Facebook Reels has certain guidelines around prohibited content formats that creators must follow. Understanding these guidelines can help ensure your Reels comply with Facebook’s policies.
Explicit or Suggestive Content
Facebook prohibits overly sexual or suggestive content in Reels. This includes:
- Exposed private areas
- Simulated sexual acts
- Sexual intercourse
- Erotic dancing
Revealing clothing and suggestive poses/dancing may be restricted in some cases if deemed inappropriate by Facebook.
Violent and Graphic Content
Depictions of violence, injuries, or blood are not allowed in Reels. Prohibited content includes:
- Actual violence or assault
- Accidents resulting in serious injury or death
- Physical fights or beatings
- Graphic wounds or bodily fluids
Some exceptions may be made for video game violence and fictional movies/TV shows if not overly graphic.
Hate Speech and Harassment
Reels must not promote hate or harassment towards individuals or groups based on attributes like race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religious affiliation, caste, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, or immigration status. This includes:
- Slurs, epithets, or racist/sexist tropes
- Dehumanizing speech or comparisons
- Mocking someone’s accent, mental health, or disability
- Harassing or bullying an individual
Dangerous Acts or Challenges
Facebook prohibits Reels depicting or encouraging dangerous or risky challenges, stunts, or acts. Examples include:
- Eating detergent pods
- Setting oneself on fire
- Dangerous stunts with vehicles
- Climbing extremely high structures
Exceptions may be made for clear educational, scientific, or artistic purposes.
Regulated Goods and Services
Reels cannot promote or facilitate the sale of regulated goods and services. Prohibited content includes:
- Sale of firearms, ammunition, or explosives
- Sale of non-medical drugs
- Paid sex-related services
- Human trafficking
- Sales of endangered species
Misinformation
Facebook restricts the spread of demonstrably false misinformation in Reels. This includes:
- Anti-vaccination misinformation
- Climate change denial
- Unverified conspiracy theories
- Distorted or fabricated news stories
Some political claims or opinions may be exempt unless leading to real world harm.
Impersonation and Intellectual Property
Reels cannot impersonate individuals or organizations or use unauthorized IP. Rules include:
- No pretending to be someone else
- No unauthorized logos/branding
- No unlicensed music tracks
- No footage from copyrighted movies/TV
Parody and satire may be exempt in some cases.
Sensitive Events
Graphic content related to sensitive real-world events is restricted if deemed disrespectful or lacking appropriate context. Examples include:
- Violent terrorist attacks
- Natural disasters and accidents
- Mass shootings
News coverage and first person accounts may be exempt in some cases.
Minors and Endangered Individuals
Facebook aims to protect minors and vulnerable individuals in Reels. Content is prohibited if it:
- Sexualizes or exploits minors
- Endangers a child’s physical health
- Depicts abuse of vulnerable individuals
- Targets victims of violence with unwanted attention
Spam
Repetitive content deliberately created to artificially increase viewer counts is not allowed. This includes:
- Re-sharing the same Reel repeatedly
- Incentivizing shares/views with no meaningful content
- Clickbait designed to mislead viewers
How Facebook Detects Prohibited Reels Content
Facebook uses the following methods to detect and remove prohibited Reels content:
- AI tools – Analyze visual, audio, and textual content in Reels
- User reports – People can report concerning Reels to Facebook
- Proactive sweeps – Facebook searches for policy-violating Reels
- Partners – Trusted partners provide signals about violating Reels
Penalties for Violating Reels Policies
If you share prohibited content in Facebook Reels, possible penalties include:
- Removing the violating Reel
- Temporary or permanent bans from posting Reels
- Disabling monetization features
- Suspending or terminating your Facebook account
Multiple or more serious violations typically warrant stricter penalties. Facebook informs users when content is removed for violations.
How to Report Concerning Reels
If you come across a concerning Reel that may violate Facebook’s policies, you can report it by:
- Clicking the three dots icon in the top right corner of the Reel
- Selecting “Report Reel”
- Choosing the policy it violates from the options
- Adding any extra context about why it’s concerning
- Clicking “Report Reel” to submit your report
Facebook has teams that review all reports and take action if Reels violate standards. Reporting helps Facebook identify and remove problematic content.
Appealing Removed Reels
If Facebook removes one of your Reels by mistake, you can appeal the decision by:
- Going to the Reels tab in the Facebook app
- Tapping on your notification about the removed Reel
- Selecting “Request Review”
- Explaining why you believe the Reel was removed incorrectly
Facebook will reconsider the Reel based on your explanation. Successful appeals will lead to reinstatement.
Table Summary of Prohibited Reels Content
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Explicit/Sexual Content | Exposed private areas, sexual acts, erotic dancing |
| Violence/Gore | Fights, wounds, blood, cruelty, torture |
| Hate Speech | Racial/sexual slurs, harassment, dehumanization |
| Dangerous Acts | Risky stunts/challenges, self-harm, arson |
| Regulated Goods | Firearms, drugs, sex services, endangered species |
| Misinformation | Health hoaxes, election/news fabrication |
| IP Violations | Impersonation, unauthorized branding, piracy |
| Sensitive Events | Terrorism, natural disasters, mass casualties |
| Exploiting Minors | Sexualizing kids, child endangerment, bullying |
| Spam | Inauthentic engagement, clickbait, repetitive content |
Conclusion
Facebook aims to provide a safe and authentic experience across Reels. Understanding what content is prohibited can help creators adhere to community standards. While Reels offers a space for creative expression, all videos must respect Facebook’s rules prohibiting harmful, dangerous, or deceptive content.