Facebook Reels are short form video clips that can be created and shared on Facebook and Instagram. As with all content on Facebook, Reels are required to follow Facebook’s Community Standards to ensure a safe environment for all users. Facebook has guidelines in place regarding nudity, sexual activity, hate speech, bullying, harassment, and other types of harmful content. Understanding these standards is important for any individual or brand looking to use Reels.
What types of content are prohibited in Facebook Reels?
Facebook’s Community Standards prohibit certain types of content in Reels including:
Nudity and Sexual Activity
Facebook prohibits nudity and sexual activity being depicted or implied in Reels. The guidelines ban full or partial nudity including close-ups of genitals, buttocks, or breasts. Cleavage is generally allowed in non-sexual contexts like breastfeeding. Reels may not depict or imply realistic sexual activity, nor contain excessive visible bodily fluids in a sexual context. Animated content depicting nudity or sexual acts is also not allowed.
Violence and Graphic Content
Reels cannot depict or encourage physical harm, murder, violence against humans or animals, or depict victims of violent events. Graphic content related to deceased persons is likewise not permitted. Instructions on how to commit violent acts are banned.
Hate Speech
Reels must not spread hate or promote violence against individuals or groups based on protected attributes like race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religious affiliation, caste, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or serious disease. Slurs, harmful stereotypes and comparisons are prohibited.
Bullying and Harassment
Content that facilitates, advocates for or coordinates bullying and harassment on or off platform is not allowed. This includes unwanted sexual advances, stalking, and malicious exposure of private information like home address or financial documents.
Regulated Goods
Reels cannot promote the sale or use of illegal, prescription, or recreational drugs. Firearms, ammunition, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and related products also cannot be sold. Highly regulated goods like pharmaceuticals can only be advertised in certain countries by authorized advertisers.
Suicide and Self-Injury
Content that promotes suicide, self-harm or eating disorders is banned. Details like methods or instructions that can assist with suicide or self-injury are likewise prohibited.
What content restrictions apply to Reels with minors?
Reels depicting minors have additional restrictions:
Nudity
Reels may not contain images of nude minors unless the context is educational, documentary, or scientific. Sexualized context is strictly prohibited.
Sexual Activity
Minors may not be depicted engaging in implied or actual sexual activity, including with other minors.
Misleading Age
Adults may not impersonate minors or imply minors are engaging in adult activities like substance use. Minors also cannot misrepresent their age to bypass restrictions.
Child Exploitation
Content that exploits, endangers or promotes the abuse of children is banned. This includes grooming, human trafficking and sexualization of minors.
What enforcement action is taken against policy-violating Reels?
Facebook uses both human reviewers and artificial intelligence to identify content that violates policies. Various enforcement actions may be taken:
Reel Removal
Reels that clearly violate policies will be removed from Facebook. Policy-violating live Reels will also be interrupted.
Account Restrictions
Accounts that repeatedly share violating Reels may have posting, commenting or advertising abilities restricted for a period of time. Severe or repeated violations can lead to account disablement.
Page Restrictions
Pages that share prohibited content across any post type including Reels may be unpublished or have other restrictions applied. Admins and editors of these Pages may also have their accounts restricted.
Appeals Process
Users can appeal enforcement actions if they believe a mistake was made. An appeals team will review the content and make a final decision.
How can brands ensure their Reels comply with policies?
Brands looking to leverage Reels as part of their social strategy should take steps to understand and comply with Facebook’s guidelines, including:
Review All Policies
Carefully read all Community Standards documentation. Pay particular attention to sections on regulated goods, dangerous individuals and organizations.
Avoid NSFW Content
Avoid nudity, sexual activity, graphic violence, illegal substances and other Not Safe For Work (NSFW) material prohibited by Facebook.
Monitor Comments
Proactively monitor Reel comments and remove any that violate policies, especially hate speech, harassment or bullying.
Obtain Consents
Get consent forms signed by individuals who visibly appear in branded Reels, including parental consent for minors.
Ask for Guidance
Consult with Facebook’s Policy team if unsure whether specific Reel content complies with standards. Adjust content before publishing.
Conclusion
Facebook’s Reels Community Standards seek to maintain safety, minimize harm and prevent policy violations at scale. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, both individuals and brands can responsibly leverage Reels to engage audiences while respecting others. With human reviewers and improving AI, Facebook aims to apply policies consistently and fairly. However, the policies will continue evolving to address emerging issues as the Reels format develops.
| Content Type | Prohibited Content Examples |
|---|---|
| Nudity and Sexual Activity | Visible genitals, buttocks, or breasts; Sexual acts; Animated nude depictions |
| Violence and Graphic Content | Physical harm against humans/animals; Instructions on violent acts |
| Hate Speech | Attacks on protected groups; Harmful stereotypes; Slurs |
| Bullying and Harassment | Unwanted sexual advances; Malicious exposure of private information |
| Regulated Goods | Illegal/prescription drugs; Firearms; Tobacco |
| Suicide and Self-Injury | Promoting suicide/self-harm; Providing dangerous instructions |
| Enforcement Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Reel Removal | Take down violating Reels |
| Account Restrictions | Limit abilities to post, comment, advertise |
| Page Restrictions | Unpublish Pages sharing prohibited content |
| Appeals Process | Review enforcement actions if contested |
| Compliance Tip for Brands | Description |
|---|---|
| Review All Policies | Read Community Standards documentation thoroughly |
| Avoid NSFW Content | Do not include nudity, substances, graphic material |
| Monitor Comments | Remove hate speech, harassment in Reel comments |
| Obtain Consents | Get signed consent forms from individuals appearing in Reels |
| Ask for Guidance | Consult Facebook’s Policy team about questionable content |
The key takeaway is that while Reels provide creative opportunities, brands must be thoughtful to avoid content that violates Facebook’s Community Standards. Understanding and adhering to policies helps maintain a safe, inclusive environment for all. With human and AI enforcement, standards are applied at scale but Facebook recognizes enforcement is not perfect. The appeals process allows contested decisions to be re-evaluated to improve consistency over time. As the Reels format evolves, Facebook will likely update policies, so brands should stay informed. Overall, a compliance mindset helps unlock Reels success responsibly.