Even though Facebook makes over $1 billion per quarter in advertising revenue, there are strict guidelines to Facebook's advertising policies that marketers and e-commerce entrepreneurs need to be aware of.
There are products and services that are explicitly banned from Facebook advertising, however there are a number of products and services that are allowed to advertise, but must follow very specific policies and are subject to careful scrutiny by Facebook.
It should come as no surprise that prohibited Facebook ad content includes ads that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, etc. It's also not a shock that Facebook does not approve any ads that promote or contain references to illegal products or services, drugs, weapons or unregulated supplements.
Here are some examples of prohibited Facebook ad policies that might surprise you:
1. Ad content must not imply or attempt to generate negative self-perception in order to promote diet, weight loss, or other health related products. Facebook will not allow "before-and-after" images or images. The reasoning here is that these may contain unexpected or unlikely results.
2. You cannot promote images focusing on zoomed body parts. See examples below.
3. Ads may not promote the sale of spy cams, mobile phone trackers or other hidden surveillance equipment. Considering the popularity of these items, that might surprise you.
4. Ads may not promote the sale of prescription pharmaceuticals (without written consent from Facebook).
5. Ads must not promote addiction treatment centers (without written consent from Facebook).
6. Excessive text in ad images may result in your ad reaching fewer people or not running at all. Try to use little or no image text when possible.
7. Advertisers may not create Lead Ads containing questions about political affiliation, health, credit scores, income, net worth, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, philosophical beliefs and more (without written consent from Facebook).
8. Are you trying to conduct ads promoting alcohol, online dating services, gambling, lotteries, subscription services, student loan services, political elections, political issues, and financial services? These fall under the restricted content category and are subject to strict rules and regulations. Click here to read through the complete list of restricted content for Facebook advertising.
To learn more about banned advertising practices on Facebook, visit watch this video below compliments of Oberlo.