Spam policy: no content, metadata or behavior built to exploit the community
YouTube does not allow content, metadata, or behavior designed to take advantage of the YouTube community. That includes spamming users or manipulating the platform in ways that mislead them. YouTube also prohibits misleading viewers to boost content engagement, or flooding community spaces with inorganic promotion.
Supporting quotations
We do not allow content, metadata, or behavior designed to take advantage of the YouTube community, including spamming users or manipulating the platform in ways that mislead them. We also prohibit misleading viewers to boost content engagement or to flood community spaces with inorganic promotion.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Spam policy covers every content type and coordinated channel networks; reporting a channel is possible
The spam policy applies to all types of content on YouTube, including unlisted and private content, comments, links, posts and thumbnails, and coordinated networks of channels. A viewer who finds violating content is pointed to instructions for reporting Community Guidelines violations. If a viewer has found a few videos or comments on the same channel, they can report the channel instead.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to all types of content on YouTube, including unlisted and private content, comments, links, posts and thumbnails, and coordinated networks of channels.
If you find content that violates this policy, [report it using these instructions](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027) for reporting Community Guidelines violations. If you've found a few videos or comments on the same channel that you would like to report, you can report the channel.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Spam examples are illustrative, not a complete list
YouTube recognizes that creators use many strategies to promote channels and reach new audiences. To grow their audience safely and sustainably, creators are told to avoid practices that rely on artificial engagement, undermine platform integrity and disrupt the viewer experience. The examples that follow are explicitly not a complete list.
Supporting quotations
We recognize that creators use a variety of strategies to promote their channels and reach new audiences. To grow their audience safely and sustainably, creators should avoid practices that rely on artificial engagement, undermine platform integrity and disrupt the overall viewer experience. Examples are included below; this is not a complete list.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Engagement manipulation and forced engagement are spam; asking for likes is fine
Repetitive or templated content aimed at artificially inflating engagement through bots, coercion, or offering rewards for likes, views or subscribers is listed as spam, for example coordinated "sub-for-sub" schemes. The same list covers exploiting community features such as Polls or Image Posts to force engagement instead of building genuine enthusiasm, for example posting high volumes of low-effort repetitive polls many times a day. The page says it is okay to ask viewers to like, comment, or subscribe.
Supporting quotations
Engagement manipulation: Repetitive or templated content aimed at artificially inflating engagement through bots, coercion, or offering rewards in exchange for likes, views, or subscribers. It's okay to ask viewers to like, comment, or subscribe.
Example: Using coordinated "sub-for-sub" schemes.
Fake engagement: Exploiting community features, such as Polls or Image Posts, to force engagement rather than building genuine enthusiasm from your audience or community.
Example: Posting high volumes of low-effort, repetitive polls (e.g., "Click the heart if you like food") multiple times a day.
Qualifications & exceptions
Asking viewers to like, comment, or subscribe is expressly okay.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Comment spam: high-volume, repetitive or deceptive messages to drive traffic
Using high-volume, repetitive, or deceptive comments, live chats, or other messages to drive traffic to or engagement with content is listed as spam. The example is posting identical or similar "check out my channel" messages across hundreds of videos.
Supporting quotations
Comment spam: Using high-volume, repetitive, or deceptive comments, live chats, or other messages to drive traffic to or engagement with content.
Example: Posting identical or similar “check out my channel” messages across hundreds of videos.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Content made solely to push users off YouTube, especially to harmful sites, is spam
Content created solely to drive users off YouTube to external sites is listed as spam, especially when those sites host prohibited material such as malware, adult content, or illegal goods or services. The example is a 10-second video promising a "free unreleased movie" that directs viewers to a URL in the description containing malware.
Supporting quotations
Off-platform diversion: Content created solely to drive users off of YouTube to external sites, especially those hosting prohibited material like malware, adult content, or illegal goods/services.
Example: A 10-second video promising a "free unreleased movie" that directs viewers to a URL in the description which contains malware.
Qualifications & exceptions
The listing turns on content created "solely" to drive users off the platform.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Technical tricks to evade abuse detection are prohibited
Technical manipulation designed to bypass abuse detection, such as speeding up audio, heavy filters or cropping, is listed as spam. The example is uploading a television episode that has been mirrored horizontally to avoid detection. The test is the design purpose of bypassing detection.
Supporting quotations
Detection evasion: Technical manipulation (such as speeding up audio, heavy filters, cropping) designed to bypass abuse detection.
Example: Uploading a television episode that has been mirrored horizontally to avoid detection.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Mass-produced automated or AI content that floods the platform is spam
Using automated tools or AI to churn out high volumes of similar content with minimal changes is listed as spam. The page says testing new creation tools or posting a few variations of a video is ok, but using these tools to flood the platform with repetitive content is not allowed. This includes coordinated mass-production and technical manipulation to bypass filters or trick viewers. The example is channels using the same background music and repetitive AI-generated imagery with AI-generated scripts across many videos.
Supporting quotations
Automated or synthetic mass-production: Using automated tools or AI to churn out high volumes of similar content with minimal changes. While testing out new creation tools or posting a few variations of a video is ok, we don't allow use of these tools to flood our platform with repetitive content. This includes coordinated mass-production and technical manipulation to bypass filters or trick viewers.
Example: Channels that use the exact same background music and repetitive AI generated imagery across many videos, with each video reading out an AI-generated script.
Qualifications & exceptions
A few variations and testing new tools are expressly ok; the concern is high volumes and flooding.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Re-posting others' material without adding anything of your own is spam
Re-posting material from other websites, platforms or videos without adding anything of your own, such as original commentary, educational value or unique editing, is listed as spam. The example is re-uploading popular clips in their entirety without transformative editing, reaction or educational breakdown.
Supporting quotations
Scraped content: Re-posting material from other websites or platforms, or other videos without adding anything of your own; such as original commentary, educational value, or unique editing.
Example: A channel that takes popular clips and re-uploads them in their entirety without any transformative editing, reaction, or educational breakdown.
Not stated here
This card describes the spam rule only; it does not decide copyright questions, which are not addressed here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Maliciously misleading titles, thumbnails or descriptions are spam
Using maliciously misleading titles, thumbnails, descriptions or imagery to trick users into clicking on a video that does not deliver what was promised is listed as spam. The example is a title offering a full sports match when the video shows only a clip.
Supporting quotations
Malicious clickbait: Using maliciously misleading titles, thumbnails, descriptions, or imagery to trick users into clicking on a video that does not deliver what was promised.
Example: Uploading a video for which the title offers a full sports match but the video shows only a clip.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Impersonation policy: no unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual to make it appear the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube says it also enforces trademark holder rights.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Qualifications & exceptions
Covers impersonation that "may mislead viewers" in a way that "could harm" the community.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Impersonated creators can report the channel
A viewer who sees violating content can report it. A creator who feels their own or another creator's channel is being impersonated can report the channel through the impersonation contact form.
Supporting quotations
If you see content that violates this policy, [report it](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027).
If you feel that yours or another creator's channel is being impersonated, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/contact/impersonation).
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
A person can request removal of content that uses their information, video or AI likeness without consent
Someone who finds their personal information, a video featuring them, or AI-generated content mimicking their likeness or voice without their consent can file a request for removal under YouTube's privacy guidelines. YouTube says it considers a variety of factors for removal requests, including whether the material is parody or satire and whether it features public officials or well-known individuals. The factors are named as examples, so the outcome is not guaranteed.
Supporting quotations
If you find your personal information, a video featuring you, or AI-generated content mimicking your likeness or voice without your consent, you can file a [request for removal under our privacy guidelines](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7671399).
We will consider a variety of factors when evaluating removal requests. These factors include whether the material is parody or satire, or whether it features public officials or well-known individuals.
Not stated here
The privacy guidelines are a separately linked policy that is not supplied here, so this card cannot say how removal requests are decided.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
What not to post: lookalike tricks, copied branding and AI likeness implying authorization
Creators should not post content that uses workarounds like typos, special fonts or extra punctuation to trick viewers into thinking they are a different creator or entity. They should not impersonate an existing creator, entity or channel by copying profile pictures, banners or specific color schemes; the channel does not have to be 100% identical as long as the intent to copy is clear. They should not use someone's AI-generated likeness or voice to falsely imply that person owns or authorizes the channel's content.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if it fits any of the descriptions noted below:
Using workarounds like typos, special fonts, or extra punctuation to trick viewers into thinking you are a different creator or entity.
Impersonating an existing creator, entity, or channel by copying their profile pictures, banners, or specific color schemes. The channel does not have to be 100% identical, as long as the intent is clear to copy the other channel.
Using someone's AI-generated likeness or voice to falsely imply they own or authorize your channel’s content.
Qualifications & exceptions
The test for copying branding is clear intent to copy, not exact identity.
Content & IP Rights · Procedure
Fan channels must say so in their name or handle
A creator who operates a fan channel must make that explicit in the channel name or handle. It should be obvious to viewers that the channel does not represent the original creator, artist or entity.
Supporting quotations
If you operate a fan channel, make sure you state so explicitly in your channel name or [handle](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/11585688). It should be obvious to your viewers that your channel doesn't represent the original creator, artist, or entity.
Not stated here
The linked page about handles is not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Disclosing AI-generated content does not excuse impersonation
Creators should disclose when content is generated or meaningfully altered with AI, but the page says this disclosure is not a free pass to impersonate a person, entity or channel. The Community Guidelines, including the impersonation policy, apply to all content regardless of how it is made.
Supporting quotations
Creators should disclose when content is generated or meaningfully altered with AI, but this disclosure is not a free pass to impersonate a person, entity, or channel. Our Community Guidelines, including our impersonation policy, apply to all content regardless of how it is made.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Impersonation examples: fake "Real" or "Official" names, fake backup channels, similar handles
Examples of content that is not allowed include putting "Real" or "Official" in a channel name to pretend to be the authentic version of another person's channel, and pretending to be a backup channel by adding words like "Backup," "Shorts," or "Live" to a creator's name. Also listed is using a channel name or handle that is phonetically identical or visually similar to an established entity, including deceptive misspellings.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that is not allowed on YouTube:
Putting “Real” or “Official” into your channel name to pretend you are the authentic version of another person’s channel.
Pretending to be a backup channel by adding words like "Backup," "Shorts," or "Live" to a creator’s name.
Using a channel name or handle that is phonetically identical or visually similar to an established entity. This includes the use of deceptive misspellings.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Impersonation examples: AI fakes, misleading comments and reposting as your own
Examples of content that is not allowed include using AI to make a famous person look as if they are willfully participating in a video or endorsing a product, and using an AI version of someone's voice with false metadata to pass off a fake speech as real. Also listed are comments that make people falsely think you are another person or entity, and copying someone else's videos and reposting them as your own without changing anything or adding significant original commentary.
Supporting quotations
Using AI to make it look like a famous person is willfully participating in your video or endorsing a product
Misrepresenting an individual by using an AI version of their voice and false metadata to pass off a fake speech as real.
Posting comments that make people falsely think you are another person or entity.
Copying someone else’s videos and reposting them as your own without changing anything or adding significant original commentary.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The examples are not exhaustive; creators should not post if it might violate the policy
YouTube says the impersonation examples are only some examples. Creators are told not to post content if they think it might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
Remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
External links policy: links to violating content are not allowed, with possible EDSA exceptions
Links that send users to content that violates the Community Guidelines are not allowed on YouTube. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest. The exception is discretionary ("may") and "in some cases".
Supporting quotations
Links that send users to content that violates our [Community Guidelines](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9288567) are not allowed on YouTube.
In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and limited to "some cases".
Not stated here
The Community Guidelines and the EDSA evaluation page linked here are separate linked pages that are not part of this passage, so this card cannot say how exceptions are decided.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Some links may not be clickable
The page notes that certain links may not be clickable and points to a separate explanation.
Supporting quotations
Certain links may not be clickable.
Not stated here
The reason links may be unclickable is on a separately linked page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
What counts as a link, and where the policy applies
The policy applies to video, audio, channel, comments, pinned comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature. A link can take any form that would direct a user to a site off YouTube, including clickable URLs, showing URL text in videos or images, and obfuscated URLs such as writing "dot com" instead of ".com". It can also include verbally directing users to other sites, encouraging viewers to visit creator profiles or pages on other sites, or promising violative content on other sites. The page says this list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to video, audio, channel, comments, pinned comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. Links can take any form that would direct a user to a site off YouTube. These links include: clickable URLs, showing text of URLs in videos or images, and obfuscated URLs (such as writing “dot com” instead of “.com”). These links can also include verbally directing users to other sites, encouraging viewers to visit creator profiles or pages on other sites, or promising violative content on other sites. This list is not complete.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post links that direct users to content that violates the Community Guidelines
Creators should not post links in their content if the links direct users to content that violates the Community Guidelines. The policy includes links fitting the descriptions listed, and the page says the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post links in your content on YouTube if they direct users to content that violates our Community Guidelines. This policy includes links that fit any of the descriptions noted below. Please note this is not a complete list.
Not stated here
The linked Community Guidelines and policy pages are separate pages; this card does not describe what they require.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Prohibited link destinations: pornography, malware, phishing and unauthorized access to paid content
Listed examples of links not to post include links to pornography; to websites or apps that install malware or unwanted software; to websites or apps phishing for a user's sign-in or financial information; and to websites, apps or other sources that give unauthorized access to audio, audiovisual content, video games, software or streaming services that normally require payment.
Supporting quotations
Links to pornography
Links to websites or apps that install malware or
Links to websites or apps phishing for a user’s sign in info, financial info, etc.
Links to websites, apps, or other sources that give unauthorized access to audio content, audiovisual content, video games, software, or streaming services that normally require payment
Not stated here
The linked unwanted software policy is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Prohibited link destinations: terrorism, child abuse imagery, regulated goods, hate, violence and deception
Listed examples of links not to post include links to websites that seek to raise funds or recruit for terrorist organizations; to sites containing Child Sexual Abuse Imagery (CSAI); to sites selling items covered by the regulated goods guidelines; to content that would violate the hate or harassment policies; to content encouraging violent acts; to websites or apps spreading misleading or deceptive content that can cause serious risk of egregious harm, such as interfering with democratic processes; and to external sites containing manifestos of violent attackers.
Supporting quotations
Links to websites that seek to raise funds or recruit for terrorist organizations
Links to sites containing Child Sexual Abuse Imagery (CSAI)
Links to sites selling items noted in our
Links to content that would violate our hate or harassment policies
Links to content encouraging others to commit violent acts
Links to websites or apps that spread misleading or deceptive content that can cause serious risk of egregious harm, such as interfering with democratic processes
Links to external sites that contain manifestos of violent attackers
Not stated here
The regulated goods guidelines and the hate and harassment policies are separate linked pages not supplied in this passage.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Affiliate content is not itself a Terms of Use violation, but excessive posting may be spam
The page notes that affiliate content does not violate YouTube's Terms of Use. Excessively posting affiliate content in dedicated accounts may violate YouTube's policies around spam. The page points to the Spam policy for what is allowed.
