

Fix: Keep scars out of frame if they are not the point, and avoid 'I want to die' jokes. Recovery stories can stay but will reach fewer people.

Checker hint: Healed scars in frame and recovery body imagery get a warning screen plus 18+. Visible scars incidental to unrelated content are less likely to be actioned, but flag them.

“Content that depicts older instances of self-injury such as healed cuts or other non-graphic self-injury imagery in a self-injury, suicide or recovery context” Source

Speaking positively about or encouraging use of cannabis/THC products or entheogens (psychedelics), dispensary business posts, CBD sales, marijuana paraphernalia, admitting to taking prescription drugs.

Fix: Keep paraphernalia and positive use talk out of the video if teen and non-follower reach matters.

Checker hint: Bongs, rolling papers and dab rigs in frame count as paraphernalia. Fictional or documentary context is excepted for entheogens.

“Content depicting marijuana paraphernalia.” Source

Depicting consumption of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine or vapes; alcoholic drink recipes; promoting tobacco brands; legitimate businesses selling alcohol or tobacco; invitations to venues where alcohol is served.

Fix: Cut the drinking, smoking or vaping shots if you want teen reach; otherwise expect the 18+ limit.

Checker hint: Any visible drinking, cocktail recipe, smoking or vaping. Anti-smoking and cessation PSAs are excepted for tobacco. Being 18+ also removes teen reach and recommendations to teens.

“Content depicting the consumption of alcohol products or beverages or sharing recipes for alcoholic beverages.” Source

Selling, mentioning or favourably depicting weight-loss or weight-gain products, diet products or cosmetic procedures/surgeries (incl. skin whitening), or weight-loss clickbait with extreme claims or promised results in a set time.

Fix: Drop product promotion and timed results claims, or accept the 18+ limit and loss of recommendations.

Checker hint: Flag diet teas, appetite suppressants, GLP-1 promos, fat-burner patches, filler/botox/BBL promos and dramatic before/after reveals. Workout methods and makeup are not covered.

“Attempts to buy, sell, trade, donate, gift, mention or ask for weight loss or weight gain products or services.” Source

Claims (even by health professionals) to cure, heal or eliminate diabetes, herpes, thyroid disease, psoriasis, Ebola, cancer, autism, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS or HIV, or health clickbait promising specific results within a set time.

Fix: Replace 'cures' with accurate wording (manages, may help with symptoms), add qualifiers and sources.

Checker hint: Listed under Health and Wellness content Meta restricts to adults 18+. Claims about managing symptoms are not covered. Promoting harmful 'cures' like bleach is removed under the misinformation policy instead.

“Employs clickbait tactics in a health context, such as sensational language with exaggerated or extreme health claims, or promises of specific health-related results within a set timeframe without disclaimers or qualifiers.” Source

Selling or promoting adult sexual arousal products (sex toys, erotic products, sexual-performance products), adult entertainment businesses, or reproductive products focused on pleasure; depicting sex toys with no clear context.

Fix: Keep adult products out of general-audience videos or accept the 18+ limit.

Checker hint: Includes unboxing and review videos of sex toys and testosterone-booster promos. Family planning and contraception are treated separately.

“Depiction of sex toys with no clear context” Source

Depicting or promoting real-money online gambling (sports betting, casino, lotteries, sweepstakes), social casino games, or free-to-play games with gambling mechanics.

Fix: Remove promo codes and gambling-app screens if teens are in the audience; never claim guaranteed wins.

Checker hint: Slot streams, betting-app screens, promo codes and bet slips. Guaranteed-win claims, rigged-match claims or gambling promos disguised with unrelated text are removed under Prohibited Commercial Practices (see scams).

“Content that attempts to sell, trade, depict or promote social casino games that simulate gambling games such as slot machines, where there is no opportunity to win money or money’s worth.” Source

Identifiable people in a medical or health facility, children under 13, or people unable to consent, filmed without permission; removed when the person, a parent/guardian or the facility reports it.

Fix: Blur identifiable patients and children who are not yours, or get consent.

