Facebook reels allow users to create and share short-form videos on Facebook and Instagram. While reels offer creative opportunities, Facebook does have guidelines around prohibited content to ensure safety and prevent abuse on their platforms.
Nudity and Sexual Content
Facebook prohibits content containing nudity or sexual activity, including:
- Visible genitals, breasts or buttocks (unless breastfeeding or birth giving)
- Simulated sexual activities
- Sexual intercourse or other sexual acts
- Sexualized massages
- Erotic dancing
- Cartoons, anime or comics containing nudity or sexual acts
There are exceptions for artistic, educational, documentary or scientific content, but full nudity is still prohibited. Sexually suggestive content like focusing on individual body parts is also not allowed.
Violence and Graphic Content
Content depicting or encouraging violence or other dangerous activities is not allowed. This includes:
- Actual violence or violent threats
- Physical fights or assault
- Robbery or theft
- Weapons manufacture or use
- Terrorist organizations or acts
- Animal abuse or organized animal fighting
- Human corpses or body parts
Exceptions can be made for content raising awareness or condemning these acts. Graphic content like severe injuries is also restricted.
Hate Speech and Harassment
Facebook prohibits content that targets or threatens others based on protected characteristics like race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and disability. This includes:
- Slurs, epithets or racist/sexist terms
- Dehumanizing or humiliating claims
- Mocking tone targeting protected groups
- Stereotyping claims suggesting inferiority
- Expressions of contempt or disgust
- Calls for exclusion or segregation
Content that intends to or does harass, bully or intimidate individuals is also not permitted.
Regulated Goods and Services
Facebook restricts content promoting or facilitating regulated goods and services like:
- Illegal drugs and paraphernalia
- Tobacco products and related accessories
- Unsafe supplements or cosmetic procedures
- Weapons, ammunition or explosives
- Human trafficking services
Content that depicts minors using alcohol, tobacco or drugs is likewise prohibited.
Misinformation
Facebook works to reduce misinformation like:
- False news stories
- Health misinformation
- Manipulated photos or videos
- Election and civic misinformation
They may add labels providing context to misleading posts. Pages or groups repeatedly sharing false news may be subject to restrictions.
Scams and Fraud
Content that engages in deceptive practices like fraud, deception or scams is prohibited, including:
- Blackmail or extortion
- Impersonation for malicious reasons
- Clickbait for ad revenue or traffic
- Excessive or unrealistic giveaways
- Pyramid schemes
Facebook aims to disrupt these activities and bad actors on their platforms.
Intellectual Property Violations
Facebook respects intellectual property rights and does not allow content that infringes on others’ copyrights, trademarks or patents. This includes:
- Stolen videos, songs or images
- Copied news articles
- Replica products
- Content encouraging piracy
Rights holders can report violations through Facebook’s IP reporting channels.
Circumvention of Systems
Attempts to circumvent Facebook systems, exploit vulnerabilities, or enable dishonest behaviors are not allowed. This includes:
- Creating multiple accounts under false identities
- Automated scraping without permission
- Coordinated inauthentic behavior
- Artificially boosting distribution
- Selling or trading accounts
Facebook has technical systems to detect and stop these efforts.
Unauthorized Commercial Use
Facebook restricts unauthorized commercial use like:
- Affiliate marketing without approval
- Lead generation offers or promotions
- AGGREGATE OR REPLICATE Facebook DATA to sell
- Using Facebook content in an ad
Valid licensing agreements must be in place for commercial usages.
Sexual Solicitation
Facebook does not allow content that engages in, promotes or facilitates sexual solicitation, including:
- Prostitution services or escorts
- Sexual webcam shows for money
- Soliciting nude images or videos
- Sugar dating arrangements
Any sexual or suggestive content involving minors will result in Facebook contacting law enforcement.
Conclusion
Facebook aims to balance enabling expression while protecting users and preventing abuse. Their content policies prohibit clear violations like nudity, violence, harassment and misinformation. Rules are enforced through a combination of human review and artificial intelligence. Understanding Facebook’s guidelines allows creators to make informed decisions when posting reels content.
| Category | Examples of Prohibited Content |
|---|---|
| Nudity and Sexual Content | Visible private parts, erotic activities, simulated sex |
| Violence and Graphic Content | Physical assault, animal abuse, graphic injuries |
| Hate Speech and Harassment | Slurs, stereotyping, bullying, intimidation |
| Regulated Goods and Services | Illegal drugs, dangerous cosmetic procedures, weapons |
| Misinformation | False news, manipulated media, health hoaxes |
| Scams and Fraud | Clickbait, impersonation, pyramid schemes |
| Intellectual Property Violations | Pirated content, copyright infringement, stolen media |
| Circumvention of Systems | Fake accounts, coordinated artificial behavior, scraping |
| Unauthorized Commercial Use | Unauthorized affiliate links, lead gen offers, ad use |
| Sexual Solicitation | Prostitution, sexual webcam shows, soliciting minors |
Facebook’s content policies are constantly evolving to address emerging issues and abuse trends on their platforms. While the above covers major categories, creators should reference Facebook’s full Community Standards and Commerce Policies for details.
Facebook provides reporting channels to flag potentially violating content for review. Pages or accounts repeatedly sharing prohibited content may face restrictions or removal. Content not overtly violating policies, but still deemed inappropriate for Facebook’s platforms, can also be demoted to limit reach and distribution.
By understanding and following Facebook’s guidelines, creators can produce engaging and creative reels content safely. If unsure whether planned content may violate policies, it’s best to connect with Facebook support for guidance. With a responsible approach, reels present an exciting new opportunity for video expression on Facebook and Instagram.