Supporting quotations
Note: Affiliate content doesn't violate YouTube’s Terms of Use. Excessively posting affiliate content in dedicated accounts may violate our policies around spam. You can learn more about what's allowed in our [Spam policy](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801973).
Qualifications & exceptions
"Excessively" posting in "dedicated accounts" is the stated spam concern; "may" violate.
Not stated here
The linked Spam policy is a separate page and this card does not describe its rules.
Examples of content that is not allowed include a sexually themed video whose description says "click to see what YouTube won't allow!" and links to a pornographic site; a gameplay video description with a link promising in-game currency or store credit that leads to a site infecting the computer with malware; posting a phishing link that steals banking information and passwords; instructing viewers to copy and paste an unclickable link to a pornographic or spammy site; any link leading to a way to access or download child sexual abuse imagery; verbally directing viewers to a website to find a profile on another platform to watch violating content; and embedding a URL of a site that would mislead voters about the time, place, means or eligibility requirements for voting. The page says the list is not complete and tells creators not to post content that might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube.
A video featuring sexually themed content whose description says “click to see what YouTube won’t allow!” and contains a link to a pornographic site.
A gameplay video description contains a link promising in-game currency or online store credit but links to a site that infects the user’s computer with malware.
Posting a link to a phishing site that steals users’ banking info and passwords.
Instructing viewers to copy and paste an unclickable link in the video that takes them to a pornographic or spammy site.
Any link leading users to a website, file hosting service, or other source that allows them to access or download child sexual abuse imagery.
Verbally directing viewers to a website to find a profile or page on another platform so they can watch content that violates YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
Embedding a URL in a video of a site that would mislead voters about the time, place, means, or eligibility requirements for voting.
Remember that this list is not complete. If you think content might violate this policy, don’t post it.
Content & IP Rights · Company practice
A removed external brand deal link may have failed an automated safety check
If an external brand deal link was removed from a Short, the page says the link may have failed YouTube's automated safety check, or it may have been flagged for a policy violation after initial approval. A separate page is linked for more information.
Supporting quotations
If a brand deal link was removed from your Short, the link may have failed YouTube's automated safety check or it was flagged for a policy violation after initial approval. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/17081657).
Not stated here
The linked explanation is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
The Fake engagement section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of the Fake engagement policy section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy: it says YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the community. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether the paragraph was meant to appear in the Fake engagement section, and the actual fake engagement rule follows in the next paragraph.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original Fake engagement page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Fake engagement policy: no artificial boosting of views, likes, comments or other metrics
YouTube does not allow anything that artificially increases the number of views, likes, comments or other metrics, either by using automatic systems or by serving videos to unsuspecting viewers. Content that solely exists to incentivize viewers for engagement (views, likes, comments and so on) is also prohibited. The incentive rule is limited to content that "solely" exists for that purpose.
Supporting quotations
YouTube doesn’t allow anything that artificially increases the number of views, likes, comments, or other metrics either by using automatic systems or serving up videos to unsuspecting viewers. Also, content that solely exists to incentivize viewers for engagement (views, likes, comments, etc) is prohibited.
Qualifications & exceptions
Incentive-only content is prohibited where it "solely exists" to incentivize engagement.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Engagement is legitimate when a human's primary intent is to interact authentically
YouTube considers engagement legitimate when a human user's primary intent is to authentically interact with the content. It considers engagement illegitimate, for example, when it results from coercion or deception, or when the sole purpose of the engagement is financial gain. The examples are introduced with "for example", so other cases may also count.
Supporting quotations
We consider engagement to be legitimate when a human user’s primary intent is to authentically interact with the content. We consider engagement illegitimate, for example, when it results from coercion or deception, or when the sole purpose of the engagement is financial gain.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Fake engagement can be reported, including the whole channel
A viewer who finds content violating the policy can report it using YouTube's reporting instructions. If they have found a few videos or comments that they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found a few videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not link to or promote services that inflate metrics, or show yourself buying views
Creators should not post content that links to or promotes third-party services that artificially inflate metrics like views, likes and subscribers, including third-party view count or subscriber gaming websites or services. Content featuring a creator purchasing their views from a third party with the intent of promoting the service is also listed.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if it fits any of the descriptions noted below.
Links to or promotes third-party services that artificially inflate metrics like views, likes, and subscribers
Content linking to or promoting third-party view count or subscriber gaming websites or services
Content featuring a creator purchasing their views from a third party with the intent of promoting the service
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Sub-for-sub offers are prohibited, but encouraging subscribing is allowed
Offering to subscribe to another creator's channel only if they subscribe to your channel ("sub4sub") is listed as prohibited. The page notes that creators are allowed to encourage viewers to subscribe, hit the like button, share or leave a comment.
Supporting quotations
Offering to subscribe to another creator’s channel only if they subscribe to your channel (“sub4sub”)
Note: You're allowed to encourage viewers to subscribe, hit the like button, share, or leave a comment
Qualifications & exceptions
Conditional exchange offers are the problem; general encouragement is allowed.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The fake engagement policy applies across YouTube features and the list is not complete
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature. The page cautions that the list of prohibited descriptions is not complete.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. Keep in mind that this isn't a complete list.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
A video removed for view count gaming has a Help Center page to learn more
If a video was removed for view count gaming, the page points the creator to a Help Center page to learn more. The block does not itself describe the appeal steps.
Supporting quotations
If you've had a video removed for view count gaming, check out [this page](https://support.google.com/youtube/contact/tou_removal_appeal) in the Help Center to learn more.
Not stated here
The pointed-to page is not supplied here, so the appeal process is unknown from this passage.
Examples of content that is not allowed include a testimonial showing a creator buying artificial page traffic; a video linking to a third-party artificial traffic provider in a promotional or supportive context; a video that tries to force or trick viewers into watching another video through deceptive means, such as a misleadingly labeled info card; channels dedicated to artificial channel engagement traffic or promoting businesses that exist for that sole purpose; and any content that knowingly uses a service to artificially inflate live traffic (viewbotting). The page says these are only some examples and tells creators not to post content that might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube.
A video testimonial in which a creator shows themselves successfully purchasing artificial page traffic from a third party.
A video in which a creator links to a third party artificial page traffic provider in a promotional or supportive context. For example: “I got 1 million subscribers on this video in a day and you can too!”
A video that tries to force or trick viewers into watching another video through deceptive means (for example: a misleadingly labeled info card).
Channels dedicated to artificial channel engagement traffic or promoting businesses that exist for this sole purpose.
Any content that knowingly uses a service to artificially inflate live traffic (‘viewbotting’).
Remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Playlists that violate the Community Guidelines are not allowed
YouTube says playlists are a way to combine videos as a series, and that playlists can contain content that is not allowed and can cause harm to the community, even if it is not often intentional. Playlists that violate the Community Guidelines are not allowed on YouTube.
Supporting quotations
Playlists are a great way to combine videos that your community may want to watch as a series. We know it’s not often intentional, but there may be times when playlists contain content that’s not allowed on the platform and can cause harm to our community. This means that playlists that violate our Community Guidelines are not allowed on YouTube.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Playlist test: imagine the videos combined into one video
YouTube's rule of thumb is that if all the playlist's videos were combined into one single video and that video would violate the Community Guidelines, the playlist may violate them as well. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest. Both the test result ("may violate") and the exception are discretionary.
Supporting quotations
Here’s a simple way to think of it: if you were to combine all the playlists’ videos into one single video, and that video were to violate our Community Guidelines, then the playlist may violate Community Guidelines as well. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here, so this card cannot say when an exception applies.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Playlists can be reported, including many videos or a whole channel
A viewer who finds violating content can report it using the reporting instructions. If they find many videos, comments, or a creator's entire channel they want to report, they can use the reporting tool.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, please report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you find many videos, comments, or a creator's entire channel that you wish to report, visit our [reporting tool](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not create playlists with violating thumbnails, titles or descriptions, or misleading titles
Creators should not post playlists with thumbnails, titles or descriptions that violate the community guidelines, such as pornographic ones or images intended to shock or disgust. They should also not post playlists whose titles or descriptions mislead viewers into thinking they will see different videos from what the playlist contains.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post playlists on YouTube if they fit any of the descriptions noted below.
Playlists with thumbnails, titles or descriptions that violate our community guidelines, such as those that are pornographic, or that consist of images that are intended to shock or disgust.
Playlists with titles or descriptions that mislead viewers into thinking they’re about to view videos different than what the playlist contains.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Playlists can violate even when each video is allowed on its own
Playlists with videos that do not individually violate the policies but are collected in a way that violates the guidelines are not allowed. The examples given, which are not limited to those listed, are educational content featuring nudity or sexual themes for the purpose of sexual gratification, non-sexual content that focuses on specific body parts or activities for sexual gratification, and documentary videos of graphic violence for the purpose of glorifying or shocking.
Supporting quotations
Playlists with videos that don’t individually violate our policies, but are collected in a way that violates the guidelines. This includes but is not limited to:
Educational content featuring nudity or sexual themes for the purpose of sexual gratification
Non-sexual content but focus on specific body parts or activities for sexual gratification
Documentary videos of graphic violence for the purpose of glorifying or shocking
Qualifications & exceptions
The listed collections are examples: "includes but is not limited to".
Purpose of the collection (sexual gratification, glorifying or shocking) is part of each example.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Remove removed videos from your playlists; playlists depicting mistreatment of minors are prohibited
Playlists that include multiple videos that have been removed for violating the guidelines are listed as not allowed. Creators who notice that multiple videos in their public playlists have been removed or deleted are asked to remove them from the playlists, and to flag and remove any videos that violate the Community Guidelines. Playlists that depict physical, sexual or emotional mistreatment of minors are also listed. The page says this list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Playlists that include multiple videos that have been removed for violating our guidelines. If you notice that multiple videos in your public playlists have been removed or deleted, please take some time to remove those videos from your playlists as well. If you notice that some videos in your public playlists violate our Community Guidelines, please flag them and remove them from your playlist.
Playlists that depict physical, sexual, or emotional mistreatment of minors.
Examples of playlists that are not allowed include news footage of aerial bombings titled "Best bombings"; a playlist whose title calls for the segregation of people with intellectual disabilities; a playlist posting an individual's nonpublic personal identifying information, such as phone number, home address or email, for the express purpose of directing abusive attention or traffic toward them; a playlist collecting dangerous or threatening pranks, such as fake home invasions or robberies; and a playlist of videos featuring minors with a title such as "sexy".
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube.
A playlist of news footage of aerial bombings accompanied by a title such as “Best bombings”.
A playlist with a title that calls for the segregation of people with intellectual disabilities.
A playlist that posts an individual’s nonpublic personal identifying information like a phone number, home address, or email for the express purpose of directing abusive attention or traffic toward them.
A playlist that collects videos of dangerous or threatening pranks, such as a playlist of fake home invasions or robberies.
A playlist of videos featuring minors accompanied by a title such as “sexy".
Content & IP Rights · Context
The Nudity & Sexual Content section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of the Nudity & Sexual Content Policy section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the nudity and sexual content rules follow in the next paragraphs.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Sexually gratifying explicit content is not allowed; pornography can mean removal or termination
Explicit content meant to be sexually gratifying is not allowed on YouTube. Posting pornography may result in content removal or channel termination. Videos containing fetish content will be removed or age-restricted, and in most cases violent, graphic or humiliating fetishes are not allowed. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
Explicit content meant to be sexually gratifying is not allowed on YouTube. Posting pornography may result in content removal or channel termination. Videos containing fetish content will be removed or age-restricted. In most cases, violent, graphic, or humiliating fetishes are not allowed on YouTube. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
The prohibition turns on content "meant to be sexually gratifying".
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Nudity and sexual content can be reported, including the channel
A viewer who finds violating content can report it using the reporting instructions. If they have found a few videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found a few videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post sexualized depictions of genitals, breasts, buttocks, pornography, sexual acts or fetishes
Creators should not post content that shows clothed or unclothed genitals, breasts or buttocks that are meant for sexual gratification, or pornography, depictions of sexual acts, or fetishes that are meant for sexual gratification. The test in both items is that the depiction is meant for sexual gratification.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if it shows:
The depiction of clothed or unclothed genitals, breasts, or buttocks that are meant for sexual gratification.
Pornography, the depiction of sexual acts, or fetishes that are meant for sexual gratification.
Qualifications & exceptions
Depends on the depiction being "meant for sexual gratification".
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Other prohibited sexual content: acts, nudity, fetish and aggregated content meant for gratification
Other content that violates the policy includes masturbation; fondling or groping of genitals, breasts or buttocks; using sex toys to give viewers sexual gratification; nudity or partial nudity meant for sexual gratification; non-consensual zooming in or prolonged focus on the breasts, buttocks or genital area for the purpose of sexual gratification; violent, graphic or humiliating fetish content where the purpose is sexual gratification; and aggregating content meant for sexual gratification.
Supporting quotations
Masturbation
Fondling or groping of genitals, breasts, or buttocks
Using sex toys to give viewers sexual gratification
Nudity or partial nudity that’s meant for sexual gratification
Non-consensual zooming in or prolonged focused or emphasis on the breasts, buttocks or genital area for the purpose of sexual gratification
Violent, graphic, or humiliating fetish content where the purpose is sexual gratification
Aggregating content that’s meant for sexual gratification
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Non-consensual sexual content, unwanted sexualization and leaked nudity are prohibited
Content that depicts or promotes non-consensual sex acts, such as sexual assault, incest, bestiality or zoophilia, violates the policy, including promotion or glorification of them. So does unwanted sexualization such as non-consensually shared imagery or voyeurism, and wardrobe accidents or nude photo leaks.
Supporting quotations
Non-consensual sex acts or the promotion or glorification of non-consensual sex acts, such as sexual assault, incest, bestiality, or zoophilia
Unwanted sexualization such as non-consensually shared imagery or voyeurism
Wardrobe accidents or nude photo leaks
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Any sexual content involving minors violates the policy; the list is not complete
Any sexual content involving minors violates the policy, and the page refers readers to the Child Safety page for more. The page notes the list of other violating content types is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Any sexual content involving minors—see our [Child Safety on YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801999) page for more information
Note: The above list isn't complete.
Not stated here
The linked Child Safety page is a separate page not supplied in this passage, so this card cannot say more about its rules.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Content with nudity or sexual content may be age-restricted instead of removed, based on listed factors
YouTube may age-restrict content that includes nudity or other sexual content but does not depict anything described as prohibited above. It considers the following when deciding whether to age-restrict or remove: whether breasts, buttocks or genitals are the focal point; whether a pose is intended to sexually arouse; whether language is graphic or lewd; whether actions encourage sexual arousal, such as touching breasts or genitals or revealing undergarments; whether clothing would be generally unacceptable in public contexts, such as lingerie; whether sexual imagery or audio is blurred, masked or obscured; whether it is fleeting or prolonged; and whether the content invites others to join a challenge involving sexual acts. The page says the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Age-restricted content
We may age-restrict content if it includes nudity or other sexual content but doesn’t depict anything described above. We consider the following when deciding whether to age-restrict or remove content.