Checker hint: Report-based, so it cannot be predicted with certainty; flag identifiable patients and other people's children shown prominently.

“A minor under 13 years old, and the content was reported by the minor or a parent or legal guardian.” Source

Footage of dangerous driving that could cause life-threatening injury (street racing, speedometer at extreme speed, filming while driving recklessly), or promoting mid-risk viral challenges.

Fix: Cut the reckless-driving shots or show it in a clearly professional setting.

Checker hint: Fictional and professional settings (motorsport, stunt productions) are excepted. Teens' 13+ setting also avoids recommending risky stunts such as jumping from heights.

“Imagery depicting dangerous forms of driving a motor vehicle that could lead to life-threatening injuries or death to the driver or others, except if shared in fictional or professional settings.” Source

Coordinating, supporting or admitting to vandalism or theft (e.g. shoplifting hauls, 'I stole this' pranks, damaging property).

Fix: Remove admissions of theft or vandalism; make staged skits clearly fictional.

Checker hint: Exceptions: awareness or condemnation, redemption, fiction or staged settings, self-defence, protest vandalism, graffiti, and talking positively about others' theft.

“Coordinating, threatening, supporting or admitting to vandalism or theft (in written, visual or verbal form), except in the context of” Source

Offering cash, gift cards or prizes in exchange for likes, follows, shares or comments; requiring people to like, share, follow or otherwise publicly engage to unlock promised content; buying or selling engagement.

Fix: Make the reward or content available without requiring public engagement, or run giveaways without engagement requirements.

Checker hint: Flag 'like and follow to win $500', 'share this to unlock part 2', 'follow + comment to get the link'. Meta's text does not name comment-keyword DM automations specifically, so treat 'comment X to get it' as a risk only when following or other public engagement is required to get the content.

“Requiring users to engage (in the form of likes, shares, follows, or any other public-facing form of engagement) to gain access to specific, exclusive content.” Source

Posting or sharing at very high frequencies, manually or with automation, or posting repetitive near-identical content.

Fix: Pace scheduled posts and avoid reposting near-identical content.

Checker hint: Account behaviour, not visible in a single upload. Only mention when the creator says they bulk-schedule many near-identical posts.

“Posting, sharing, engaging with content or creating accounts, Groups, Pages, Events or other assets, either manually or automatically, at very high frequencies.” Source

Recorded music you do not have rights to, especially dense use of music or full-length tracks, music over a static image (a 'music listening experience'), or commercial/business use of music without licenses.

Fix: Use short clips or licensed/royalty-free music from the in-app library, and always have a real visual component.

Checker hint: Flag full songs, back-to-back tracks, lyric videos or song over a still image. Meta prohibits commercial or non-personal use of music without licenses, so brand and business posts are the riskiest; the in-app licensed library and Meta Sound Collection are safest. Does not count: short licensed clips or royalty-free tracks under real footage.

“The greater the density of music in content, the more likely it may be limited (e.g., blocked, muted or ineligible for Music Revenue Share)” Source

Photorealistic video or realistic-sounding audio that was digitally created, modified or altered (incl. with AI) shared without turning on the AI label, e.g. a realistic AI crowd scene, an AI-generated conversation, a song with AI vocals, or a Reel narrated by a realistic AI voice.

Fix: Turn on the AI label when posting realistic AI video or a realistic AI voice. Expect a label anyway if the export carries AI metadata.

Checker hint: Look for AI-generation artifacts, AI voice clones or TTS that sounds human, and C2PA/IPTC 'trainedAlgorithmicMedia' or generator names in metadata (Meta also auto-labels from such industry-standard signals). Not required: images and cartoon-style or obviously unrealistic video. Meta's examples of required labels are all realistic synthetic scenes or voices; light AI touch-ups (resize, colour) are low risk. Content detected as AI-generated gets an 'AI info' label; AI-modified content shows the info in the post menu.

“There may be penalties for content shared without a label when it is required.” Source

Jokes, generalizations or insinuations that demean or undermine the inclusion of a protected group, without being outright hate speech (for example 'all women from X are...' humor).

