You’re not alone, if your ads are being rejected by Instagram, because we’ve all been there. Over a period of time, Instagram has become a powerhouse for digital advertising. This platform provides an unparalleled access of their target audience through visually engaging content. Instagram is a treasure for brand visibility, lead generation, and conversions as it has over 2 billion monthly active users! But, due to the vast number of users, Instagram safeguards and prioritizes its community and user base by enforcing stricter guidelines and policies. Instagram’s ad policies are strict, and even a small error can lead to ad rejection. Due to all this the approval process can become a little frustrating. In this guide, we’ll dive into the top 10 reasons why your Instagram ad was rejected and share the top fixes, few tips to ensure your campaigns pass the approval process with flying colors. Let’s get started!
Why Was My Ad Rejected on Instagram?
Instagram is a great platform to reach your audience, but its ad policies are strict. Instagram Ads can face rejection for various reasons. Below are some common issues such as:
- Violating community guidelines by using inappropriate content or images.
- Some of the common reasons are misleading claims, poor-quality visuals, or ads promoting restricted products like alcohol or tobacco.
- Sometimes, the landing page linked to your ad might not match the content or could have errors that can lead to ad rejection.
- Using copyrighted music, images, or videos without permission can also lead to ad disapproval by Instagram.
Instagram’s Ad Policies
Always review Instagram’s ad policies before submitting your ad, in order to avoid rejection by Instagram. This ensures your content is aligned with the platform’s standards and reaches the right audience.
- Prohibited Content Ads: Your ad should not include any explicit or revelatory content, such as adult nudity or sexual activity.
- Branded Content Rules: Use the branded content tool wherever applicable, such as in Instagram posts. You should avoid placing pre, mid, or post-roll ads in videos and audio content.
- Restricted Products: Ad rejection can also take place if you are promoting the sale or use of illegal, prescription or recreational drugs that are strictly prohibited.
- Authenticity: Do not use any misleading claims or false information on your Instagram ads.
- Copyright Compliance: You should always try to avoid using images, music, or videos that have copyright claims, without proper permissions.
- User Experience: Your ads should provide a positive and relevant experience, with accurate links to functional landing pages.
For more information, head out to Instagram’s ad policies.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Instagram Ad Was Rejected
1. Unoptimised Instagram Account Setup
Your account should not lack important information, such as a bio, profile picture, or contact details. Optimise your account to build trust with both Instagram and your audience.
2. Violating Community Standards
Your Ads should not include hate speech, violent content, or explicit material as they go against Instagram’s community guidelines. To avoid rejection make sure you adhere to these rules.
3. Misleading Content or Claims
The most common rejection comes when your ad makes exaggerated promises or false claims, such as unrealistic before-and-after results. You need to keep your messaging honest and realistic to build audience trust.
4. Improper Use of Copyrighted Material
Using copyrighted music, videos, or images in your ads, without proper permission can also lead to ad disapproval. You should have original or legally sourced ad content.
5. Poor Image or Video Quality
If your images are low-resolution or have improper ad aspect ratios, then your ad might not get approved by Instagram. Make use of high-quality, clear, and engaging images or videos for your ads.
6. Restricted Products or Services
Instagram prohibits ads for certain products like alcohol, tobacco, or firearms. You need to follow all specific guidelines for your ad promotion, even if your region allows the use of certain products.
7. Inappropriate Language or Grammar Errors
Instagram can also disapprove your ads containing offensive language or poor grammar. Make use of clear, professional language that should resonate with your audience.
8. Landing Page Issues
Your ad is most likely to be rejected by Instagram, if the landing page loads slowly, or doesn’t match your ad content, as your main focus should be on giving a smooth experience to your end users.
9. Wrong Audience Targeting
The ads which are targeting the wrong audience, such as age-inappropriate groups also might not get approved by Instagram. Your ad’s targeting should be accurate so that it reaches the right users.
10. Restricted Account or New Account
Instagram may scrutinized your ads more, in case your account is new or has been flagged for policy violations in the past. In order to get past that, you should work on building trust with consistent and policy-compliant activity. If your account is less than 30 days old, then you may not be able to promote your ads.
Other Reasons for Ad Rejection
1. Excessive Text on Images
Instagram also does not favour text that is placed on top of an ad image or video. Too much text can reduce ad reach or result in rejection.
