Instagram, with over 1 billion active users, has cemented its place as a powerhouse for digital advertising. However, to leverage this platform effectively and avoid ad disapproval or account suspensions, advertisers must adhere to Instagram’s ad policies. While some of these guidelines are common knowledge, others often get overlooked. Here are the essential Instagram ad policies you’re probably ignoring, but absolutely shouldn’t.
Content Ownership
Instagram is strict about intellectual property rights. Using content (including photos, videos, or music) without appropriate permission or attribution could lead to your ad being disapproved, or worse, a copyright infringement claim.
Solution: Ensure that you have the necessary rights for all content in your ads. If you’re using user-generated content, always get explicit permission from the original creator.
Prohibited and Restricted Content
Certain content is either entirely prohibited or restricted under Instagram’s ad policies. This includes but is not limited to ads related to tobacco, drugs, adult content, weapons, deceptive practices, or controversial issues.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with Instagram’s list of prohibited and restricted content. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
‘Non-Functional Landing Page
If your ad’s landing page is under construction, doesn’t match the content of your ad, or is difficult to navigate, Instagram is likely to disapprove your ad.
Solution: Make sure your landing page is fully functional, user-friendly, and aligns with the content of your ad. The user should have a seamless transition from your ad to your landing page.
Inappropriate Use of Text in Ad Images
Did you know Instagram recommends that text should not cover more than 20% of an image in your ad? While this is not a hard and fast rule, following it can improve ad performance.
Solution: Keep your ad images primarily visual. If you need to include text, try to keep it concise and limit it to a small portion of the image.
Misusing the Instagram Brand
Instagram has specific rules about how advertisers can use their brand assets. This includes their name, logos, or Instagram-specific terminology (like ‘Gram’ or ‘Insta’).
Solution: Review Instagram’s brand guidelines to ensure your ads are in compliance. Avoid using Instagram’s logos or name in a way that suggests partnership or endorsement if one does not exist.
Inaccurate Ad Targeting
Targeting ads to inappropriate or irrelevant audiences not only reduces ad effectiveness but could also lead to disapproval. For example, ads for age-restricted products should not be shown to underage users.
Solution: Be meticulous with your ad targeting. Ensure your ads are reaching relevant audiences and respect age and other demographic restrictions where necessary.
In conclusion, understanding and adhering to Instagram’s ad policies is not just a legal necessity but also crucial for the success of your advertising campaigns. As the saying goes, “knowledge is power.” The more you know about these policies, the more effectively you can navigate the platform, avoid unnecessary risks, and unlock the immense potential of Instagram advertising.