Fix: Rewrite the joke or claim so it is about a specific person, behavior or policy rather than a whole group.

Checker hint: Flag statements that attribute a negative trait to everyone in a protected group, including as comedy. Does NOT count: criticizing a specific person's actions, discussing policy, satire aimed at hateful ideas.

“Stereotypes, generalizations, insinuations, or statements that may demean or undermine the inclusion of protected groups or identities” Source

A person who appears under 18 wearing clothing that shows cleavage or outlines intimate body parts.

Fix: Change the outfit or reframe so the focus is not on the body.

Checker hint: Only applies when someone in frame plausibly is under 18. Look for low-cut tops, tight clothing that outlines intimate areas. Does NOT count: ordinary swimwear at a pool or beach with no sexualized framing.

“Young people in clothing that reveals cleavage or outlines intimate body parts” Source

The account holder is under 16. Their videos are not recommended in the For You feed (Creator Academy: not recommended to people they don't know).

Fix: Nothing to change in the video. Under-16 creators should expect reach mainly from followers and search.

Checker hint: Account-level; cannot be seen in the video. Only apply when the user has told the app their age band.

“needing to be 16+ for your videos to appear in the FYF” Source

A child is the main on-screen subject and the account does not make clear (bio, profile picture or username) that it belongs to an adult.

Fix: Make it clear in the bio, profile picture or username that a parent runs the account; having the adult appear or speak in the video also helps.

Checker hint: Trigger a reminder (not a hard warning) when a young child is the main person on camera and no adult appears or speaks.

“If you do so, it needs to be clear that the account belongs to an adult. The bio, profile picture, or username are good places to do this.” Source

Non-explicit imagery of sexual abuse of adults or minors in fiction or art (e.g. TV clips with implied assault).

Fix: Cut the implied-abuse scene, or accept 18+ only and no For You reach.

Checker hint: Scenes that imply rape or sexual assault in films, series or skits. Explicit depiction is removal (see tiktok.removal.adult-sexual-abuse-ncii and tiktok.removal.youth-sexualization).

“Showing non-explicit imagery of adult sexual abuse in fiction or art, such as television shows with scenes of implied abuse” Source

Hostile, profane language or behavior aimed at a private individual (any minor, or an adult who is not a public figure).

Fix: Remove the profane attack, or blur and un-name the person.

Checker hint: Profanity directed at someone identifiable (named, tagged or shown): a customer, ex, neighbor, another creator. General swearing that is not aimed at anyone is not listed as FYF-ineligible.

“Hostile and profane language or behavior targeted at a private figure” Source

Non-instructional descriptions of suicide or self-harm acts, including documentary, education, fiction or art with detailed descriptions or non-graphic imagery.

Fix: Talk about feelings, recovery and help rather than the act. Remove descriptions of what was done.

Checker hint: Personal stories or news that describe the act itself. Highly graphic imagery is generally removed regardless of intent.

“Documentary or educational content that reports on suicide or self-harm using detailed descriptions or non-graphic imagery” Source

Showing, describing or promoting: diets, exercises, products or services with exaggerated claims (fast or dramatic results); restrictive low-calorie diets including extended intermittent fasting; products, medications or devices prone to misuse for weight loss or muscle gain (even without selling them); a body type as 'ideal' in an unhealthy context; or your own ongoing struggle with disordered eating, even when it doesn't encourage the behavior.

Fix: Remove time-bound result promises and extreme fasting advice; focus on habits and health.

Checker hint: 'Drop 2 sizes in 14 days', OMAD or 72-hour fasts promoted to viewers, 'this is the ideal body'. Does NOT count: sports or general-fitness routines, medically necessary diets, religious fasting, competitive eating (that is allowed).

“Diets, exercises, products, or services that include exaggerated or harmful claims, such as those promising fast or dramatic results” Source

Showing or promoting invasive cosmetic surgery (surgery footage, referrals) or talking about cosmetic surgery without explaining the risks.

Fix: Explain the risks and recovery, and cut graphic surgical footage. Don't add clinic referrals.

