By Luís Daniel Rijo — Oct 4, 2019

TikTok forbids political ads

TikTok yesterday clarified that has chosen not to allow political ads on TikTok. Blake Chandlee, Vice President of Global Business Solutions at TikTok, wrote that “the nature of paid political ads is not something TikTok believes fits the TikTok platform experience.”

TikTok will not allow paid ads that “promote or oppose a candidate, current leader, political party or group, or issue at the federal, state, or local level – including election-related ads, advocacy ads, or issue ads.”

Which Ads are forbidden on TikTok?

Drugs

Ads that depict or encourage the use of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and recreational drugs.

Alcohol

Ads promoting alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, spirits,) alcohol clubs/subscription services, alcohol making kits, or alcohol sponsored events.

Cigarettes and tobacco products

Ads promoting cigarettes (including e-cigarettes and vapes), cigars, tobacco, or any related products.

Sexual content and products

Ads that depict nudity (including blurred or pixilated nudity) or sexual content, including sexually suggestive acts or other sexually provocative content and language. Adult entertainment and paraphernalia including pornography, sex toys, lubricants, fetish costumes are also not permitted.

Illegal Products, Services or Activities

Ads that promote illegal products/services or promote illegal or inappropriate activities.

Gambling and Lotteries

Ads that promote online gambling, lotteries, casinos, sports bookings, fantasy sports, bingo, poker, or simulated gambling.

Infringing Content

Ads that include content that infringes or violates third party rights, including copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other personal or proprietary rights. All aspects of the ad including talent, music, and logos must either be owned by the advertiser or properly licensed. We do not allow user generated content in ads unless the advertiser has explicit permissions to do so.

Shocking, Graphic or Sensational Content

Ads that contain real or dramatized graphic violence, gore, or gruesome imagery; ads that intend to shock or evoke distress; ads that contain profanity, shocking, sensational, vulgar, or lewd references.

Hate Speech or Violence

Ads that promote or encourage violence or hate speech.

Discrimination

Ads that discriminate or encourage discrimination against people based on personal attributes such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, disability, medical or genetic condition.

Weapons

Ads that promote or encourage the use of dangerous weapons, including guns, explosives, knives, swords and other objects that are designed to cause harm to individuals.

Counterfeit Goods

Ads that promote the sale of counterfeit goods.

Spyware and Malware

Ads must not contain, or link to sites containing any spyware, malware, or other harmful codes or sites.

Political ads

Ads that promote or oppose a candidate for public office, current or former political leader, political party or political group, or contain content regarding a local, state, or federal issue of public importance.

Children’s Products or Services

Ads for products or services that are specifically intended for or appeal to children including toys, games, apps, clothing, etc. Advertisements marketed specifically toward children, even if the product may be for a general audience, are also prohibited.

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