---
title: Facebook and Instagram Restrictions
description: "Since Facebook and Instagram are owned by the same company, they have the same restrictions in terms of advertising. The first set of restrictions are for [Special Categories](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/298000447747885).  With these categories ads must target all ages and genders as well…"
url: "https://phdesigned.com/docs/facebook-and-instagram-restrictions/"
updated: "2021-08-26"
category: Facebook
---

# Facebook and Instagram Restrictions

Since Facebook and Instagram are owned by the same company, they have the same restrictions in terms of advertising.

The first set of restrictions are for [Special Categories](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/298000447747885).  With these categories ads must target all ages and genders as well as target a minimum of a 15 mile radius around a location.

### SPECIAL CATEGORIES

#### Social Issues, Elections or Politics

Ads made by, on behalf of, or about a candidate for public office, a political figure, a political party or advocates for the outcome of an election to public office. Or, about any election, referendum, or ballot initiative, including "go out and vote" election campaigns.
 Social issues are sensitive topics that are heavily debated, may influence the outcome of an election or result in/relate to existing or proposed legislation. Ads about social issues seek to influence public opinion through discussion, debate or advocacy for or against important topics, like health and civil and social rights. ***No political advertising is allowed in the State of Washington.***

#### Credit & Finance

Ads that promote or directly link to a credit opportunity, including but not limited to credit card offers, auto loans, personal or business loan services, mortgage loans and long-term financing. This also includes brand ads for credit cards, regardless of a specific offer.

#### Employment

Ads that promote or directly link to an employment opportunity, including but not limited to part- or full-time jobs, internships or professional certification programs. Related ads that fall within this category include promotions for job boards or fairs, aggregation services or ads detailing perks a company may provide, regardless of a specific job offer.

#### Housing

Ads that promote or directly link to a housing opportunity or related service, including but not limited to listings for the sale or rental of a home or apartment, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, mortgage loans, housing repairs and home equity or appraisal services.

### PROHIBITED & RESTRICTED CONTENT

Here is a link to their [prohibited and restricted content](https://www.facebook.com/policies/ads/) section. Here are the main list of items:

#### PROHIBITED CONTENT

1. Illegal Products and Services
2. Discriminatory Practices
3. Tobacco and Related Products
4. Unsafe Substances
5. Weapons, Ammunition or Explosives
6. Adult Products or Services
7. Adult Content
8. Third Party Infringement
9. Sensational Content
10. Personal Attributes
11. Misinformation
12. Controversial Content
13. Non-Functional Landing Page
14. Cheating and Deceitful Practices
15. Grammar & Profanity
16. Personal Health
17. Payday Loans, Paycheck Advances, Bail Bonds
18. Multilevel Marketing
19. Penny Actions
20. Misleading Claims
21. Low Quality or Disruptive Content
22. Spyware or Malware
23. Unacceptable Business Practices
24. Vaccine Discouragement

#### RESTRICTED CONTENT

These are some categories that are able to run, but do have some restrictions in terms of targeting.  Details vary by category.

1. Alcohol
2. Dating
3. Online Gambling and Gaming
4. Pharmacy
5. Subscription Services
6. Finance and Insurance Products
7. Branded Content
8. Cryptocurrency
9. Drug and Alcohol Treatment
10. Cosmetic Procedures