Whether clothed or unclothed breasts, buttocks or genitals are the focal point of the video
Whether the subject is depicted in a pose that is intended to sexually arouse the viewer
Whether the language used in the video is graphic or lewd
Whether the subject's actions in the video encourage sexual arousal, such as by touching of breasts or genitals, or revealing undergarments
Whether the clothing would be generally unacceptable in public contexts, such as lingerie
Whether sexual imagery or audio has been blurred, masked, or obscured
Whether sexual imagery or audio is fleeting or prolonged in the content
Whether the content invites others to participate in a challenge involving sexual acts
Note: The above list isn’t complete.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May" age-restrict: discretionary.
The factors are considered together and the list is not complete.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The policy applies to videos, descriptions, comments, live streams and audio
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, audio and any other YouTube product or feature. YouTube says the listed items are just examples and tells creators not to post content that might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, audio, and any other YouTube product or feature. Remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Sexual content may be allowed when its primary purpose is educational, documentary, scientific or artistic
YouTube may allow sexual content when the primary purpose is educational, documentary, scientific or artistic, and it is not gratuitous. It may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over ongoing government actions. The page says this is not a pass to promote sexually explicit content. Its example is that a documentary on breast cancer showing nude breasts would be appropriate, but posting clips out of context to sexually gratify is not. Out-of-context nudity in indigenous communities, during medical procedures, childbirth, artistic performances or breastfeeding may not meet the documentary exception.
Supporting quotations
We may allow sexual content when the primary purpose is educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic, and it isn’t gratuitous. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to promote sexually explicit content. For example, a documentary on breast cancer that shows nude breasts would be appropriate, but posting clips out of context to sexually gratify from the same documentary is not. Out of context nudity in indigenous communities, during medical procedures, during childbirth, during artistic performances, or during breastfeeding may not meet our documentary exception.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May" allow and "may not meet": discretionary decisions.
Not allowed if gratuitous or taken out of context to sexually gratify.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Sex scenes in artistic works may be allowed with identifying context
The same educational and artistic exception applies to sex scenes in artistic content such as films, audio stories, music or video games. The page gives the example that a film with a sex scene may be allowed if it includes details such as the film name, director and actors in the content and the description. Giving context in the content, title and description helps YouTube and viewers determine the primary purpose of the video.
Supporting quotations
The same applies to depictions of sex scenes in artistic content such as films, audio stories, music or video games. For example, a film with a sex scene may be allowed if it included details such as the name of the film, director, actors in the video content and in the video description. Remember that [giving context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162) in the content, title, and description will help us and your viewers determine the primary purpose of the video.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May be allowed": not guaranteed.
Not stated here
The linked page on giving context is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Nudity examples: isolated clips, non-consensual sexualization and gratification content
Examples of content that is not allowed include clips extracted from non-pornographic films, shows or other content to isolate sexual content; groping, kissing, public masturbation, upskirting, voyeurism, predatory exhibitionism or any content that depicts someone in a sexualized manner without their consent; and content depicting sexual acts, behaviors or sex toys meant for sexual gratification. The page says these are just some examples.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube.
Clips extracted from non-pornographic films, shows, or other content in order to isolate sexual content (real world or artistic)
Groping, kissing, public masturbation, “upskirting”, voyeurism, predatory exhibitionism, or any other content that depicts someone in a sexualized manner without their consent
Content that depicts sexual acts, behaviors, or sex toys that’s meant for sexual gratification
Note: The above are just some examples. If you think content might violate this policy, don’t post it.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
More examples: aggregating playlists, provocative dancing, sexualized rape and modded games
More examples of content that is not allowed include playlists that aggregate content containing nudity or sexual themes for sexual gratification; provocative dancing focused on the genitals, buttocks or breasts or including fondling or groping; content that sexualizes rape in any form or aggregates dramatized rape scenes; audio or textual depictions of sexual acts for sexual gratification; content showing bodily fluids or excretion, such as urine, for sexual gratification; content using everyday objects or scenarios, such as injections or eating, for sexual gratification; and video game content developed or modified for sexual gratification or focusing on themes of unwanted sexualization.
Supporting quotations
Playlists that aggregate content containing nudity or sexual themes for the purpose of sexual gratification
Provocative dancing that is focused on the dancer’s genitals, buttocks, or breasts, or that includes fondling or groping
Content that sexualizes rape in any form, or content that aggregates clips of dramatized rape scenes
Audio or textual depictions of sexual acts for the purpose of sexual gratification
Content showing bodily fluids or excretion, such as urine, for the purpose of sexual gratification
Content using otherwise everyday objects or scenarios, such as injections or eating, for the purpose of sexual gratification
Video game content which has been developed or modified (“modded”) for sexual gratification, or focuses on themes of unwanted sexualization
Content & IP Rights · Context
The Thumbnails section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of the Thumbnails policy section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the thumbnail rules follow in the next paragraph.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Thumbnails and other images that violate the Community Guidelines are not allowed
Thumbnails and other images that violate the Community Guidelines are not allowed on YouTube. Images include banners, avatars, posts and any other YouTube feature that has images. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
Thumbnails and other images that violate our [Community Guidelines](https://www.youtube.com/t/community_guidelines) aren’t allowed on YouTube. Images include banners, avatars, posts, and any other YouTube feature that has images. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The Community Guidelines and EDSA evaluation pages linked here are separate pages not supplied in this passage.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Thumbnails and images can be reported, including the channel
A viewer who finds thumbnails or other images that violate the policy can report them. If they find a few videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
If you find thumbnails or other images that violate this policy, [report them](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you find a few videos or comments that you want to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Thumbnails must not show pornography, sexual acts, nudity or unwanted sexualization
Creators should not post a thumbnail or other image that shows pornographic imagery; sexual acts, the use of sex toys, fetishes or other sexually gratifying imagery; nudity, including genitals; or imagery that depicts unwanted sexualization.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post a thumbnail or other image on YouTube if it shows:
Pornographic imagery
Sexual acts, the use of sex toys, fetishes, or other sexually gratifying imagery
Nudity, including genitals
Imagery that depicts unwanted sexualization
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Thumbnails must not show shocking violence, gore, or vulgar or lewd language
Creators should not post a thumbnail or other image that shows violent imagery intended to shock or disgust, graphic or disturbing imagery with blood or gore, or vulgar or lewd language.
Supporting quotations
Violent imagery that intends to shock or disgust
Graphic or disturbing imagery with blood or gore
Vulgar or lewd language
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Misleading thumbnails are prohibited and the list is not complete
A thumbnail that misleads viewers into thinking they are about to view something that is not in the video is listed as not allowed. The page says the list of prohibited thumbnail content is not complete.
Supporting quotations
A thumbnail that misleads viewers to think they’re about to view something that’s not in the video
Note: The above list isn’t complete.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Factors for removing or age-restricting thumbnails
When removing or age-restricting such thumbnails, YouTube says it considers whether breasts, buttocks or genitals are the focal point; whether the subject is depicted in a pose or clothing intended to sexually arouse; whether violent or gory imagery is the focal point; whether written text is intended to be vulgar or to shock or disgust; and whether the title, description, tags or other data indicate an intent to shock or disgust viewers.
Supporting quotations
Here’s what we consider when we remove or age-restrict these kinds of thumbnails:
Whether breasts, buttocks, or genitals are the focal point of the thumbnail
Whether the subject is depicted in a pose or clothing that is intended to sexually arouse the viewer
Whether violent or gory imagery is the focal point of the thumbnail
Whether written text is intended to be vulgar or shock or disgust viewers
Whether the title, description, tags, or other data indicate an intent to shock or disgust viewers
Content & IP Rights · Context
The Child safety section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of the Child safety policy section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the child safety rules follow in the next paragraphs.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Content targeting young minors and families with mature themes is not allowed
An update on the page says content that targets young minors and families but contains sexual themes, violence, obscene or other mature themes not suitable for young audiences is not allowed on YouTube. Creators are told that, in addition to titles, descriptions and tags, their audience selection should match the audience the content is suitable for.
Supporting quotations
Update: Content that targets young minors and families but contains sexual themes, violence, obscene, or other mature themes not suitable for young audiences, is not allowed on YouTube. In addition to your titles, descriptions, and tags, ensure your [audience selection](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9528076) matches the audience your content is suitable for.
Not stated here
The linked audience selection page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Content that endangers the well-being of minors under 18 is not allowed
YouTube does not allow content that endangers the emotional and physical well-being of minors. A minor is defined as someone under 18 years old.
Supporting quotations
YouTube doesn’t allow content that endangers the emotional and physical well-being of minors. A minor is someone under 18 years old.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Report violating content; contact local law enforcement if a child is in danger
A viewer who finds violating content can report it. If they believe a child is in danger, they should contact local law enforcement immediately. If they have found multiple videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. If you believe that a child is in danger, you should get in touch with your local law enforcement to report the situation immediately.
Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found multiple videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Educational, documentary, scientific or artistic exceptions may apply in some cases
In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest. The exception is discretionary.
Supporting quotations
In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Dangerous acts involving minors are prohibited, such as stunts, challenges, dares and pranks
Content showing a minor participating in dangerous activities, or encouraging minors to do them, is not allowed, particularly if someone watching could imitate the act or the content encourages or praises it. Creators should never put minors in harmful situations that may lead to injury, including dangerous stunts, challenges, dares or pranks. Dangerous acts include, but are not limited to, the categories under Extremely Dangerous challenges, such as asphyxiation or electrocution. Examples include minors drinking alcohol, using vaporizers, e-cigarettes, tobacco or marijuana, misusing fireworks, or using firearms unsupervised.
Supporting quotations
Harmful or dangerous acts involving minors: Content showing a minor participating in dangerous activities or encouraging minors to do dangerous activities, particularly if someone watching could imitate the dangerous act or if the content encourages or praises the dangerous act. Never put minors in harmful situations that may lead to injury, including dangerous stunts, challenges, dares, or pranks. Dangerous acts include, but are not limited to, any act in the categories listed under Extremely Dangerous challenges, such as asphyxiation or electrocution.
Examples include content that shows minors:
Drinking alcohol
Using vaporizers, e-cigarettes, tobacco, or marijuana
Misusing fireworks
Using firearms unsupervised
Not stated here
The Extremely Dangerous challenges categories are not set out in this passage.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Maltreatment of children is prohibited, with a possible exception for blurred educational or documentary content
Inflicting, or advocating the infliction of, physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment or neglect of a child, including inflicting emotional distress on minors, is not allowed. Content that contains such abuse within an educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context and with blurring may receive an exception.
Supporting quotations
Inflicting or advocating for the infliction of physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment or neglect of a child, including inflicting emotional distress on minors.
Content that contains infliction of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of a child within an educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context and with blurring may receive an exception.
Qualifications & exceptions
The exception requires both an EDSA context and blurring, and "may" be given.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Content that could emotionally distress minor participants or viewers is prohibited
Content that could cause minor participants or viewers emotional distress is not allowed. The listed examples are exposing minors to mature themes, simulating parental abuse, coercing minors, and violence.
Supporting quotations
Content that could cause minor participants or viewers emotional distress, including:
Exposing minors to mature themes
Simulating parental abuse
Coercing minors
Violence
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Misleading family content: mature themes aimed at young minors and families
Content that targets young minors and families but contains sexual themes, violence, obscenity or other mature themes unsuitable for young audiences, medical procedures, self harm, use of adult horror characters, or other inappropriate themes intended to shock young audiences, is listed as misleading family content and is not allowed. Content with age-inappropriate themes within an educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context may receive an exception, but this is not a pass to target young minors and families with mature themes intended to shock.
Supporting quotations
Misleading family content: Content that targets young minors and families, but contains:
Sexual themes
Violence
Obscenity or other mature themes not suitable for young audiences
Medical procedures
Self harm
Use of adult horror characters
Other inappropriate themes intended to shock young audiences
Content that targets young minors and families with age-inappropriate themes within an educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context may receive an exception. This is not a pass to target young minors and families with mature themes intended to shock young audiences.
Qualifications & exceptions
The exception "may" apply to EDSA content; it is not a pass.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Kid-labelled cartoons with adult themes are not allowed; match metadata and audience selection to the audience
Family friendly cartoons that target young minors and contain adult or age-inappropriate themes such as violence, sex, death or drugs are not allowed. YouTube does not allow content labeled as suitable for kids in the title, description, tags or audience selection if it contains age-inappropriate themes. Creators are told to make titles, descriptions and tags match the targeted audience, to make the audience selection accurate, and that they can age-restrict content on upload if it is intended for mature audiences.
Supporting quotations
Family friendly cartoons that target young minors and contain adult or age-inappropriate themes such as violence, sex, death, drugs, and more. We don’t allow content labeled as suitable for kids in the video's title, description, tags, or in the audience selection if it contains age-inappropriate themes.
Make sure your titles, descriptions, and tags match the audience you're targeting. In addition, ensure your [audience selection](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9528076) accurately represents the audience your content is suitable for. You can also age restrict your content upon upload if it’s intended for [mature audiences](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2950063).
Not stated here
The linked audience selection and mature audiences pages are separate pages not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Cyberbullying, harassment and doxxing of minors: shaming, personal information, sexualization, encouraging bullying
Content that intends to shame, deceive or insult a minor is listed as cyberbullying, harassment or doxxing of minors, as is content that reveals a minor's personal information such as email addresses or phone numbers, regardless of whether it is shared by others or the minor themself. Content that contains sexualization or encourages others to bully or harass is also listed.
Supporting quotations
Cyberbullying, harassment, and doxxing of minors: Content that:
Intends to shame, deceive or insult a minor
Reveals a minor’s personal information, such as email addresses or phone numbers, regardless of whether it is shared by others or the minor themself.
Contains sexualization
Encourages others to bully or harass
Content & IP Rights · Context
Child safety policy covers videos, comments, posts, live streams and playlists, and external links in content
The child safety policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, posts, live streams, playlists and any other YouTube product or feature, and the page says this is not a complete list. The page adds that these policies also apply to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites in a video, as well as other forms.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, posts, live streams, playlists, and any other YouTube product or feature. Keep in mind that this isn't a complete list.
Please note these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Procedure
Guidance for protecting minors in your content
Before posting content of themselves, family or friends, creators are asked to think carefully about whether it may put anyone at risk of negative attention, because minors are a vulnerable population. YouTube advises making sure the minor is supervised by an adult and performing age-appropriate activities such as hobbies, educational content or public performances, making sure attire is age-appropriate and not overexposing or form-fitting, and using YouTube's privacy settings to limit who can see videos.
