A Thousand and One Reasons Why Facebook Ads Are Not Approved and How to Resolve Them
Do you know why your Facebook ads aren’t getting approved? Are you familiar with all of Facebook’s advertising policies? Have you ever encountered a situation where your ad was approved but didn’t run? Not everyone running ads fully understands Facebook’s algorithms.
Essentially, since Facebook is a free platform, participating means adhering to its established rules. Understanding Facebook’s stringent requirements will help ensure a smoother experience on the platform. Read the article below to learn about Facebook’s guidelines.
To create compelling ad content, you invest considerable time, effort, and even money to hire content creators. However, when you run the ad, it might not get approved due to “violations of Facebook’s advertising policies.”
The reasons Facebook provides are often vague, leaving you wondering why your ad wasn’t approved. This article summarizes the most common reasons why Facebook ads are not approved and offers solutions for each specific case.
1. Violations of Facebook’s Advertising Policies Regarding Images
1.1. Text Occupying More Than 20% of the Ad Image
This is a common mistake many make when running Facebook ads. Facebook stipulates that text should not occupy more than 20% of the ad image. This rule aims to enhance user experience by avoiding cluttered images in the news feed.
To avoid this mistake, pay attention during the design phase by inserting text into the image appropriately. You can also use Facebook’s Grid Tool to check before uploading the ad image.
1.2. Images with Close-Ups of Skin or Revealing Content
This error often occurs with fan pages selling lingerie, bikinis, jewelry, cosmetics, or spa services. Such content is typically not approved due to being classified as “adult content,” inappropriate, or unnecessarily focusing on body parts.
To address this issue, choose more user-friendly ad images. For products like lingerie or jewelry, instead of photographing them on models, consider using static images or mannequins. Alternatively, using videos can make your products more dynamic and appealing. You can also direct Facebook ads to your website, allowing users to click and learn more.
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1.3. Images That Are Misleading or Illustrate Non-Existent Features
Misleading images might involve advertising Coca-Cola but displaying a Pepsi image, or featuring CTA buttons that don’t function as described. For instance, an image might have a “Call Now” or “Download” button that doesn’t lead to the respective action.
To rectify this, ensure your images align with the ad content, and that CTA buttons function as intended. If adding such functionality isn’t possible, remove the CTA buttons from the image.
1.4. Images Using Facebook’s Branding
If your image includes Facebook’s branding elements, such as logos, icons, or notification symbols, the ad may not be approved. This implies unauthorized use of Facebook’s trademarks.
To use Facebook’s branding, you must obtain written permission. Otherwise, remove all related elements from your ad images to gain approval.
1.5. Images Inappropriate for the Target Audience’s Age
If you’re targeting an audience under 18 but use images that are unsuitable or unsafe, the ad won’t be approved. In this case, optimize your ad images to be age-appropriate for your target audience.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the likelihood of your Facebook ads being approved and effectively reaching your intended audience.
2. Content Violations
2.1. Prohibited Words in Facebook Ads
Using sensitive words, descriptions of user characteristics, or content related to personal information, gender, or race in ads will lead to disapproval. This issue is common for products like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or restricted items such as alcohol, tobacco, medicine, dietary supplements, financial services, and multi-level marketing.
To avoid violating Facebook’s banned words policy, refrain from using terms like “acne,” “scars,” “sexual dysfunction,” “fat loss,” “weight loss,” “weight gain,” etc. Avoid phrases that describe personal attributes or compare individuals. Also, minimize the use of the word “other” in a way that implicitly compares the targeted audience.
2.2. Using the Facebook Brand Name
Unlike images and logos, Facebook does not prohibit mentioning the word “Facebook” in ad content.
However, when using the Facebook brand name, you must write it correctly with a capital “F” as “Facebook.” Additionally, the word “Facebook” must match the font and size of the surrounding text. Do not abbreviate it as “FB,” “Fb,” or “Fbook.”
2.3. Using Copyrighted Brand Names – Facebook Advertising Policy
This violation is common among shops selling imported, hand-carried, or Vietnamese-export goods when they mention brand names in their ads.
Regarding trademark copyrights, not only should you avoid mentioning brand names in the text, but you should also refrain from using images containing logos of international brands.
2.4. Landing Page Content Must Match the Ad
To comply with Facebook’s strict advertising policies, a great solution is to direct ads to a landing page on your website. However, the landing page content must align with the ad—misleading users is not allowed.
You must ensure that the landing page is relevant to the advertisement. For example, if you’re advertising cosmetics, the link should not redirect to a clothing store, and vice versa. If your ad mentions a 50% discount promotion, clicking the link should take users to a corresponding promotional page.
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3. Visa Card-Related Violations
3.1. Failed Payment
If Facebook cannot charge your ad account, it means the payment request was sent to your card but was declined.
To resolve this, check if your card has sufficient balance to cover the payment. If your balance is sufficient but the payment still fails, contact your bank to check if there is a daily spending limit preventing the transaction.
Read More: Detailed Guide on How to Pay for Facebook Ads Using a Card
3.2. Card Not Accepted
One common reason why Facebook ads don’t run is that the card is not accepted. Currently, Facebook supports ad payments using two types of cards:
- Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard)
- Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard)
If you are using one of these card types but still encounter payment errors, double-check that the card details you entered are correct. If the details are correct but payment is still unsuccessful, contact your bank to verify whether your card has international payment features enabled.
3.3. Payment Held Due to Security Reasons
Has your ad been approved but still not running? One possible reason is a payment made from a suspicious account. For instance, if you’re in Vietnam but paying with a foreign account, Facebook may flag the transaction.
Another scenario is that the card you’re using might be suspected of being stolen, linked to unusual activity, or previously associated with unpaid Facebook ad bills.
To resolve this, try using a different payment method or opening a new card if necessary. You can also contact Facebook directly for assistance.
4. Errors on Facebook’s Side
Sometimes, ad issues stem from Facebook’s system itself. Given the massive volume of ads uploaded daily, Facebook’s automated review process isn’t perfect and may mistakenly reject ads.
If you’ve ruled out all other possible errors, you can submit an appeal to Facebook for a manual review.
Read More: How to Appeal a Facebook Ad & 4 Facebook ID Types You Should Know
Additionally, if your account has repeatedly violated Facebook’s ad policies, Facebook may automatically reject all ads created under that account. Unfortunately, the only solution in such cases is to contact Facebook for resolution.
This article has provided insights into Facebook’s advertising policies, including prohibited words in Facebook ads. Understanding these rules can help you avoid common mistakes, prevent ad disapprovals, and resolve issues like “Why is my Facebook ad approved but not running?” or “Why isn’t my Facebook ad spending money?”
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