What types of content are prohibited in Pinterest Ads?

Pinterest has strict guidelines about the types of content that can be promoted through its Ads platform to ensure a safe, positive, and relevant experience for users. Here are the types of content that are prohibited in Pinterest Ads:

1. Hate Speech and Discrimination
Ads that promote hate, violence, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected categories are strictly prohibited.

Examples:

Ads that promote racism, sexism, or homophobia.

Content that encourages hate or violence toward any group or individual.

2. Illegal Activities
Pinterest Ads cannot promote or condone illegal activities or the sale of illegal goods and services.

Examples:

Selling illicit drugs, counterfeit products, or stolen goods.

Promoting activities like human trafficking, illegal gambling, or fraud.

3. Misleading or Deceptive Claims
Ads that make false, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims are not allowed. This includes deceptive marketing tactics and misleading product promises.

Examples:

Weight-loss products claiming unrealistic or unproven results.

Ads that mislead users about the capabilities or features of a product.

4. Dangerous or Harmful Content
Pinterest disallows content that promotes harmful behaviors, products, or services that could pose a danger to individuals.

Examples:

Promoting dangerous behavior, such as self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders.

Ads that encourage unsafe actions or the use of dangerous products.

Content related to extreme violence or graphic content.

5. Adult Content
Explicit sexual content, nudity, and anything related to adult services is prohibited in Pinterest Ads. The platform is designed to be family-friendly, so adult content is not allowed.

Examples:

Advertisements promoting adult entertainment or escort services.

Explicit images, nudity, or sexual content in ads.

6. Tobacco and Related Products
Pinterest does not allow the promotion of tobacco products or e-cigarettes, including products related to smoking or vaping.

Examples:

Ads for cigarettes, cigars, vape pens, or other smoking devices.

Promotion of tobacco-related accessories like lighters or ashtrays.

7. Weapons, Ammunition, and Explosives
Any ads that promote firearms, ammunition, explosives, or weapons in any form are not allowed on Pinterest.

Examples:

Ads for firearms, hunting weapons, ammunition, or accessories.

Ads promoting explosives, fireworks, or similar dangerous products.

8. Drugs and Drug-Related Products
Pinterest prohibits the promotion of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and unregulated or recreational drug use.

Examples:

Ads for marijuana products in regions where it is not legal.

Promotion of unregulated or unsafe supplements, such as certain diet pills or unapproved "natural" remedies.

9. Gambling and Betting
While some forms of gambling ads are allowed in certain countries, they are generally highly regulated. Pinterest prohibits gambling ads that target minors or fail to comply with local laws.

Examples:

Ads for online casinos, sports betting, or lottery tickets in regions where they are illegal or unregulated.

Promoting gambling-related products to users who are under the legal age in the relevant region.

10. Unacceptable or Offensive Content
Pinterest aims to create a positive and welcoming environment, so any content that is offensive, harassing, or abusive is prohibited. This includes content that spreads misinformation, uses offensive language, or encourages abusive behavior.

Examples:

Content that harasses, bullies, or discriminates against individuals or groups.

Ads that promote conspiracy theories or disinformation.

11. Unapproved Financial Services and Products
Certain financial services or products are restricted and cannot be advertised unless they meet specific requirements. For example, payday loans, high-interest credit offers, or misleading financial services are prohibited.

Examples:

Ads for payday loans or high-interest loans that may exploit vulnerable individuals.

Ads for get-rich-quick schemes or high-risk investment services that are not clearly regulated.

12. Unhealthy or Unverified Health Claims
Pinterest has strict rules around health-related products and services. Ads promoting health, wellness, or fitness products must be accurate and backed by reliable evidence. Misleading or unverifiable health claims are not allowed.

Examples:

Ads for weight-loss products that make unrealistic promises.

Health supplements or treatments that claim to cure diseases without scientific evidence.

13. Fake or Deceptive Offers
Any type of offer that is deceptive or misleading is prohibited. This includes fake discounts, bogus products, or misleading promotions.

Examples:

Ads that promise products for free but then require hidden fees or conditions.

Misleading "too good to be true" offers that have unrealistic terms.

14. Clickbait and Low-Quality Content
Pinterest discourages content that uses misleading headlines, low-quality design, or poorly executed campaigns. This includes "clickbait" tactics meant to trick users into clicking on ads.

Examples:

Ads that use sensationalist or exaggerated headlines to drive clicks without delivering on the promise.

Ads that lead to poor-quality landing pages or content that isn't relevant to the user.

15. Fraudulent or Scam Content
Pinterest has zero tolerance for scams and fraudulent activity. Ads that trick users or encourage fraudulent actions are banned.

Examples:

Ads that promote fraudulent services, such as fake tech support or phishing scams.

Fake job offers, pyramid schemes, or fraudulent money-making schemes.

Conclusion
To ensure that your Pinterest Ads comply with the platform's policies, always focus on creating content that is truthful, safe, and appropriate for a wide audience. Avoid promoting harmful, illegal, or offensive products and services, and ensure that your ads provide a positive user experience. Regularly review Pinterest's Advertising Guidelines to stay up-to-date with any changes in their policies and to ensure your ads are compliant. This will help maintain your ad account's good standing and improve your campaign performance.