Supporting quotations
How to protect minors in your content
Before posting content of yourself, your family, or friends, think carefully about whether it may put anyone at risk of negative attention. Minors are a vulnerable population, and YouTube has policies to protect them from unwanted attention.
Make sure the minor is supervised by an adult and is performing age-appropriate activities such as demonstrating hobbies, educational content or public performances.
Make sure the attire worn is age-appropriate. Avoid attire that overexposes the minor or is form-fitting.
Use YouTube's [privacy settings](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/157177) to limit who can see the videos you post.
Qualifications & exceptions
This is guidance on how to protect minors; the passage does not say that following it exempts content.
Not stated here
The linked privacy settings page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post minors filmed in private spaces, soliciting strangers, drawing attention or with personal details revealed
Creators should not post content featuring minors that is filmed in private spaces at home such as bedrooms or bathrooms; features minors soliciting contact from strangers, dares or challenges online, or discussing adult topics; shows activities that could draw undesired attention to the minor, such as body contortions or ASMR; or reveals personal details about a minor. The page says these are just some examples and points to child safety best practices and, for people under 18 or the applicable age of majority, an online safety resource.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube that features minors and meets one or more of the following:
Filmed in private spaces at home such as bedrooms or bathrooms.
Features minors soliciting contact from strangers, dares or challenges online, or discussing adult topics.
Shows activities that could draw undesired attention to the minor, such as performing body contortions or ASMR.
Reveals personal details about a minor.
These are just some examples, you can get more best practices for [child safety here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9229229). If you are under 18 or the applicable age of majority in your country, [Be internet awesome](https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/) can help you be safe online.
Not stated here
The linked child safety best practices page and the online safety resource are separate pages not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Child safety examples: sexualized or dangerous content with minors and kid-labelled inappropriate cartoons
Examples of content not allowed include videos or posts featuring minors in provocative, sexual or sexually suggestive activities, challenges and dares such as kissing or groping; showing minors in dangerous activities such as physical stunts, using weapons or explosives, or using alcohol or nicotine including vapes; and a video with tags like "for children", or with the audience set to "Yes, it's made for kids", featuring family friendly cartoons engaged in inappropriate acts like injecting needles. The page says these are just some examples.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content not allowed on YouTube.
Videos or posts featuring minors involved in provocative, sexual, or sexually suggestive activities, challenges and dares, such as kissing or groping.
Showing minors involved in dangerous activities. For example, physical stunts, using weapons or explosives, or using a controlled substance like alcohol or nicotine including use of vapes or e-cigarettes.
A video with tags like "for children", or whose audience is set to “Yes, it’s made for kids”, featuring family friendly cartoons engaging in inappropriate acts like injecting needles.
Remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
More examples of content not allowed include offering money, praise, likes or other incentives to a minor to participate in physical contact with someone else; a video or post advertising sexual or abusive content featuring minors; predatory behavior involving communications with or about minors; aggregating innocent content of minors for sexual gratification; fight or bullying content featuring kids without educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context and blurring; and challenges, pranks or stunts that pose a risk of physical injury or serious emotional distress.
Supporting quotations
Offering money, praise, likes, or any other incentive to a minor to participate in physical contact with someone else.
A video or post that advertises sexual content featuring minors or abusive content featuring minors.
Predatory behavior involving communications with or about minors.
Aggregating innocent content of minors for the purposes of sexual gratification.
Fight or bullying content featuring kids without educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context and blurring.
Challenges, pranks, or stunts that pose the risk of physical injury or serious emotional distress. You can learn more about what’s not allowed in our policies [around challenges and pranks](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801964).
Not stated here
The linked policy on challenges and pranks is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
More child safety examples: encouraging dangerous activity, simulated abuse and adult-themed characters
Further examples of content not allowed include encouraging minors to participate in dangerous activities even if there are no minors in the content; content simulating parental abuse or abandonment, simulating exposure to death or violence, or causing minors intense shame or humiliation; and using cartoons, puppets or family entertainment characters to appeal to children where the content features adult themes like violence and sex.
Supporting quotations
Encouraging minors to participate in dangerous activities, even if there are no minors in the content.
Content simulating parental abuse or abandonment, simulating exposure to death or violence, or causing minors intense shame or humiliation.
Using cartoons, puppets, or family entertainment characters to appeal to children where content features adult themes like violence and sex.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The Suicide, self-harm and eating disorders section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of this section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the policy on suicide, self-harm and eating disorders follows in the next paragraphs.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Company commitment
YouTube supports creators sharing their own mental health experiences
YouTube says it takes the health and well-being of creators and viewers seriously, that awareness of mental health is important, and that it supports creators sharing their stories, such as content discussing their experiences with depression, self-harm, eating disorders or other mental health issues.
Supporting quotations
At YouTube, we take the health and well-being of all our creators and viewers seriously. Awareness and understanding of mental health is important and we support creators sharing their stories, such as posting content discussing their experiences with depression, self-harm, eating disorders, or other mental health issues.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Content promoting suicide, self-harm or eating disorders, or intended to shock or disgust, is not allowed
YouTube does not allow content that promotes suicide, self-harm or eating disorders, that is intended to shock or disgust, or that poses a considerable risk to viewers. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
However, we do not allow content on YouTube that promotes suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders, that is intended to shock or disgust, or that poses a considerable risk to viewers. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Procedure
If someone may be in danger, contact emergency services and flag the video
If a viewer believes someone is in danger, they are told to contact local emergency services and to flag the video to bring it to YouTube's attention. For viewers negatively affected by related content, the page says support is available and points to a list of resources, and suggests local helplines for general guidance on talking to someone of concern.
Supporting quotations
If you believe someone is in danger:
Get in touch with local emergency services for help
Flag the video
If you find yourself being negatively affected by any mental health, suicide, self-harm, or eating disorder related content you come across, know that there is support available and you’re not alone. In the next section you can find a list of resources and contact information for organizations that can offer advice.
For general guidance on how to talk to someone who you may be concerned about, contact local helplines.
Content & IP Rights · Context
YouTube points people who are struggling to mental health care providers
The page tells people who are depressed, having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or experiencing an eating disorder that help is available and they are not alone, and says talking to a mental health care provider can help determine whether they have a mental illness that requires care and help them develop coping strategies. This is general information, not a rule.
Supporting quotations
If you are depressed, having thoughts of suicide, self-harming, or experiencing an eating disorder, know there is help and you’re not alone. While coping with painful emotions, many people might experience these issues. Talking to a mental health care provider can help determine if you have a mental illness that requires care. It can also help you identify healthy, effective coping strategies and develop skills to manage difficult feelings.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Crisis helplines are listed by country, partnerships vary, and the list is not exhaustive
The page lists organizations dedicated to helping people in need in different countries and regions, described as recognized crisis service partners. It says partnerships vary by country or region, and names two websites that could help find organizations for regions not listed. The individual helpline entries are contact references.
Supporting quotations
Below is a list of organizations dedicated to helping those in need in different countries and regions. These are recognized crisis service partners. Partnerships vary by country/region.
The websites [findahelpline.com](http://www.findahelpline.com) and [www.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines](http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines) could help you find organizations for regions not listed here.
Qualifications & exceptions
Partnerships vary by country or region.
Not stated here
The helpline organizations and their contact details are third parties and are not described beyond their names here.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Creator Safety Center for safety tips; eating disorder support partners vary by region
The page points readers to the Creator Safety Center for tips and videos that can help them feel safer on YouTube. It introduces a list of organizations that help people with eating disorders, described as mental health support partners, and says partnerships vary by country or region. The entries themselves are contact references.
Supporting quotations
To read tips and watch videos that can help you feel safer on YouTube, visit the [Creator Safety Center](https://www.youtube.com/creators/safety).
Below is a list of organizations that help individuals with eating disorders. These organizations are mental health support partners. Partnerships vary by country/region.
Qualifications & exceptions
Partnerships vary by country or region.
Not stated here
The Creator Safety Center and listed organizations are separate third-party or linked pages not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Company commitment
YouTube welcomes supportive, non-harmful talk about mental health but asks creators to consider the impact on others
YouTube says users should not be afraid to speak openly about mental health, suicide, self-harm and eating disorders in a supportive and non-harmful way. It also says some content is sensitive and may pose a risk to some users, and asks creators to take into account the possible negative impact of such content on other users, especially minors and users who may be sensitive to it.
Supporting quotations
YouTube users should not be afraid to speak openly about the topics of mental health, suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders in a supportive and non-harmful way.
However, there are times when content is created that is sensitive and may pose a risk for some users. When you create content that contains suicide, self-harm, or eating disorder related topics, take into account the possible negative impact of your content on other users, especially minors and users who may be sensitive to this content.
Content & IP Rights · Context
This policy covers videos, descriptions, comments, live streams and external links
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature, and the page says this is not a complete list. It also applies to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites in a video, as well as other forms.
Supporting quotations
This Community Guidelines policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature.Keep in mind that this isn't a complete list. Please note these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post content promoting or glorifying suicide, self-harm or eating disorders, or instructions for them
Creators should not post content promoting or glorifying suicide, self-harm or eating disorders; instructions on how to die by suicide, engage in self-harm or engage in eating disorders, including how to conceal them; content on these topics that is targeted at minors; or graphic images of self-harm.
Supporting quotations
Don't post the following content:
Content promoting or glorifying suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders
Instructions on how to die by suicide, engage in self-harm, or engage in eating disorders (including how to conceal them)
Content related to suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders that is targeted at minors
Graphic images of self-harm
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not show bodies of suicide victims unless fully obscured, or suicide lead-up and attempts without context
Creators should not post visuals of bodies of suicide victims unless they are blurred or covered so they are fully obscured. They should also not post videos showing the lead-up to a suicide, or suicide attempts and suicide rescue footage, without sufficient context. The context test refers to a separately linked page.
Supporting quotations
Visuals of bodies of suicide victims unless blurred or covered so they are fully obscured
Videos showing the lead-up to a suicide, or suicide attempts and suicide rescue footage without
Not stated here
The linked page on providing context is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Also prohibited: self-harm challenges, suicide notes without context, weight-based bullying about eating disorders
Creators should not post content showing participation in or instructions for suicide and self-harm challenges, such as the Blue Whale or Momo challenges; suicide notes or letters without sufficient context; or content that features weight-based bullying in the context of eating disorders.
Supporting quotations
Content showing participation in or instructions for suicide and self-harm challenges (e.g. Blue Whale or Momo challenges)
Suicide notes or letters without
Content that features weight-based bullying in the context of eating disorders
Not stated here
The linked page on what counts as sufficient context is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Criteria for allowing, age-restricting, removing or adding a crisis panel; the list is not complete
In some cases YouTube may consider listed criteria when deciding whether suicide, self-harm or eating disorder content should be allowed, age-restricted, removed or given a Crisis Resource Panel. The listed criteria are content meant to be educational, documentary, scientific or artistic; content in the public interest such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over government actions; graphic content that is sufficiently blurred; dramatizations or scripted content including animations, video games, music videos and clips from movies and shows; detailed discussion of suicide or self-harm methods, locations and hotspots; graphic descriptions of self-harm or suicide; and eating disorder recovery content that includes potentially triggering details. The page says this is not a complete list and is not a pass to promote this content.
Supporting quotations
In some cases we may consider the following criteria when deciding whether suicide, self-harm, or eating disorder content should be allowed, age-restricted, removed, or have a [Crisis Resource Panel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10726080) placed on the video. Please note this is not a complete list:
Content that is meant to be educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic
Content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions
Graphic content that is sufficiently blurred
Dramatizations or scripted content, which includes but is not limited to animations, video games, music videos, and clips from movies and shows
Detailed discussion of suicide or self-harm methods, locations and hotspots
Graphic descriptions of self-harm or suicide
Eating disorder recovery content that includes details which may be triggering to at-risk viewers
This is not a pass to promote suicide, self-harm, or eating disorder-related content.
Qualifications & exceptions
"In some cases" and "may consider": the criteria are inputs to a discretionary decision.
The source does not say which criteria favor allowing and which favor restricting or removing.
Not stated here
Which criteria weigh toward which outcome is not stated in the passage.
The linked Crisis Resource Panel page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Procedure
Recommended best practices for content about suicide or self-harm
YouTube recommends practices for content about suicide or self-harm to protect viewers: avoid showing the person who died by suicide and respect their and their families' privacy; use positive, supportive wording focused on recovery, prevention and hope; include prevention and coping resources in both the video and its description; avoid sensationalist language or dramatic visuals; provide context but avoid discussing how the victim died, methods or locations; and blur images of suicide victims, which can be done with the Editor in YouTube Studio. These are recommendations ("we recommend"), not stated as requirements here.
Supporting quotations
We recommend using these best practices in content related to suicide or self-harm to protect your viewers from harm and distress:
Avoid showing the person who died by suicide, and respect their, and their families’, privacy. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801895).
Use wording that is positive and supportive, and focuses on recovery, prevention, and stories of hope.
Include information and resources for suicide and self-harm prevention and coping strategies. Try to include it in both the video itself and the description of the video.
Do not use sensationalist language or dramatic visuals.
Provide context, but avoid discussing how the victim died by suicide. Do not mention the methods or locations.
Blur content that contains images of suicide victims. You can blur your video with the Editor in YouTube Studio. [Learn more](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9057652).
Qualifications & exceptions
Framed as recommendations; the passage does not say that skipping them is itself a violation.
Content & IP Rights · Procedure
Recommended best practices for content about eating disorders
YouTube recommends practices for content about eating disorders to protect viewers: focus on the impact of the disorder instead of the details of the disordered eating behavior, tell the audience that eating disorders commonly cause severe complications, and include information and resources for prevention and coping in both the video and its description. These are recommendations, not stated as requirements here.
Supporting quotations
We recommend using these best practices in content related to eating disorders to protect your viewers from harm and distress:
Focus on the impact of the disorder instead of the details of the disordered eating behavior.
Tell your audience that eating disorders commonly cause severe complications.
Include info and resources for eating disorder prevention and coping strategies. Try to include it in both the video itself and the description of the video.
