Why might my Pinterest Ads be disapproved?

Pinterest Ads can be disapproved for various reasons, typically related to non-compliance with Pinterest's Advertising Policies or Community Guidelines. Understanding these policies and identifying the issue with your ad will help you resolve the problem quickly. Below are the common reasons your Pinterest Ads might be disapproved and what you can do to address them:

1. Violating Pinterest's Advertising Guidelines
Pinterest has strict guidelines to ensure the quality and relevance of ads. Your ad may be disapproved if it violates any of these rules. Common violations include:

a. Inappropriate Content
Violence or Hate Speech: Ads containing violent imagery, hate speech, or promoting harmful behavior will be disapproved.

Adult Content or Nudity: Pinterest does not allow adult content, nudity, or sexually explicit material in ads.

Solution: Review your ad content and ensure that it aligns with Pinterest's Prohibited Content Policy. Remove any offensive, inappropriate, or explicit content.

b. Misleading or Deceptive Content
False Claims: If your ad includes false claims or makes misleading promises (e.g., exaggerated results, "too good to be true" offers), Pinterest may disapprove the ad.

Solution: Ensure that your ad copy and visuals provide accurate information. Be honest about what you're offering and avoid over-promising results.

c. Unacceptable Products or Services
Prohibited Products: Pinterest does not allow ads for products or services that violate its Prohibited Products Policy (e.g., illegal products, counterfeit items, tobacco, drugs, etc.).

Solution: Review Pinterest's prohibited products list and make sure your product complies with their guidelines. If you're promoting something that falls under a restricted category, your ad will be disapproved.

d. Dangerous or Harmful Products
Health Claims: Ads promoting products that make unverified health claims (e.g., weight loss pills, miracle cures) can be flagged and disapproved.

Solution: Make sure your health-related claims are backed by valid evidence and compliant with relevant regulations.

2. Ad Creative Issues
Your ad's visuals, headlines, or text can lead to disapproval if they don't meet Pinterest's creative standards:

a. Poor Image or Video Quality
Low-Quality Visuals: Ads with blurry, pixelated, or unprofessional images or videos are likely to be rejected.

Solution: Ensure your images and videos are high-quality, clear, and meet Pinterest's image size requirements. For static images, the recommended aspect ratio is 2:3 (e.g., 1000x1500 pixels). For video pins, ensure they follow Pinterest's video specifications.

b. Text Overlays on Images
Excessive or Inappropriate Text: Ads that have excessive text or misleading text overlays might be flagged. Pinterest advises limiting text overlays to 20% of the image.

Solution: Avoid overcrowding your visuals with text. Keep text minimal and focused on the message. Ensure the text is clear and readable across all devices.

c. Incorrect Ad Format
Not Meeting Format Requirements: Pinterest supports different ad formats (Standard Pins, Video Pins, Carousel Pins, etc.), and each has specific requirements for aspect ratios and sizes.

Solution: Double-check that your ad complies with Pinterest's requirements for your chosen ad format. Ensure the correct aspect ratio, size, and video length if using video ads.

3. Linking to an Incompatible or Low-Quality Landing Page
Pinterest checks the destination URL of the ad to ensure it leads to a quality, relevant, and secure landing page.

a. Broken Links or Errors
404 Errors: If the landing page linked to your ad is broken, leads to a 404 error, or is not accessible, your ad will be disapproved.

Solution: Make sure your landing page URL is correct and leads to a working, live page. Test the link to ensure it's functional.

b. Poor User Experience on Landing Page
Slow Load Times: A landing page that loads slowly or is difficult to navigate can lead to ad disapproval.

Solution: Optimize your landing page for faster load times. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check and improve your page speed.

c. Mismatched Landing Page Content
Irrelevant Landing Page: If the content on your landing page doesn't match the ad, or if users have a poor experience after clicking, Pinterest may disapprove the ad.

Solution: Ensure that the content on the landing page aligns with what is promised in the ad. Keep the landing page experience consistent with the ad's messaging and offer.

4. Violation of Intellectual Property or Copyright
Using Unlicensed Content: Ads using copyrighted images, logos, or trademarks without permission will be rejected.

Solution: Ensure that all images, logos, and content used in your ad are properly licensed or created by you. Avoid using any copyrighted material without the necessary rights or permissions.

5. Targeting Issues
Incorrect or overly restrictive targeting can also result in disapproved ads.

a. Targeting Violations
Discriminatory Targeting: Targeting based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or other sensitive personal attributes can lead to disapproval.

Solution: Review your targeting settings and ensure you're following Pinterest's Non-Discrimination Policy. Avoid targeting ads in a way that could be seen as discriminatory or exploitative.

6. Non-Compliance with Legal Requirements
Certain industries have specific legal requirements (e.g., alcohol, gambling, health products). Ads for such products can be disapproved if they don't meet these requirements.

a. Lack of Legal Disclaimers
Legal Regulations: Ads in certain industries (e.g., gambling, healthcare, or alcohol) may require additional legal disclaimers or must adhere to specific regulations.

Solution: If you're in a regulated industry, make sure your ads include the appropriate disclaimers and comply with local laws and regulations.

7. Pinterest Account Issues
Sometimes the issue may not be with the ad itself but with the account used to run the ad.

a. Account Restrictions or Violations
Account Suspension: If your Pinterest account has been flagged for policy violations or has incurred multiple disapprovals, your ads may be automatically disapproved.

Solution: Review your Pinterest account for any policy violations and address them. If you believe the disapproval is a mistake, you can appeal the decision through Pinterest support.

What to Do If Your Ad Is Disapproved:
Check the Disapproval Reason: Pinterest will often provide a reason for the disapproval. Review this and compare it against your ad content to identify the issue.

Revise the Ad: Based on the disapproval reason, revise your ad to address the issue. This could involve changing the imagery, text, landing page, or targeting.

Resubmit the Ad: Once you've made the necessary changes, resubmit the ad for review. Pinterest will typically review it within 1–2 business days.

Appeal: If you believe the disapproval was a mistake, you can appeal Pinterest's decision. Contact Pinterest support to explain your case and request a reevaluation.

Conclusion:
To avoid Pinterest Ads disapproval, make sure your content complies with Pinterest's Advertising Guidelines, Community Standards, and Legal Requirements. Regularly monitor your ads and make adjustments based on feedback from Pinterest. By following the guidelines, optimizing your creative, and ensuring a high-quality user experience, you can run successful and compliant ads on Pinterest.