Checker hint: Operating-room footage, BBL or lipo results, clinic referrals or discount codes. Does NOT count: medically necessary surgery such as cleft-lip repair, reconstruction after mastectomy, gender-affirming surgery.

“Talking about cosmetic surgery without explaining the risks” Source

Showing or promoting dangerous activity with visible or likely moderate harm (small cuts, light bleeding, bruises).

Fix: Cut the risky moment or show safety gear and supervision; add 'do not try this' context.

Checker hint: Pranks with falls, slap games, amateur tricks with minor injuries. Does NOT count: supervised sport with safety gear.

“Content showing activities that may lead to moderate physical harm is ineligible for the FYF, restricted to users 18 and older, and may include a warning label.” Source

Adults with significant body exposure (nipple covers only, underwear that doesn't cover most of the buttocks; in some regions side-breast or partial buttocks), intimate kissing, sexually suggestive acts (thrusting, striptease, licking objects suggestively), or camera framing that focuses on clothed intimate body parts.

Fix: Widen the shot, change the angle away from intimate areas, drop suggestive sounds and hashtags.

Checker hint: TikTok judges intent from 'bios, hashtags, captions, and sounds', so check those together with the frames: close-ups on chest, groin or buttocks, twerking aimed at the camera, suggestive sounds. Does NOT count: swimwear at a pool or beach, a quick kiss, cultural dress at festivals.

“Adults engaging in intimate kissing, sexually suggestive acts, or sexualized framing” Source

Real-world significant bleeding or bleeding as the focus, fights between people that could injure, or graphic war or disaster footage shared in the public interest.

Fix: Blur blood and injuries, trim the fight, add news or educational context.

Checker hint: School or street fights, bloody injuries, battlefield clips. The most graphic imagery (e.g. violent death by mutilation) is still removed.

“Fighting between individuals that may cause physical injury” Source

The build-up to a serious accident or injury even if the injury isn't shown, fictional graphic violence or injury, peaceful deaths or bodies in memorial contexts, or visual/audio effects meant to shock (jump scares).

Fix: Remove the jump-scare frame and audio spike; cut crash clips well before the impact setup; tone down horror makeup or gore effects.

Checker hint: A sudden loud audio spike paired with a sudden frightening image is a usable heuristic for jump scares. 'Fail' clips that end just before a serious crash still count.

“Content that may shock users due to visual and/or audio effects (e.g. jump scare)” Source

Graphic animal injury or death in documentary or science content, ritual slaughter, animals preying on each other, or preparing whole dead uncooked animals (skinning, cleaning, dissecting).

Fix: Start the video from cleaned cuts, or trim the kill and skinning footage.

Checker hint: Hunting or fishing videos that show gutting or skinning, butchery of whole animals, nature clips of kills. Does NOT count: grocery-store cuts of meat or fish.

“Showing the preparation of whole, dead, and uncooked animals. This includes skinning, cleaning, or dissecting the dead animal.” Source

Conspiracy theories blaming 'the government' or a 'secret society', moderate-harm health myths (e.g. cold cures), real footage presented out of context, cherry-picked studies, unverified claims about a crisis or major civic event, viral misinformation that erodes trust in institutions or businesses, or content under fact-check review.

Fix: Add sources on screen or in the caption, label speculation as opinion, and give the real date and place of reused footage.

Checker hint: 'BREAKING' claims about an unfolding event with no source, 'they don't want you to know', reused clips with a new false location or date. Does NOT count: clearly labeled opinion.

“Content is ineligible for the FYF if it contains misinformation that may cause moderate harm to individuals or society.” Source

Unverified claims about an election (e.g. 'all ballots are counted' before the final tally), statements that misrepresent official civic information (e.g. a false claim about a bill's text), or content that looks like paid political advertising.

Fix: Cite the official source for election and bill claims; keep sponsorship cues off political posts.

Checker hint: Claims about counts, fraud or bill text with no source. For 'suspected paid political advertising', TikTok gives no examples; an illustrative signal is candidate promotion that uses sponsorship language or promo codes.