Qualifications & exceptions
Framed as recommendations.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The Vulgar language section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of the Vulgar language policy section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the vulgar language rules follow in the next paragraphs.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Some language may be inappropriate for viewers under 18, with possible EDSA exceptions
YouTube says some language may not be appropriate for viewers under 18. In some cases it may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
Some language may not be appropriate for viewers under 18. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Vulgar language can be reported, including the channel
A viewer who finds violating content can report it using the reporting instructions. If they have found a few videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found a few videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Examples of vulgar content that may be age-restricted
Examples of content that may be age-restricted are a video focused on the use of profanities, like a compilation, song or clip taken out of context; a video that uses heavy profanities in the title; and a video that repeatedly uses vulgar or sexual language. The page says these are just examples and tells creators not to post content that might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that may be age-restricted:
A video focused on the use of profanities, like a compilation, song, or clip taken out of context
A video that uses heavy profanities in the title
A video that repeatedly uses vulgar or sexual language
Content & IP Rights · Context
The policy covers videos, descriptions, comments, live streams and audio
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, audio and any other YouTube product or feature. YouTube says the listed items are just examples and tells creators not to post content that might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, audio, and any other YouTube product or feature. Remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Vulgar language may be allowed when the primary purpose is educational, documentary, scientific or artistic
YouTube may allow vulgar language when the primary purpose is educational, documentary, scientific or artistic and it is not gratuitous, for example the title of a song with a curse word or a song with large amounts of profanity. It may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over ongoing government actions. The page says this is not a pass to promote vulgar language, and that giving context in the content, title and description helps YouTube and viewers determine the primary purpose.
Supporting quotations
We may allow vulgar language when the primary purpose is educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic, and it isn’t gratuitous. For example, the title of a song with a curse word or a song that contains large amounts of profanity. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to promote vulgar language. Remember that giving context in the content, title, and description will help us and your viewers determine the primary purpose of the video.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May allow": discretionary, and only when not gratuitous.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Harmful or dangerous content: no encouraging dangerous or illegal activities that risk serious harm or death
YouTube does not allow content that encourages dangerous or illegal activities that risk serious physical harm or death. In some cases it may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
YouTube doesn’t allow content that encourages dangerous or illegal activities that risk serious physical harm or death. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Harmful or dangerous content can be reported
A viewer who finds content that violates this policy can report it through the linked report function.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, [report it](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027).
Content & IP Rights · Context
Policy covers videos, descriptions, comments, live streams, other features and external links
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature. It also applies to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites in a video, as well as other forms.
Supporting quotations
Important: This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. These policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The listed prohibited content is not complete; creators should not post content that might violate the policy
YouTube says the list of content that is not allowed is not complete, and that creators who think their content might violate the policy should not post it.
Supporting quotations
Note: The list below isn't complete. If you think that your content might violate this policy, don't post it.
This content isn't allowed on YouTube:
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Not allowed: extremely dangerous challenges, threatening pranks, risky adult acts and minors in dangerous activities
Not allowed are extremely dangerous challenges that pose an imminent risk of physical injury; dangerous or threatening pranks that lead victims to fear imminent serious physical danger or that create serious emotional distress in minors or vulnerable individuals; harmful or dangerous acts performed by adults that have a risk of serious harm or death; and content that endangers the emotional and physical well-being of minors, for which the Child safety policy is referenced.
Supporting quotations
Extremely dangerous challenges: Challenges that pose an imminent risk of physical injury.
Dangerous or threatening pranks: Pranks that lead victims to fear imminent serious physical danger, or that create serious emotional distress in minors or vulnerable individuals.
Harmful or dangerous acts: Acts performed by adults that have a risk of serious harm or death.
Minors participating in dangerous activities: Content that endangers the emotional and physical well-being of minors. For more info, review our [Child safety policy](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801999).
Not stated here
The linked policy pages are separate pages; this card does not describe their rules.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Not allowed: instructions to kill or harm, explosives instructions; firearms covered by a separate policy
Not allowed are instructions that show or tell viewers how to perform activities meant to kill or severely harm others, and instructions to make explosive devices or compounds meant to injure or kill others. For firearms, the page points to a separate Firearms policy and does not state the firearms rules itself.
Supporting quotations
Instructions to kill or harm: Instructions that show or tell viewers how to perform activities that are meant to kill or severely harm others.
Explosives: Giving instructions to make explosive devices or compounds meant to injure or kill others.
Firearms: For more info, review our [Firearms policy](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7667605).
Not stated here
The Firearms policy is a separate linked policy; this card does not describe its rules.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Illegal or regulated goods and services are covered by a separate policy; help resources are pointed to
For illegal or regulated goods or services, the page refers readers to a separate policy and does not state those rules here. It also tells people struggling with substance abuse, gambling, other addictions or mental health challenges that help is available and points to a resource.
Supporting quotations
For more info, review our [Illegal or regulated goods or services policy](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9229611).
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, gambling, other addictions, or mental health challenges, help is available. You can find resources [here](https://www.samhsa.gov/).
Not stated here
The Illegal or regulated goods or services policy is a separate linked policy; this card does not describe its rules.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Examples of harmful or dangerous content are not a complete list
The page introduces examples of harmful or dangerous content that is not allowed on YouTube and notes that the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of harmful or dangerous content that isn’t allowed on YouTube.
Examples of extremely dangerous challenges include any activity that prevents breathing or can lead to suffocation, such as choking, drowning or hanging games and eating non-food items; using weapons like guns or knives without proper safety precautions or in a way that could cause physical harm; and eating, consuming or inserting non-food objects or chemicals that may cause illness or poisoning, such as detergent-eating challenges.
Supporting quotations
Asphyxiation: Any activity that prevents breathing or can lead to suffocation. Examples include:
Choking, drowning, or hanging games
Eating non-food items
Misuse of weapons: Using weapons, like guns or knives, without proper safety precautions or in a way that could cause physical harm.
Ingesting harmful substances: Eating, consuming, or inserting non-food objects or chemicals that may cause illness or poisoning. Examples include detergent-eating challenges.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Extremely dangerous challenge examples: burns, electrocution, mutilation and blunt force trauma; age-restriction note
Examples also include activities with a serious risk of severe burns, freezing, frostbite or electrocution, such as the fire challenge and hot water challenge, and mutilation and blunt force trauma such as self-mutilation, abstaining from normal health practices, and falling, impalement, collision, blunt force trauma or crushing. The page notes YouTube may age-restrict content that has educational or documentary context.
Supporting quotations
Burning, freezing, and electrocution: Activities with a serious risk of severe burns, freezing, frostbite, or electrocution. Examples include the fire challenge and the hot water challenge.
Mutilation and blunt force trauma: Examples include:
Self-mutilation
Abstaining from normal health practices
Falling, impalement, collision, blunt force trauma, or crushing
Note: We may age-restrict content that has [educational or documentary context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162).
Qualifications & exceptions
"May" age-restrict EDSA-context content.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Prank example: intentionally inflicting physical harm on unsuspecting victims
A listed example of dangerous or threatening pranks is inflicting physical harm on unsuspecting prank victims, such as punching attacks, drugging food or drinks with laxatives, and electrocution pranks.
Prank examples: faking danger, emotional distress to minors or vulnerable people
Listed examples of dangerous or threatening pranks include making someone feel at high risk of danger, such as threats with weapons, bomb scares, swatting or fake 911 calls, fake home invasions or robberies, and fake kidnapping, even if no physical harm comes to them. Also listed are any pranks that cause emotional distress or fear of a threat to physical safety to children or others who are vulnerable, such as fake death or suicide, fake violence, pretending a parent or caregiver will abandon a child, and showing a parent or caregiver verbally abusing or shaming a child.
Supporting quotations
Making someone feel like they’re at a high risk of danger: Tricking others into believing they're in real danger, even if no physical harm comes to them. Examples include:
Threats with weapons
Bomb scares
Swatting or fake 911 calls
Fake home invasions or robberies
Fake kidnapping
Emotional distress to minors/vulnerable individuals: Any prank that causes emotional distress, or fear of a threat to physical safety, to children or others who are vulnerable. Examples include:
Fake death or suicide
Fake violence
Pretending that a parent or caregiver will abandon a child
Showing a parent or caregiver verbally abuse or shame a child
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Harmful or dangerous acts: adults risking serious harm or death, minors in dangerous acts, extremely dangerous driving
Not allowed is behavior showing adults risking serious bodily harm or death, particularly if someone watching could imitate the act or the content encourages or praises it; dangerous acts include, but are not limited to, the extremely dangerous challenge categories. YouTube also does not allow content showing dangerous acts by minors, such as drinking alcohol, using vaporizers, e-cigarettes, tobacco or marijuana, misusing fireworks or using firearms unsupervised. Extremely dangerous driving, using a motor vehicle in a way that presents imminent risk of serious injury or death to the driver or others, is also listed, with examples of a motorcyclist deliberately veering into oncoming traffic and driving a car at high speed along a pedestrian walkway.
Supporting quotations
Risking serious harm or death: Behavior that shows adults risking serious bodily harm or death, particularly if someone watching could imitate the dangerous act or if the content encourages or praises the dangerous act. Dangerous acts include, but are not limited to, any act in the categories listed under Extremely Dangerous challenges above, such as acts that risk asphyxiation or electrocution.
We also don’t allow content showing dangerous acts by minors. This includes content that shows minors:
Drinking alcohol
Using vaporizers, e-cigarettes, tobacco, or marijuana
Misusing fireworks
Using firearms unsupervised
Extremely dangerous driving: Using a motor vehicle in a way that presents imminent risk of serious injury or death to the driver or others. Examples include:
Cell phone footage of a motorcyclist deliberately veering into oncoming traffic at high speeds. A voiceover reacts saying “Wow, that was crazy!”
Driving a car at a high speed along a walkway meant for pedestrians.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Instructions to harm: bomb-making and fights or violence between children
Not allowed is showing viewers how to build a bomb meant to injure or kill others, with examples of pipe bombs, package bombs, explosive vests and Molotov cocktails. Also listed is any real fight or violence between children, for which the Child Safety policy is referenced. The page notes that YouTube may age-restrict content that has documentary or educational context.
Supporting quotations
Bomb-making: Showing viewers how to build a bomb meant to injure or kill others. Examples include:
Pipe bombs
Package bombs
Explosive vests
Molotov cocktails
Violence involving children: Any real fights or violence between children. For more info, review our [Child Safety policy](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801999).
Note: We may age-restrict content that has [documentary or educational context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162).
Qualifications & exceptions
"May" age-restrict EDSA-context content.
Not stated here
The linked Child Safety policy is a separate page; this card does not describe its rules.
Examples of age-restricted content include prank content featuring adults using excessive fake blood or gruesome fake injuries; footage of people engaging in a dangerous challenge with commentary on the number of people seriously injured; content showing adults misusing fireworks; adults using tasers on other willing participants or themselves; and an adult parkour athlete reacting to highly dangerous amateur stunts and commenting on the risk of harm. The page also links to pages about age-restricted content and watching age-restricted videos.
Supporting quotations
Learn about [age-restricted content](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802167) and how to [watch age-restricted videos](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10070779).
Prank content featuring adults using excessive fake blood or gruesome fake injuries.
Showing footage of people engaging in a dangerous challenge, with commentary describing the number of people seriously injured by the challenge.
Content that shows adults misusing fireworks.
Content that shows adults using tasers on other willing participants or themselves.
Content that shows an adult parkour athlete reacting to videos of highly dangerous amateur stunts and commenting about the risk of harm.
Not stated here
The linked age-restricted content pages are separate pages not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
EDSA context can keep otherwise violating content up, but is not a pass; some content is never allowed
Content that would otherwise violate this policy is sometimes allowed to stay when it has educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, and YouTube may make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over government actions. The page says this is not a pass to promote dangerous or illegal activities that risk serious physical harm or death. In some cases EDSA content may be age-restricted, and certain content is not allowed even with EDSA context, such as content that sells drugs or regulated pharmaceuticals without a prescription.
Supporting quotations
Sometimes, content that would otherwise violate this policy is allowed to stay on YouTube when it has Educational, Documentary, Scientific, or Artistic (EDSA) context. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to promote dangerous or illegal activities that risk serious physical harm or death. [Learn about how YouTube evaluates EDSA content](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162).
Note: In some cases, EDSA content may be age-restricted. Certain content isn’t allowed on YouTube even if it has EDSA context added, such as content that [sells drugs or regulated pharmaceuticals without a prescription](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9229611).
Qualifications & exceptions
Discretionary: "sometimes", "may", "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation and regulated goods pages are separate pages not supplied here.
The page gives examples of content that may fit the educational, documentary, scientific or artistic exception: a news piece on the dangers of choking games (though clips taken out of context from the same documentary might not be appropriate); a video of a professional stunt person performing a dangerous motorcycle jump that shows the safety precautions taken, like onsite emergency medical personnel and protective equipment; a documentary showing the impact of drug use in a community that discourages drug use and does not provide information on how to make or purchase drugs; and a video showing dangerous driving or crashes in controlled environments to educate viewers about safe driving or vehicle safety features.
Supporting quotations
A news piece on the dangers of choking games may be appropriate, but posting clips out of context from the same documentary might not be.
A video in which a professional stunt person performs a dangerous motorcycle jump that shows viewers the safety precautions taken in preparation, like onsite emergency medical personnel and the use of protective equipment.
A documentary that shows the impact of drug use in a particular community that, while showing viewers drug usage, discourages viewers from using drugs and doesn’t provide information on how to make or purchase them.
A video that shows dangerous driving or vehicle crashes in controlled environments to educate viewers about safe driving practices or vehicle safety features.
Qualifications & exceptions
These are examples of what "may be appropriate"; the page does not guarantee any outcome.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The Violent or graphic content section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of the Violent or graphic content policies section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the violent or graphic content rules follow in the next paragraphs.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Violent or gory content meant to shock, or encouraging violent acts, is not allowed
Violent or gory content intended to shock or disgust viewers, or content encouraging others to commit violent acts, is not allowed on YouTube. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
Violent or gory content intended to shock or disgust viewers, or content encouraging others to commit violent acts, are not allowed on YouTube. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Contact local law enforcement about imminent danger; violating content can be reported
A viewer who believes anyone is in imminent danger is told to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately. A viewer who finds violating content can report it, and if they have found a few videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
If you believe anyone is in imminent danger, you should get in touch with your local law enforcement agency to report the situation immediately.
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found a few videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post violent or graphic content: incitement, minors fighting, shock footage and bodily fluids
Creators should not post content that incites others to commit violent acts against individuals or a defined group of people; fights involving minors; footage, audio or imagery involving road accidents, terrorist attack aftermath, street fights, physical attacks, immolation, torture, corpses, robberies or other such scenarios with the intent to shock or disgust viewers; footage or imagery showing bodily fluids such as blood or vomit with the intent to shock or disgust; or footage of corpses with massive injuries such as severed limbs.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if it fits any of the descriptions noted below.
Violent or graphic content:
Inciting others to commit violent acts against individuals or a defined group of people.
Fights involving minors.
Footage, audio, or imagery involving road accidents, terrorist attack aftermath, street fights, physical attacks, immolation, torture, corpses, robberies, or other such scenarios with the intent to shock or disgust viewers.
Footage or imagery showing bodily fluids, such as blood or vomit, with the intent to shock or disgust viewers.
