Overview of Facebook Advertising Policies

Facebook is an enormous social media platform with reach all over the world. They offer a mind-bending number of features and services, including ways for businesses to get more exposure. These ways often change and create confusion for those trying to make use of them. Among many other ways frustration can mount, dealing with advertising policies is truly a challenge, especially for certain types of businesses.

There are rules for advertising on Facebook. The rules are intended to keep a certain level of safety, etiquette, and quality for Facebook users. They are also intended to filter out scams and schemes that can victimize consumers. And, of course, they are also meant to protect Facebook and its business model.

Whatever the reasons that Facebook applies rules and restrictions to advertisers, the important thing to know is that they do. If you have some awareness about what those rules and restrictions are, it can help you navigate away from trouble. Unfortunately, dire consequences can result in the flouting of these rules, such as accounts being permanently shut down.

Prohibited Content

Content that Facebook considers prohibited is strictly not allowed and will result in ads being disapproved and unable to run.

Here’s a sample list of some prohibited content:

• Adult content, or adult products and services
• No illegal products or services
• Ads that discriminate or encourage discrimination against people based on personal attributes
• Ads that target based on medical conditions or that assert or imply personal attributes
• Sensational content that might be considered excessively violent or shocking
• Ads for unsafe supplements (as determined by Facebook)
• Weapons, ammunition, or explosives
• Ads that contain “before-and-after” images or content that implies or generates negative self-perception
• Misleading claims

Restricted Content

Besides having a list of prohibited content, Facebook also has a list of categories that are simply restricted. This means that to advertise in one of the restricted ways, one must comply with the applicable rules for that category. It might also involve applying for permission or certification from a third party or Facebook itself.

Here’s a sample list of some restricted content:

• Alcohol and drugs
• Dating
• Gambling
• Social issues and politics
• Addiction treatment
• Weight loss
• Financial services related to credit cards, loans, or insurance

In Closing

When you intend to start advertising on Facebook, being familiar with the policies can help you tremendously.

Click here to access all of the Facebook advertising policies.