“Unverified claims about an election, such as claiming all ballots are counted before a final tally” Source

AI-generated or significantly edited content showing realistic-looking people or scenes without a label: face swaps, making someone appear to say something they didn't, adding or removing people or objects in a misleading way, AI voice that mimics a real person, or clips cut, rearranged or sped up to change meaning.

Fix: Turn on 'AI-generated content' under More options before posting, or add a clear caption, sticker or watermark saying it is AI or edited.

Checker hint: Check C2PA / Content Credentials metadata and AI-tool signatures in the file; photoreal AI faces or scenes; cloned voices of known people; deceptive edits. Count it as disclosed if the caption, a sticker or watermark clearly says AI/edited, or the user confirms they will turn on the AI-generated content setting. Does NOT need disclosure: color correction, reframing, cropping, anime or other clearly artistic styles, generic text-to-speech that is not a recognizable real voice.

“Unlabeled content may be removed, restricted, or labeled by our team, depending on the harm it could cause.” Source

Realistic-looking content not yet confirmed to be AI or edited that presents a matter of public importance in a way that could mislead, or could harm private people.

Fix: If the footage is real, say where and when it was filmed and by whom. If it is synthetic, label it.

Checker hint: Unsourced 'footage' of protests, disasters, politicians or crimes that looks real but could be synthetic.

“Any realistic-appearing content which isn't yet confirmed to be AIGC or significantly edited content, but presents matters of public importance in a way that could lead to misinterpretation, or cause harm to private figures” Source

Reused clips that show someone else's watermark, @handle or logo (e.g. another creator's TikTok or Reels watermark, a different app's logo) without creative edits.

Fix: Re-export from the original project without the watermark, or remove the borrowed clip; add your own commentary or edits if you have rights to reuse it.

Checker hint: Scan corners and the end card for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat or other app logos and @usernames that are not the creator's own. The policy says 'someone else's' watermark; the creator's own logo or handle is fine. CapCut (TikTok's own editor) end cards are not addressed by any official source; mention them as a soft note at most. Also check green-screen backgrounds for watermarked images.

“Reused or unoriginal content posted without creative edits, such as clips that show someone else’s watermark or logo” Source

Content copied from others or largely repurposed without creative edits, or compilations from several sources with little added value.

Fix: Add original voiceover, commentary, analysis or editing that changes the meaning, or post your own footage.

Checker hint: Look for footage that is not the creator's (different filming style, broadcast graphics, other people's faces with no creator presence), 'best of' compilations, re-uploads with only text or music added. Does NOT count: Duets or Stitches with real commentary, reaction with substantial added input.

“Content is also ineligible for the FYF if it includes unoriginal or reused material without anything new.” Source

Low-quality or minimally edited content, such as short clips made only from GIFs.

Fix: Add original footage, narration or real editing.

Checker hint: Short loops of GIFs or stock clips with no voice, no original footage and little editing.

“Low-quality or minimally edited content, such as short clips made from GIFs only” Source

Posting a duplicate of a video already on TikTok (including your own) or spam-like repeat posts.

Fix: Don't re-post the same file; make a meaningfully new edit with a new hook instead.

Checker hint: Only detectable if the app keeps hashes of the creator's earlier uploads; otherwise remind the creator not to delete-and-repost.

“We also don't recommend duplicated content, content you've already seen before, or any content that's considered spam.” Source

Tricking people into engaging: 'like-for-like' or follow-for-follow promises, false incentives for gifts or follows, or misleading claims meant to boost views.

Fix: Remove the like/follow/gift bargain and any fake prize claims.

Checker hint: 'Follow me and I'll follow back', 'like or you'll have bad luck', fake giveaways, 'gift a rose to unlock part 2'. Does NOT count: a genuine question inviting comments, an honest 'follow for part 2'.

“Content that tries to manipulate people into giving gifts or inflating likes or follows isn’t eligible for the FYF.” Source

Showing or promoting gambling or gambling-like activities (betting slips, casino or slot play, sports-betting apps, social casinos, loot boxes), even without a link.