Footage of corpses with massive injuries, such as severed limbs.
Qualifications & exceptions
Several items depend on the intent to shock or disgust.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Animal abuse content is not allowed, outside traditional or standard practices such as hunting or food preparation
Not allowed is animal abuse content: humans coercing animals to fight; a human maliciously mistreating an animal and causing distress outside traditional or standard practices; unnecessarily putting an animal in poor conditions outside traditional or standard practices; content that glorifies or promotes serious neglect, mistreatment or harm toward animals; staged animal rescue content that puts the animal in harmful scenarios; and graphic content featuring animals that intends to shock or disgust. The page gives hunting and food preparation as examples of traditional or standard practices.
Supporting quotations
Animal abuse content:
Content where humans coerce animals to fight.
Content where a human maliciously mistreats an animal and causes them to experience distress outside of traditional or standard practices. Examples of traditional or standard practices include hunting or food preparation.
Content where a human unnecessarily puts an animal in poor conditions outside of traditional or standard practices. Examples of traditional or standard practices include hunting or food preparation.
Content that glorifies or promotes serious neglect, mistreatment, or harm toward animals.
Content that shows animal rescue that is staged and puts the animal in harmful scenarios.
Graphic content that features animals and intends to shock or disgust.
Qualifications & exceptions
Two items are limited to conduct "outside of traditional or standard practices", with hunting and food preparation as the examples given.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Dramatized or fictional footage of prohibited content without enough context is not allowed
Dramatized or fictional footage of content prohibited by the guidelines is not allowed where the viewer is not given enough context to understand that the footage is dramatized or fictional.
Supporting quotations
Dramatized or fictional content:
Dramatized or fictional footage of content prohibited by these guidelines where the viewer is not given enough context to understand that the footage is dramatized or fictional.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Some content may not be allowed even with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context
YouTube says it may not allow certain kinds of content even if educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context is provided: violent physical sexual assaults (video, still imagery or audio), and footage filmed by the perpetrator during a deadly or major violent event in which weapons, violence or injured victims are visible or audible. The page says the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Note that we may not allow the following kinds of content even if there's educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context provided:
Violent physical sexual assaults (video, still imagery, or audio).
Footage filmed by the perpetrator during a deadly or major violent event, in which weapons, violence, or injured victims are visible or audible.
Please note that this is not a complete list.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The policy covers videos, descriptions, thumbnails, comments, live streams and external links
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, thumbnails, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature. It also applies to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites in a video, as well as other forms.
Supporting quotations
Keep in mind that this policy also applies to videos, video descriptions, thumbnails, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. Please note these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Educational exceptions are discretionary; context must be in the video's images or audio, not the title
YouTube may allow the violent or graphic content described above in some cases in educational, documentary, scientific or artistic content. It says this is not a pass to upload content meant to shock or disgust or to encourage violent acts, and that it may not make exceptions for certain kinds of content, like footage of violent physical sexual assault. For educational content containing such material, the context must appear in the images or audio of the video itself, and providing it in the title or description is insufficient.
Supporting quotations
Educational content
We may allow the kinds of violent or graphic content noted above in some cases in educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic content. This is not a pass to upload content meant to shock or disgust, or encourage others to commit violent acts, and we may not make these exceptions for certain kinds of content, like footage of violent physical sexual assault. For educational content containing the kinds of violent or graphic content noted above, this context must appear in the images or audio of the video itself. Providing it in the title or description is insufficient.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May allow" and "in some cases": discretionary.
The context must be in the video's images or audio; the title or description alone is insufficient.
Cross-references
contrast (model-proposed): Public interest can lead to graphic war or disaster content being allowed or age-restricted — contrast: Two sections of the same page say differently where educational or documentary context must appear for violent or graphic content: the educational content paragraph says it must be in the images or audio and a title or description is insufficient, while the public-interest paragraph allows context in the images or audio, title or description. The page does not reconcile them.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Public interest can lead to graphic war or disaster content being allowed or age-restricted
YouTube may consider whether content is in the public interest when deciding whether it should be allowed, age-restricted or removed. For example it may allow or age-restrict graphic or violent content documenting warzones, civil unrest, humanitarian crises or natural disasters with adequate educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context in the images or audio of the video, the video title or the video description. It may also make exceptions for congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over ongoing government actions. The page says this is not a pass to promote violent or graphic content. Here the context may appear in the title or description as well as the images or audio, which differs from the earlier educational content paragraph that says a title or description alone is insufficient.
Supporting quotations
We may also consider whether content is in the public’s interest when deciding whether content should be allowed, age-restricted, or removed. For example, we may allow or age-restrict graphic or violent content documenting warzones, civil unrest, humanitarian crises, or natural disasters with adequate educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context in the images or audio of the video, the video title, or the video description. We may also make exceptions for content such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to promote violent or graphic content.
Qualifications & exceptions
Discretionary ("may").
Where context may appear here (images or audio, title or description) differs from the educational content paragraph; the page does not reconcile them.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Factors YouTube considers in allowing, age-restricting or removing violent or graphic content
In deciding whether to allow, age-restrict or remove content, YouTube says it considers, in a list that is not complete: whether violent or gory imagery is the focus of the video, for example only the most graphically violent part of a film or game; whether title, description, tags or other data show an intent to shock or disgust; whether violent imagery or audio is blurred, masked or obscured; how long the violent images or audio are in the content; whether there is context showing the imagery is dramatized or fictional; whether the violence is part of a religious or cultural practice and the uploader gives that context; whether the content shows the killing of an animal via traditional or standard practices for hunting, religious practice or food preparation; and whether dramatized violence is depicted with real human actors or animation including video games.
Supporting quotations
We consider the following when deciding whether to allow, age-restrict or remove content. Note that this isn’t a complete list:
Whether violent or gory imagery is the focus of the video. For example, the video focuses solely on the most graphically violent part of a film or video game.
Whether the title, description, tags, or other data show an intent to shock or disgust viewers.
Whether violent imagery or audio has been blurred, masked, or obscured.
The amount of time the violent images or audio is in the content.
Whether there’s context that lets viewers know that the imagery is dramatized or fictional. For example, through info in the video, title, or description.
Whether the violence is part of a religious or cultural practice, and the uploader gives viewers that context.
Whether the content shows the killing of an animal via traditional or standard practices for hunting, religious practice, or food preparation.
Whether the dramatized violence is depicted with real human actors or animation including video games.
Not stated here
The page does not say how these factors are weighed against each other.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The policy covers videos, descriptions, comments and live streams
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Examples: encouraging violence at a place or time, actual schoolyard fights, brawls outside supervised sport
Examples of content not allowed include encouraging others to go to a particular place to commit violence, to perform violence at a particular time, or to target individuals or groups with violence; actual schoolyard fights between minors, though YouTube may allow content if minors are only play fighting and that is evident to viewers; and beatings or brawls outside the context of professional or professionally supervised sporting events.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube.
Encouraging others to go to a particular place to commit violence, to perform violence at a particular time, or to target individuals or groups with violence.
Actual schoolyard fights between minors. We may allow content if minors are only play fighting and that is evident to viewers.
Beatings or brawls outside the context of professional or professionally supervised sporting events.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
More violent or graphic examples: shock medical footage, crime footage, crash footage, beheadings, one-sided assaults
The following types of content are listed as not allowed, in a list that is not complete: medical procedure footage with the intent to shock or disgust viewers; footage of crimes such as violent robberies that provide no education or explanation; cell phone, dash cam or CCTV footage showing the injured or killed in a road accident accompanied by titles such as "Crazy accident" or "Warning: Lots of blood"; videos of beheadings; and one-sided assaults with titles like "Watch this guy get beat-up!".
Supporting quotations
Violent or graphic content
The following types of content are not allowed on YouTube. This is not a complete list.
Content that shows medical procedure footage with the intent to shock or disgust viewers.
Footage of crimes such as violent robberies that provide no education or explanation to viewers.
Cell phone, dash cam, or closed circuit TV footage showing the injured or killed in a road accident accompanied by titles such as “Crazy accident” or “Warning: Lots of blood.”
Videos of beheadings.
One-sided assaults with titles like "Watch this guy get beat-up!".
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Animal abuse is malicious infliction of serious harm; widely accepted practices may be excepted
YouTube defines animal abuse content as content that shows the malicious infliction of serious physical or psychological harm that causes an animal to suffer. It may make exceptions for content that shows widely accepted practices, like hunting, trapping, pest abatement, food preparation, medical treatment or animal slaughter that shows harm to an animal or group of animals.
Supporting quotations
Animal abuse content
Animal abuse refers to content that shows the malicious infliction of serious physical or psychological harm that causes an animal to suffer. We may make exceptions for content that shows widely accepted practices, like hunting, trapping, pest abatement, food preparation, medical treatment, or animal slaughter that shows harm to an animal or group of animals.
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary ("may") and limited to widely accepted practices.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Animal abuse examples: coerced fights, mistreatment for shock, harmed bulls, hunting by bombs or poison, staged rescues
Examples of content not allowed include dog fighting, cockfighting or other coerced animal fighting where humans force animals to attack each other (animals fighting in the wild, as in a nature documentary, is allowed); content showing animal suffering, neglect or mistreatment to shock or glorify the abuse without enough educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context; bullfighting with bulls being harmed, like swords in the bull; hunting using non-standard practices like bombs or poison; and staged rescues where animals are intentionally harmed or placed in dangerous scenarios for dramatic effect. The page says the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Here are more examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube:
Dog fighting, cockfighting, or other coerced animal fighting where humans force animals to attack each other. We do allow content that shows animals fighting in the wild, like in a nature documentary.
Content that shows animal suffering, neglect, or mistreatment to shock the viewer or glorify the abuse, and doesn’t give enough educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context.
Bullfighting with bulls being harmed, like swords in the bull.
Hunting using non-standard practices, like bombs or poison.
The staged rescue of animals where the animals are intentionally harmed or placed in dangerous scenarios for dramatic effect.
The above list isn’t complete.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Violent or graphic content examples are not exhaustive
YouTube says the violent or graphic content examples are just some examples, and tells creators not to post content if they think it might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
Remember these examples are just some examples, and don’t post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The Violent extremist organizations section opens with a paragraph repeating the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of this section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the policy on violent extremist or criminal organizations follows in the next paragraphs.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Content praising, promoting or aiding violent extremist or criminal organizations is not allowed
Content intended to praise, promote or aid violent extremist or criminal organizations is not allowed on YouTube. These organizations are not allowed to use YouTube for any purpose, including recruitment. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
Content intended to praise, promote, or aid violent extremist or criminal organizations is not allowed on YouTube. These organizations are not allowed to use YouTube for any purpose, including recruitment. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Violating content can be reported; contact local law enforcement about immediate danger
A viewer who finds violating content can report it, and if they have found a few videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel. A viewer who believes anyone is in immediate danger is told to reach out to their local law enforcement agency immediately.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found a few videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
If you believe anyone is in immediate danger, you should reach out to your local law enforcement agency to report the situation immediately.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post extremist content: organization-made material, praise, recruitment, hostages, symbols, tragedy glorification
Creators should not post content produced by violent extremist, criminal or terrorist organizations; content praising or memorializing prominent terrorist, extremist or criminal figures to encourage others to carry out violence; content praising or justifying violent acts by such organizations; content aimed at recruiting new members; content depicting hostages or posted with the intent to solicit, threaten or intimidate on behalf of such an organization; content depicting their insignia, logos or symbols in order to praise or promote them; and content that glorifies or promotes violent tragedies, such as school shootings.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if it fits any of the descriptions noted below.
Content produced by violent extremist, criminal, or terrorist organizations
Content praising or memorializing prominent terrorist, extremist, or criminal figures in order to encourage others to carry out acts of violence
Content praising or justifying violent acts carried out by violent extremist, criminal, or terrorist organizations
Content aimed at recruiting new members to violent extremist, criminal, or terrorist organizations
Content depicting hostages or posted with the intent to solicit, threaten, or intimidate on behalf of a criminal, extremist, or terrorist organization
Content that depicts the insignia, logos, or symbols of violent extremist, criminal, or terrorist organizations in order to praise or promote them
Content that glorifies or promotes violent tragedies, such as school shootings
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Terrorism or crime content for educational purposes needs context in the video or audio; exceptions are not a pass
A creator posting content related to terrorism or crime for an educational, documentary, scientific or artistic purpose is told to provide enough information in the video or audio itself so viewers understand the context. Graphic or controversial footage with sufficient context may be subject to age restrictions or a warning screen. YouTube may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over ongoing government actions. The page says this is not a pass to praise, promote or aid violent extremist or criminal organizations.
Supporting quotations
If posting content related to terrorism or crime for an educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic purpose, be mindful to provide enough information in the video or audio itself so viewers understand the context. Graphic or controversial footage with sufficient context may be subject to age-restrictions or a warning screen. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to praise, promote, or aid violent extremist or criminal organizations.
Qualifications & exceptions
Context must be in the video or audio itself.
Exceptions are discretionary ("may").
Content & IP Rights · Context
The policy covers videos, descriptions, comments, live streams and external links
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature, and the page says the list is not complete. It also applies to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites in a video, as well as other forms.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. Keep in mind that this isn't a complete list. Please note these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Extremist examples: raw reuploads, celebrating leaders, extremist-site links, perpetrator footage
Examples of content not allowed include raw and unmodified reuploads of content created by terrorist, criminal or extremist organizations; celebrating terrorist leaders or their crimes, or terrorist or criminal organizations, in songs or memorials; content directing users to sites that espouse terrorist ideology, disseminate prohibited content or are used for recruitment; footage filmed by the perpetrator during a deadly or major violent event in which weapons, violence or injured victims are visible or audible; and links to external sites that contain manifestos of violent attackers.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube.
Raw and unmodified reuploads of content created by terrorist, criminal, or extremist organizations
Celebrating terrorist leaders or their crimes in songs or memorials
Celebrating terrorist or criminal organizations in songs or memorials
Content directing users to sites that espouse terrorist ideology, are used to disseminate prohibited content, or are used for recruitment
Footage filmed by the perpetrator during a deadly or major violent event, in which weapons, violence, or injured victims are visible or audible
Links to external sites that contain manifestos of violent attackers
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
More extremist examples: modded games, incitement, glorifying violence against civilians, fundraising
Further examples of content not allowed include video game content developed or modified to glorify a violent event, its perpetrators, or to support violent criminal or terrorist organizations; inciting others to commit violent acts against individuals or a defined group of people; glorifying violence against civilians; and fundraising for violent criminal, extremist or terrorist organizations. The page says these are just some examples and tells creators not to post content that might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
Video game content which has been developed or modified (“modded”) to glorify a violent event, its perpetrators, or support violent criminal or terrorist organizations
Inciting others to commit violent acts against individuals or a defined group of people
Glorifying violence against civilians
Fundraising for violent criminal, extremist, or terrorist organizations
Please remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Hate speech context must be in the video's images or audio; a title or description is insufficient
For educational, documentary, scientific or artistic content that includes hate speech, the context must appear in the images or audio of the video itself. Providing it in the title or description is insufficient.