2. Improper Ad Format
Using formats not supported by Instagram, such as wrong file types or sizes, may cause ad rejection issues.
3. Frequent Edits After Submission
Constantly editing your ads after submission may result in more reviews and that can lead to rejections.
How to Avoid Ad Rejection on Instagram?
Instagram ads can be powerful, but getting them approved requires careful planning. Follow these simple tips to avoid rejection:
- You should be familiar with Instagram’s advertising guidelines. These policies cover what content is allowed, restricted products, and other rules.
- Images or videos that are clear, high-resolution and not blurry have high chances of getting approved. Your content should also have a correct aspect ratio.
- Don’t make exaggerated promises or use clickbait headlines in your ad messaging. You need to be honest in your ads. Authentic content helps in building user’s trust.
- Use original content or legally sourced images, music, and videos. Do not get your ad rejected by using copyrighted content.
- Your ad should link to a functional, relevant, and fast-loading landing page and should match the ad’s message.
- Use accurate targeting options to reach the right users. Do not target age-restricted products to underage audiences.
- Your text should be professional, error-free and should not contain offensive terms or overly casual text that might not resonate with your audience.
- An account that is genuine, has a high chance of getting ads approved. Your account should have a complete bio, profile picture, and updated contact details.
- Instagram’s ad preview tools can be used to check how your ads are performing. If there are any issues, you need to fix them before submitting.
- If you’re using a new account, start small and focus on creating quality ads. It takes time to build trust with Instagram.
What to Do if Instagram Rejects Your Ad?
Follow the below steps if your instagram ad gets rejected. You can either resubmit your ad by following the steps or can appeal the decision!
Steps to Resubmit Your Ad
- Review the Rejection Notice: You should carefully read the notice sent to you to find out if there is any inappropriate content, errors in the formatting or policy breaches. Instagram provides a detailed reason for rejecting your ad.
- Identify the Problem: Find out what the issues are by comparing your ad with Instagram’s ad policies. Your ad might contain misleading claims, restricted content, or poor-quality visuals. If you can not find the problem clearly, you should contact Instagram support for more clarification.
- Make the Required Changes: According to the feedback received by Instagram make the required changes to your ads.
- Double-Check: Ask someone else to review before resubmitting your ad. As they may spot some issues in the updated version of the ad that you might have missed.
- Resubmit Your Ad: You can resubmit the correct and updated ad by using Instagram Ads Manager. In order to avoid another rejection, double-check all edits before submitting.
How to Appeal if Instagram Doesn’t Approve Your Ad?
You can appeal the decision of Instagram, if you believe your ad was unfairly rejected. Follow the below steps to do so:
- Go through the rejection notice again and make sure all the revisions have been made as per Instagram’s guidelines.
- In Ads Manager, you can find your rejected ad. Click on it and select the “Appeal” option.
- Provide a clear and polite explanation of why you believe the ad rejection was wrong. You can mention the changes done in your ad or can explain why the original ad complies with policies.
- If your first appeal is unsuccessful, you need to revise your ad further and resubmit. Keep trying until you achieve approval.
Alternatives to Instagram Ads
Below are a few options, if your ads aren’t working or you want to try something new:
- You can collaborate or partner with influencers in your niche. They will help promote your brand to their engaged followers.
- Share your audience’s content featuring your products. You can even use branded hashtags to involve your followers.
- You can share behind-the-scenes clips, product demos, or host live Q&A sessions to connect with your audience.
- You can showcase multiple images or videos in a single post like a carousel post. They are perfect for telling stories or highlighting different features.
- You can encourage users to share their experiences with your brand by launching a catchy hashtag.
- In this way, you can track your results to see what is working best and accordingly refine your strategy for better outcomes.
Conclusion
It can get really frustrating when dealing with ad rejections on Instagram, but it’s not the end of the road. By understanding Instagram’s ad policies, identifying mistakes, and making the right changes, you can fix the issue and get your ads approved. Always review rejection notices carefully and, if needed, appeal in a polite manner. Use these experiences to create better, policy-compliant ads in the future. Remember. The key is to stay patient and proactive. With a little effort and attention to the details, you will avoid rejections and also run successful campaigns that connect with your audience. So, keep learning and keep growing!