Fix: Cut the gambling footage or accept 18+ only and no For You reach.

Checker hint: Betting app screens, casino floors with play, slot streams, parlay celebrations. In some regions it is removed outright.

“Showing or promoting gambling and gambling-like activities, cannabis or cannabis-related items, adult tobacco or vaping use, or firearms or explosive weapons” Source

Showing or promoting firearms or explosive weapons, even legally owned and without a sale (range videos, hunting rifles in frame, gun reviews).

Fix: Remove or crop out the firearm, or accept 18+ only and no For You reach.

Checker hint: Any real gun or explosive clearly visible, including in the background. Toy or prop guns in obvious fiction are lower risk. Does NOT count: ceremonial weapons like spears and shields in cultural settings; policy advocacy about gun laws.

“Showing or promoting gambling and gambling-like activities, cannabis or cannabis-related items, adult tobacco or vaping use, or firearms or explosive weapons” Source

Adults shown using tobacco or vapes, or cannabis or cannabis-related items shown or promoted, even incidentally.

Fix: Cut the frames with smoking, vaping or cannabis.

Checker hint: A vape in hand or a puff in the background is enough. Recreational cannabis use may be removed in some regions.

“Showing or promoting gambling and gambling-like activities, cannabis or cannabis-related items, adult tobacco or vaping use, or firearms or explosive weapons” Source

Promoting your own business, product or service, or posting branded content (review, endorsement, gifted product, paid deal, affiliate link or code, ambassador) without turning on the 'Disclose commercial content' setting.

Fix: Turn on 'Disclose commercial content' (Your brand = 'Promotional content'; Branded content = 'Paid partnership') and tag the brand.

Checker hint: Cues: 'use my code', affiliate links, 'link in bio to shop', #ad #sponsored #gifted #partner, 'thanks to [brand]', unboxing of PR packages, a business owner showing their own shop or services. Ask the creator to confirm the toggle is on; a caption hashtag alone does not satisfy TikTok's rule.

“If you’re posting commercial content on TikTok, you must clearly disclose it using the content disclosure setting.” Source

A link in the video, caption or profile that leads to content TikTok doesn't allow (porn, scams, regulated-goods shops, hate).

Fix: Point links only at pages that would themselves follow TikTok's rules.

Checker hint: Resolve each URL or QR code and judge the landing page against the other rules. Ordinary links and 'link in bio' to allowed pages are NOT penalized; there is no official rule that mentioning other platforms hurts reach.

“If a link breaks our rules, we’ll remove it. We may also temporarily stop you from posting links—or, for severe violations, ban your account.” Source

Any video that falls under an FYF-ineligible rule.

Fix: Fix the FYF issue; for Creator Rewards videos treat every FYF warning as a money warning too.

Checker hint: Meta-rule: fire alongside any tiktok.fyf.* rule when the creator uses monetization features (Creator Rewards, subscriptions, Series).

“Content that isn’t eligible for the FYF may also be restricted from monetization.” Source

Sensitive material that would otherwise break a rule, posted as documentary, educational, medical/scientific, counterspeech, satire or art. It may stay up but can still be FYF-ineligible, get a warning screen or a context label.

Fix: State the purpose clearly with captions, stickers or voiceover ('news report', 'educational', 'this is satire'), and expect limited For You reach.

Checker hint: When sensitive material is found, check whether the intent is stated in the caption, on screen or in voiceover. No exception for content that could cause extreme harm (e.g. explicit abuse of a minor).

“Even if we allow content under a public interest exception, we might still:” Source

Music baked into the uploaded file (or added outside TikTok's licensed sound libraries) that a rights holder claims. TikTok mutes the infringing section.

Fix: Remove music from the exported file and add it in TikTok from the Unlimited Sounds Library, and turn on 'Music copyright check' on the posting page.

Checker hint: Fingerprint the audio for commercial songs. Music added inside TikTok from the Unlimited Sounds Library is licensed; the same song baked into the file is not covered.

“If only some of the music in your video violates the copyright rule, only that section will be removed.” Source