Supporting quotations
For educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic content that includes hate speech, this context must appear in the images or audio of the video itself. Providing it in the title or description is insufficient.
Cross-references
contrast (model-proposed): Misinformation exceptions for added context and condemnation or satire; personal opinions are allowed — contrast: The hate speech policy requires educational context to appear in the images or audio and says a title or description is insufficient, while the misinformation policy lets additional context appear in the video, audio, title or description. Different policies, different placement rules.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Hate speech examples: celebrating violence, calling groups animals
The page gives as examples of hate speech not allowed on YouTube statements such as "I'm glad this [violent event] happened. They got what they deserved [referring to people with protected group status]" and "[People with protected group status] are dogs" or "like animals".
Supporting quotations
Here are examples of hate speech not allowed on YouTube.
“I’m glad this [violent event] happened. They got what they deserved [referring to people with protected group status].”
“[People with protected group status] are dogs” or “[people with protected group status] are like animals.”
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
More hate speech examples: incitement, dehumanization, inferiority claims, conspiracy, denial and modded games
More examples of hate speech not allowed include "Get out there and punch a [person with protected group status]"; calling a person scum of the earth, or people a disease; saying people are less intelligent because their brains are smaller; saying a group has an agenda to run the world and get rid of us; saying a person should not be educated at all; saying victims of a violent event are actors and it was a false flag; saying an insignificant number of people died in the event; shouting that people are pests at someone regardless of whether the person actually has the alleged protected status; and video game content developed or modified to promote violence or hatred against a group with the listed attributes. The page says these are just some examples and tells creators not to post content that might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
“Get out there and punch a [person with protected group status].”
“[Person with protected group status] is scum of the earth.”
“[People with protected group status] are a disease.”
“[People with protected group status] are less intelligent than us because their brains are smaller.”
“[Group with protected group status] have an agenda to run the world and get rid of us.”
“[Person with protected group status] shouldn't be educated in schools because they shouldn't be educated at all.”
“All of the so-called victims of this violent event are actors. No one was hurt, and this is just a false flag.”
“People died in the event, but a truly insignificant number.”
Shouting “[people with protected group status] are pests!” at someone regardless of whether the person does or does not have the alleged protected group status.
Video game content which has been developed or modified (“modded”) to promote violence or hatred against a group with any of the attributes noted above.
Please remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Unwanted sexualization of an identifiable individual is not allowed
Not allowed is content containing unwanted sexualization of an identifiable individual, which includes content that describes someone in a lewd, degrading and sexually explicit manner; content that shares, requests or shows how to distribute non-consensual intimate imagery; and content that fantasizes about, threatens or supports sexual assault.
Supporting quotations
Content that contains unwanted sexualization of an identifiable individual. This includes:
Content that describes someone in a lewd, degrading, and sexually explicit manner
Content that shares, requests or shows how to distribute non-consensual intimate imagery
Content that fantasizes about, threatens, or supports sexual assault
Content & IP Rights · Context
The policy covers videos, descriptions, comments, live streams and external links
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature, and the page says the list is not complete. It also applies to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites in a video, as well as other forms.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. Keep in mind that this isn't a complete list. Note that these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video and other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Harassment exceptions: debates about powerful figures, scripted performances, harassment awareness
If the primary purpose is educational, documentary, scientific or artistic, YouTube may allow content that includes harassment, and may also make exceptions for content in the public interest. The page says these exceptions are not a pass to harass someone. Its examples are debates or discussions of topical issues concerning people in positions of power, like high-profile government officials or CEOs of major multinational corporations; insults made in an artistic medium such as scripted satire, stand-up comedy or a diss track (not a pass to harass someone and claim "I was joking"); and content featuring actual or simulated harassment for documentary purposes or with willing participants such as actors to combat cyberbullying or raise awareness.
Supporting quotations
Exceptions
If the primary purpose is educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic in nature, we may allow content that includes harassment. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. These exceptions are not a pass to harass someone. Some examples include:
Debates related to high-profile officials or leaders: Content featuring debates or discussions of topical issues concerning individuals who have positions of power, like high-profile government officials or CEOs of major multinational corporations.
Scripted performances: Insults made in the context of an artistic medium such as scripted satire, stand up comedy, or music (such as a diss track). Note: This exception is not a pass to harass someone and claim “I was joking.”
Harassment education or awareness: Content that features actual or simulated harassment for documentary purposes or with willing participants (such as actors) to combat cyberbullying or raise awareness.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May allow": discretionary.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
A harder line on malicious insults based on protected group status, even toward high-profile people
YouTube says it takes a harder line on content that maliciously insults someone based on protected group status, regardless of whether the person is high-profile.
Supporting quotations
Note: We take a harder line on content that maliciously insults someone based on their [protected group status](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801939?hl=en), regardless of whether or not they are a high-profile individual.
Not stated here
The linked protected group status definition is on the Hate speech page, a separate section of this source, and is not restated here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Harassment examples: repeated mockery of traits, slurs, dehumanizing insults and death wishes
Examples of content not allowed include repeatedly showing pictures of someone while making statements like "Look at this creature's teeth, they're so disgusting!" with similar commentary on intrinsic attributes throughout; targeting an individual based on membership in a protected group, such as with a slur; using an extreme insult to dehumanize an individual based on intrinsic attributes; and targeting an individual and expressing a wish for their death or serious injury.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube:
Repeatedly showing pictures of someone and then making statements like “Look at this creature’s teeth, they’re so disgusting!”, with similar commentary targeting intrinsic attributes throughout the video.
Targeting an individual based on their membership in a [protected group](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801939), such as by saying: “Look at this [slur targeting a protected group]!”
Using an extreme insult to dehumanize an individual based on their intrinsic attributes. For example: “Look at this dog of a woman! She's got the face of an animal and her body is mangy, just like a dog's!”
Targeting an individual and expressing a wish for their death or serious injury: “I hate her so much. I wish she’d just get hit by a truck and die.”
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Harassment examples: depicting someone being killed, threats, and implied violence with a weapon
Examples of content not allowed include depicting an identifiable individual being murdered or seriously injured, for example a movie clip edited so that a real person's photo replaces the actor's face, and threatening someone's physical safety, including explicit threats like "When I see you on Saturday, I'm going to kill you" and implied violence like "You better watch out, I'm coming for you" while brandishing a weapon.
Supporting quotations
Depicting an identifiable individual being murdered or seriously injured. For example: A video includes a clip from a movie, where one character is brutally shot and killed. The video is edited so that a real individual’s photo is placed over the actor’s face.
Threatening someone’s physical safety. This includes explicit threats like, “When I see you on Saturday, I’m going to kill you.” This also includes implying violence by making statements like, “You better watch out, I’m coming for you” while brandishing a weapon.
Examples of content not allowed include posting an individual's non-public personally identifiable information, like a phone number, home address or email address, to direct abusive attention or traffic toward them; raiding or directing malicious abuse to identifiable individuals through in-game voice chat or messages during a stream; directing users to leave abusive comments in another creator's comment section; linking to off-platform sites that host or feature non-consensual intimate imagery; and requesting that other users share non-consensual intimate imagery.
Supporting quotations
Posting an individual’s non-public personally identifiable information, like a phone number, home address, or email address, to direct abusive attention or traffic toward them. For example, saying, “I got a hold of their phone number. Call and leave messages until they pick up!”
“Raiding” or directing malicious abuse to identifiable individuals through in-game voice chat or messages during a stream.
Directing users to leave abusive comments in another creator's comment section.
Linking to off platform sites that host or feature non-consensual intimate imagery.
Requesting that other users get in touch to share non-consensual intimate imagery.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Harassment examples: swatting, stalking, blackmail and modded games; the list is not exhaustive
Examples of content not allowed include swatting or other prank calls to emergency or crisis response services, or encouraging viewers to act in this or any other harassing behavior; stalking or attempting to blackmail users; and video game content developed or modified to promote violence against an individual. The page says the list is not exhaustive and tells creators not to post content that might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
“Swatting” or other prank calls to emergency or crisis response services, or encouraging viewers to act in this or any other harassing behavior.
Stalking or attempting to blackmail users.
Video game content which has been developed or modified (“modded”) to promote violence against an individual.
Remember, this list isn't exhaustive. Don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Firearms policy: no selling firearms, firearm-making instructions, or live streams of handling or transporting firearms
Content intended to sell firearms, instruct viewers on how to make firearms, ammunition and certain accessories, or instruct viewers on how to install those accessories is not allowed on YouTube, and YouTube says it should not be used as a platform to sell firearms or accessories. YouTube also does not allow live streams that show someone holding, handling or transporting a firearm.
Supporting quotations
Content intended to sell firearms, instruct viewers on how to make firearms, ammunition, and certain accessories, or instruct viewers on how to install those accessories is not allowed on YouTube. YouTube shouldn't be used as a platform to sell firearms or accessories noted below. YouTube also doesn’t allow [live streams](https://support.google.com/youtube/topic/9257891) that show someone holding, handling, or transporting a firearm.
Not stated here
The linked live streams page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not directly sell or link to sellers of firearms and certain accessories
Creators should not post content whose purpose is direct sales, such as private sales by individuals, or links to retail sites, platforms, marketplaces or peer-to-peer forums that sell firearms or certain firearms accessories. The accessories named, which "may include" others, are accessories that enable a firearm to simulate automatic fire; accessories that convert a firearm to automatic fire, such as bump stocks, gatling triggers, drop-in auto sears or conversion kits; and high capacity magazines or belts carrying more than 30 rounds.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if the purpose is to do one or more of the following:
Direct sales (e.g., private sales by individuals) or links to retail sites, platforms, marketplaces, or peer-to-peer forums that sell:
Firearms
Certain firearms accessories. These may include:
Accessories that enable a firearm to simulate automatic fire,
Accessories that convert a firearm to automatic fire, such as: bump stocks, gatling triggers, drop-in auto sears, or conversion kits,
High capacity magazines or belts carrying more than 30 rounds.
Qualifications & exceptions
The test is the "purpose" of the content.
The accessories list is introduced with "may include".
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not give instructions to make firearms, ammunition, magazines, suppressors or automatic-fire accessories
Creators should not post content whose purpose is to provide instructions on manufacturing firearms, ammunition, high capacity magazines, homemade silencers or suppressors, accessories that enable a firearm to simulate automatic fire, or accessories that convert a firearm to automatic fire. Instructions on how to convert a firearm to automatic or simulated automatic firing, and instructions on how to install those accessories or modifications, are also listed.
Supporting quotations
Provide instructions on manufacturing any of the following:
Firearms,
Ammunition,
High capacity magazines,
Homemade silencers/suppressors,
Accessories that enable a firearm to simulate automatic fire,
Accessories that convert a firearm to automatic fire, such as: bump stocks, gatling triggers, drop-in auto sears, or conversion kits.
Provide instructions on how to convert a firearm to automatic or simulated automatic firing capabilities.
Provides instructions on how to install the above-mentioned accessories or modifications.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Instructions to remove certain firearm safety devices are not allowed; temporary devices like gun locks are excluded
Content whose purpose is to provide instructions on how to remove certain firearm safety devices, such as a device that limits the release of a magazine, is not allowed. This does not include removal of a device used to temporarily disable a weapon, like a gun lock. The page says the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Provides instructions on how to remove certain firearm safety devices, such as a device that limits the release of a magazine. This does not include removal of a device used to temporarily disable a weapon like a gun lock.
Please note this is not a complete list.
Qualifications & exceptions
Removal of a temporary disabling device like a gun lock is not covered.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
EDSA context can keep violating firearms content up, including military, police and news footage; not a pass
Content that would otherwise violate the firearms policy is sometimes allowed to stay when it has educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context. YouTube may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, debates over government actions, military or police footage, news footage, or footage from warzones. The page says this is not a pass to promote content intended to sell firearms, to instruct viewers on how to make or modify firearms, ammunition and certain accessories, or to instruct on how to install those accessories.
Supporting quotations
Sometimes, content that would otherwise violate this policy is allowed to stay on YouTube when it has Educational, Documentary, Scientific, or Artistic (EDSA) context. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, debates over ongoing government actions, military or police footage, news footage, or footage from warzones. This is not a pass to promote content intended to sell firearms, instruct viewers on how to make or modify firearms, ammunition, and certain accessories, or instruct viewers on how to install those accessories.
Qualifications & exceptions
Discretionary ("sometimes", "may").
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Firearms examples: sales links, private sale listings, receiver and suppressor instructions, bump stock installation
Examples of content not allowed include links in the title or description to retail sites, platforms, marketplaces or peer-to-peer forums where firearms or the listed accessories are sold (links to sites that discuss or review the items are fine as long as those sites do not sell or give away the items directly); displaying a firearm with the intention to sell it via private sale, including giving the seller's contact information; step-by-step instructions on finishing a lower receiver to complete fabrication of a firearm; showing how to make a silencer from a flashlight, oil can, solvent catcher or other parts; and showing how to install a bump stock or comparable accessory built to enable simulated automatic fire.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that isn’t allowed on YouTube.
Links in the title or description of your video to retail sites, platforms, marketplaces, or peer-to-peer forums where firearms or the accessories noted above are sold. You can link to sites that discuss or review the items as long as those sites don’t sell or give away those items directly.
Displaying a firearm with the intention to sell that firearm via private sale. This includes giving the seller’s phone number, email address, or other contact information.
Showing users step-by-step instructions on how to finish a lower receiver in order to complete fabrication of a firearm.
Showing users how to make a silencer out of a flashlight, oil can, solvent catcher or other parts.
Showing users how to install a bump stock, or install a comparable accessory built to enable simulated automatic fire.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Live stream examples: holding, handling or transporting a firearm, excluding video game firearms
Examples of live streams not allowed include live streams that feature someone holding or handling a firearm, regardless of whether they are firing it, and live streams that feature someone transporting firearms from place to place, such as by carrying them or traveling with them by car, truck or other vehicle. The page notes that this does not include firearms in video games.
Supporting quotations
Live streams that feature someone holding or handling a firearm, regardless of whether or not they are firing it. Note: this does not include firearms in video games.
Live streams that feature someone transporting firearms from place to place, such as by carrying them or traveling with them by car, truck, or other vehicle. Note: this does not include firearms in video games.
Qualifications & exceptions
Firearms in video games are excluded.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Firearms examples are not exhaustive
YouTube says the firearms examples are just some examples, and tells creators not to post content if they think it might violate the policy.
