Why Was My Facebook Ad Rejected? 8 Reasons & How to Fix Them in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Most rejections fall into 8 predictable categories with clear fixes
• Meta distinguishes between "prohibited" (banned) and "restricted" (allowed with compliance) content
• AI content requires disclosure starting 2025
• Appeal rejections through Meta Business Support — process takes ~24 hours
• Prevention is easier than cure: know the policies before you create

The Frustration Is Real

I've been there. Every media buyer has. The good news? Most rejections are fixable once you understand what triggered them.

Let me walk you through the 8 most common reasons — and exactly how to fix each one.

Reason #1: Prohibited Content

Some content is completely banned. No exceptions, no appeals, no workarounds.

The Fix: If your product falls into these categories, you cannot advertise on Meta platforms. Period. Consider alternative channels.

Reason #2: Restricted Content (Wrong Setup)

Restricted content CAN run — but requires specific targeting and compliance measures.

Category	Requirements

Alcohol	Age 21+ (US), country restrictions, disclaimers
Dating	Meta approval required, 18+ targeting
Gambling	License verification, geo-restrictions
Crypto	Written authorization required
Prescription drugs	Special eligibility requirements

The Fix: Check if your category is restricted rather than prohibited. If restricted, implement required targeting and obtain necessary approvals.

Reason #3: Deceptive or Misleading Claims

This is the most common rejection reason I see. Meta is aggressive about claims that:

• Promise unrealistic results
• Exaggerate product capabilities
• Use before/after imagery implying guaranteed outcomes
• Make health or financial claims without substantiation

Lose 30 pounds in 30 days!

Our customers have achieved meaningful results with consistent use

The Fix: Use measured, realistic language. Include disclaimers. Avoid superlatives and guarantees. If making claims, back them with evidence.

Reason #4: Objectionable Content

Meta rejects content that most users would find offensive:

• Explicit nudity or sexual content
• Graphic violence
• Profanity (even implied with symbols)
• Shocking or sensational content
• Content promoting self-harm
• Bullying or harassment

The Fix: Review your creative with fresh eyes. Would it be appropriate for a general audience? If in doubt, tone it down.

Reason #5: Intellectual Property Issues

Using assets you don't have rights to:

The Fix: Only use assets you own or have licensed. If referencing other brands, ensure it's factual comparative advertising (which has specific rules).

Reason #6: Personal Attributes

Ads cannot assert or imply personal characteristics about users:

Rejected: "Struggling with your weight?" Better: "Looking for fitness support?" Rejected: "Are you in debt?" Better: "Financial planning resources"

The difference is subtle but important. Don't "call out" users based on race, religion, health conditions, financial status, or other personal attributes.

The Fix: Reframe copy to describe your product/service rather than making assumptions about the viewer.

Reason #7: Functionality Issues

Technical problems that trigger rejection:

• Landing page doesn't load
• Landing page doesn't match ad content
• Broken links or error pages
• Excessive pop-ups or interstitials
• Auto-playing audio
• Landing page requires download to view

The Fix: Test your full funnel before submitting. Click through every link. Ensure landing page matches ad messaging.

Reason #8: AI Content Without Disclosure

The Fix: If using AI-generated content, disclose it in your ad or landing page. Meta provides tools for adding this disclosure during ad creation.

How to Appeal a Rejection

When you believe a rejection was wrong:

Step 1: Review the Specific Policy

Check exactly which policy Meta cited. Sometimes the message is vague, but clicking through provides details.

Step 2: Make Changes (If Applicable)

If there's a legitimate issue, fix it before appealing. Resubmitting the same ad will likely get the same result.

Step 3: Request Review

Go to Ad Account Quality → Request Review. Provide context explaining why you believe the ad complies.

Step 4: Wait

Reviews typically take 24 hours. Don't submit multiple appeals — it won't speed things up and may slow you down.

Prevention: The Better Strategy

Don't wait for rejections. Build compliance into your process:

Pre-Launch Checklist

Claims check: Are all claims substantiated and realistic?

Creative review: Any potentially objectionable elements?

Landing page test: Does it work and match the ad?

Rights verification: Do you own/license all assets?

Category check: Any restricted category requirements?

Targeting review: Appropriate audience restrictions in place?

Build a Swipe File

Keep examples of approved ads in your category. When in doubt, model what's already working rather than pushing boundaries.

The Bottom Line

Ad rejections are frustrating but rarely mysterious. Most fall into predictable categories with clear fixes.

Understanding why Meta rejects ads transforms rejection from a frustrating mystery into a solvable problem.

---

Tired of tracking ad rejections across multiple accounts? AdBid centralizes your account health status and alerts you to policy issues before they become problems. Try AdBid free for 14 days.