Supporting quotations
Please remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate this policy.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Firearms violations can be reported, including the channel
A viewer who finds violating content can report it using the reporting instructions. If they have found a few videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found a few videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
Content & IP Rights · Context
The Illegal or regulated goods section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of the Illegal or regulated goods or services policies section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the regulated goods rules follow in the next paragraphs.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Content intended to sell certain regulated goods and services is not allowed
Content intended to sell certain regulated goods and services is not allowed on YouTube. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
Content intended to sell certain regulated goods and services is not allowed on YouTube. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Violating content can be reported; help resources are pointed to for addiction and mental health challenges
A viewer who finds violating content can report it, and if they have found a few videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel. The page also says that people struggling with substance abuse, gambling, other addictions or mental health challenges can find help, and points to a resource.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found a few videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, gambling, other addictions, or mental health challenges, help is available. You can find resources [here](https://www.samhsa.gov/).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not directly sell, link to or facilitate access to listed regulated goods and services
Creators should not post content that aims to directly sell, link to or facilitate access to the listed regulated goods and services, including by posting links, email, phone number or other means to contact a provider directly. The listed items are alcohol; bank account passwords, stolen credit cards or other financial information; counterfeit documents or currency; controlled narcotics and other drugs; explosives; organs; endangered species or their parts; firearms and certain firearms accessories; nicotine, including vaping products; uncertified online gambling sites; pharmaceuticals without a prescription; non-regulated substances for the purpose of abuse; sex or escort services; unlicensed medical services; and human smuggling.
Supporting quotations
Don't post content on YouTube if it aims to directly sell, link to, or facilitate access to any of the regulated goods and services listed below. Making the sale of these items or facilitating the use of these services possible by posting links, email, phone number or other means to contact a provider directly is not allowed.
Alcohol
Bank account passwords, stolen credit cards, or other financial information
Counterfeit documents or currency
Controlled narcotics and other drugs
Explosives
Organs
Endangered species or parts of endangered species
Firearms and certain firearms accessories
Nicotine, including vaping products
Uncertified online gambling sites
Pharmaceuticals without a prescription
Non-regulated substances for the purpose of abuse
Sex or escort services
Unlicensed medical services
Human smuggling
Not stated here
The linked firearms and gambling pages are separate pages; this card does not describe their rules.
The page does not say which online gambling sites count as certified.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Also not allowed: hard drug use or sale, poison sale or creation, and instructions for academic cheating
Also not allowed are hard drug use or creation, selling or facilitating the sale of hard or soft drugs, facilitating the sale of regulated pharmaceuticals without a prescription, or showing how to use steroids in non-educational content; facilitating the sale, giveaway, creation or modification of certain poisons or poisonous substances; and content which provides instructions for academic cheating.
Supporting quotations
Additionally, the following content isn’t allowed on YouTube:
Hard drug use or creation: Hard drug use or creation, selling or facilitating the sale of hard or soft drugs, facilitating the sale of regulated pharmaceuticals without a prescription, or showing how to use steroids in non-educational content.
Poison sale or creation: Facilitating the sale, giveaway, creation or modification of certain poisons or poisonous substances.
Instructional cheating: Content which provides instructions for academic cheating.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The policy covers videos, descriptions, comments, live streams and external links
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature, and the page says the list is not complete. It also applies to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites in a video, as well as other forms.
Supporting quotations
This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. Keep in mind that this isn't a complete list. Please note these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Regulated goods examples: gambling sites, forged papers, escort ads, dark web drugs, fake cards, online pharmacies
Examples of content not allowed include facilitating access to an uncertified online gambling or sports betting site; promising viewers guaranteed returns via online gambling, whether the site is certified or not; selling counterfeit passports or giving instructions on creating forged official documents; advertising escort, prostitution or erotic massage services; instructing how to purchase drugs on the dark web; a video of a user making a purchase with software that generates fake credit card numbers; including a link to an online pharmacy that does not require prescriptions; and content that promotes a product containing drugs, nicotine or a controlled substance. The page says the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a complete list.
Facilitating access to an online gambling or sports betting site that is not certified.
Promising the viewer guaranteed returns via online gambling, regardless of whether the site is certified or not.
Selling counterfeit passports or providing instructions on creating forged official documents.
Advertising escort, prostitution, or erotic massage services.
Content instructing how to purchase drugs on the dark web.
A video of a user making a purchase with software that generates fake credit card numbers.
Including a link to an online pharmacy that does not require prescriptions.
Content that promotes a product that contains drugs, nicotine, or a controlled substance.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Drug examples: non-educational hard drug use, making drugs, inhalant abuse, minors using substances, steroids
Examples of content not allowed include non-educational content showing the injection of intravenous drugs like heroin, snorting powdered drugs like cocaine or taking hallucinogens like acid; non-educational content explaining how to make drugs; non-educational content showing the abuse of inhalants like huffing glue, whippets or poppers; showing minors drinking alcohol, using vaporizers, e-cigarettes, tobacco or marijuana, or misusing fireworks; and non-educational content showing how to use, create or facilitate the sale of steroids for recreational purposes, like bodybuilding.
Supporting quotations
Displays of hard drug use: Non-educational content that shows the injection of intravenous drugs like heroin, snorting powdered drugs like cocaine, or taking hallucinogens like acid.
Making hard drugs: Non-educational content that explains how to make drugs.
Displays of inhalant abuse: Non-educational content that shows the abuse of inhalants like huffing glue, whippets, or poppers.
Minors using alcohol or drugs: Showing minors drinking alcohol, using vaporizers, e-cigarettes, tobacco or marijuana, or misusing fireworks.
Steroid use: Non-educational content that shows how to use, create, or facilitate the sale of steroids for recreational purposes, like bodybuilding.
Qualifications & exceptions
Several examples are limited to "non-educational" content.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Selling drugs: links to sites selling soft drugs, and featuring hard drugs to sell them
Not allowed is selling soft drugs, such as providing links to sites facilitating the sale of marijuana or salvia, and selling hard drugs, meaning featuring hard drugs with the goal of selling them. The hard drugs named, in a list that is not complete and whose substances may be known under different names, begin with amphetamine, cocaine, dextromethorphan (DXM), flunitrazepam, fentanyl, GHB, heroin and ketamine.
Supporting quotations
Selling soft drugs: Such as providing links to sites facilitating sale of marijuana or salvia.
Selling hard drugs: Featuring hard drugs with the goal of selling them. Some types of hard drugs include (note that this is not a complete list, and these substances may also be known under different names):
Amphetamine
Cocaine
Dextromethorphan (DXM)
Flunitrazepam
Fentanyl
GHB
Heroin
Ketamine
Content & IP Rights · Context
Hard drugs named in the policy, continued
The hard drug list continues with K2, LSD, MDMA/ecstasy, mescaline, methamphetamine, isotonitazene (ISO), opium, PCP, and psilocybin and Psilocybe (magic mushrooms). The page says the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
K2
LSD
MDMA/ecstasy
Mescaline
Methamphetamine
Isotonitazene (ISO)
Opium
PCP
Psilocybin & Psilocybe (magic mushrooms)
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Selling inhalants, certain poisonous substances, or instructions to make poisons is not allowed
Not allowed is facilitating the sale of unregulated substances for abuse, such as hydrocarbons, nitrites and nitrous oxide; the sale of certain poisonous substances, with examples of cyanide, chloroform and mercury; and non-educational content explaining how to make certain poisonous substances. The page says these lists are not complete and the substances may be known under different names.
Supporting quotations
Selling inhalants: Facilitating the sale of unregulated substances for abuse (note that this is not a complete list, and these substances may also be known under different names):
Hydrocarbons
Nitrites
Nitrous oxide
Sale of certain poisonous substances. Some examples include (note that this is not a complete list, and these substances may also be known under different names):
Cyanide
Chloroform
Mercury
Instructions to make certain poisonous substances: Non-educational content that explains how to make poisonous substances.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Some betting content from Google-certified providers may be allowed for all audiences
YouTube may make exceptions for some betting content under certain circumstances. For example, content featuring sports betting from Google-certified providers, or promotion of Google-certified online gambling sites during a live sporting event, may be allowed for all audiences. Creators are told to ensure that all relevant local regulations and platform restrictions are followed.
Supporting quotations
Note: We may make exceptions for some betting content under certain circumstances. For example, content featuring sports betting from Google-certified providers or promotion of Google-certified online gambling sites during the course of a live sporting event, may be allowed for all audiences. Creators should ensure all relevant local regulations and platform restrictions are followed.
Qualifications & exceptions
Discretionary ("may") and limited to "certain circumstances".
Not stated here
What makes a provider or site "Google-certified" is not described in this passage.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
EDSA context can keep violating regulated-goods content up, but is not a pass
Content that would otherwise violate the policy is sometimes allowed to stay when it has educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, and YouTube may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over government actions. The page says this is not a pass to promote content intended to sell, create or facilitate access to certain regulated goods and services.
Supporting quotations
Sometimes, content that would otherwise violate this policy is allowed to stay on YouTube when it has Educational, Documentary, Scientific, or Artistic (EDSA) context. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to promote content intended to sell, create, or facilitate access to certain regulated goods and services.
Qualifications & exceptions
Discretionary ("sometimes", "may").
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Misinformation: serious misleading or deceptive content, manipulated media and election interference not allowed
Certain types of misleading or deceptive content with serious risk of egregious harm are not allowed on YouTube. This includes certain types of misinformation that can cause real-world harm, certain types of technically manipulated content, and content interfering with democratic processes. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
Certain types of misleading or deceptive content with serious risk of egregious harm are not allowed on YouTube. This includes certain types of misinformation that can cause real-world harm, certain types of technically manipulated content, or content interfering with democratic processes. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Limited to "certain types" of content with "serious risk of egregious harm".
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Misinformation can be reported, including the channel
A viewer who finds violating content can report it. If they have found multiple videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found multiple videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post content that suppresses census participation, manipulated content, or misattributed old footage
Creators should not post content aiming to mislead census participants about the time, place, means or eligibility requirements of the census, or false claims that could materially discourage census participation. They should not post content that has been technically manipulated or doctored in a way that misleads users (usually beyond clips taken out of context) and may pose a serious risk of egregious harm, or content that may pose a serious risk of egregious harm by falsely claiming old footage from a past event is from a current event.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if it fits any of the descriptions below.
Suppression of census participation: Content aiming to mislead census participants about the time, place, means, or eligibility requirements of the census, or false claims that could materially discourage census participation.
Manipulated content: Content that has been technically manipulated or doctored in a way that misleads users (usually beyond clips taken out of context) and may pose a serious risk of egregious harm.
Misattributed content: Content that may pose a serious risk of egregious harm by falsely claiming that old footage from a past event is from a current event.
Qualifications & exceptions
Manipulated and misattributed content is covered when it "may pose a serious risk of egregious harm".
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Census suppression examples: incorrect participation instructions and false immigration reporting claims
Examples of census suppression not allowed are giving incorrect instructions on how to participate in the census, and discouraging participation by falsely claiming that a respondent's immigration status will be reported to law enforcement.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube.
Suppression of census participation
Giving incorrect instructions on how to participate in the census.
Discouraging participation in the census by falsely claiming that a respondent’s immigration status will be reported to law enforcement.
Examples of manipulated content not allowed are inaccurately translated video subtitles that inflame geopolitical tensions creating serious risk of egregious harm; videos technically manipulated (usually beyond clips taken out of context) to make it appear that a government official is dead; and video content technically manipulated to fabricate events where there is a serious risk of egregious harm.
Supporting quotations
Manipulated content
Inaccurately translated video subtitles that inflame geopolitical tensions creating serious risk of egregious harm.
Videos that have been technically manipulated (usually beyond clips taken out of context) to make it appear that a government official is dead.
Video content that has been technically manipulated (usually beyond clips taken out of context) to fabricate events where there’s a serious risk of egregious harm.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Misattributed content examples: footage from another place or years earlier presented as current
Examples of misattributed content not allowed are content inaccurately presented as documenting human rights abuses in a specific location that is actually from another location or event, and content showing a military crackdown on protesters with false claims that it is from a current event when the footage is several years old. The page says these are just some examples, tells creators not to post content that might violate the policies, and says the policies also apply to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites.
Supporting quotations
Misattributed content
Content inaccurately presented as documenting human rights abuses in a specific location that is actually content from another location or event.
Content showing a military crackdown on protesters with false claims that the content is from a current event, when the footage is actually several years old.
Remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate these policies. Please note these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Misinformation exceptions for added context and condemnation or satire; personal opinions are allowed
YouTube may allow content that violates the misinformation policies if it includes additional context in the video, audio, title or description. It may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over government actions, and where the purpose is to condemn, dispute or satirize misinformation that violates the policies. The page says this is not a pass to promote misinformation. YouTube also allows personal expressions of opinion on these topics as long as they do not otherwise violate the policies.
Supporting quotations
We may allow content that violates the misinformation policies noted on this page if that content includes additional context in the video, audio, title, or description. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to promote misinformation. We may make exceptions if the purpose of the content is to condemn, dispute, or satirize misinformation that violates our policies.
We also allow personal expressions of opinion on the above topics as long as they don’t otherwise violate any of the policies outlined above.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May allow" and "may make exceptions": discretionary.
Here the added context can appear in the title or description; other policy sections require it in the images or audio.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Elections misinformation: serious misleading content, manipulated media and election interference are not allowed
Certain types of misleading or deceptive content with serious risk of egregious harm are not allowed on YouTube. This includes certain types of misinformation that can cause real-world harm, like certain types of technically manipulated content, and content interfering with democratic processes. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
Certain types of misleading or deceptive content with serious risk of egregious harm are not allowed on YouTube. This includes certain types of misinformation that can cause real-world harm, like certain types of technically manipulated content, and content interfering with democratic processes. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Limited to "certain types" of content with "serious risk of egregious harm".
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Elections misinformation can be reported, including the channel
A viewer who finds violating content can report it. If they have found multiple videos or comments from a single channel they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found multiple videos or comments from a single channel that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post voter suppression, false candidate eligibility claims, or incitement to interfere with democratic processes
These policies prohibit certain types of content relating to free and fair democratic elections. Creators should not post elections-related content that aims to mislead voters about the time, place, means or eligibility requirements for voting, or false claims that could materially discourage voting; content advancing false claims about the technical eligibility requirements, based on applicable national law and including age, citizenship or vital status, for current political candidates and sitting elected officials to serve in office; or content encouraging others to interfere with democratic processes, including obstructing or interrupting voting procedures. The page says the list is not complete.
Supporting quotations
These policies prohibit certain types of content relating to free and fair democratic elections. Don’t post elections-related content on YouTube if it fits any of the descriptions noted below.
Voter suppression: Content aiming to mislead voters about the time, place, means, or eligibility requirements for voting, or false claims that could materially discourage voting.
Candidate eligibility: Content that advances false claims related to the technical eligibility requirements for current political candidates and sitting elected government officials to serve in office. Eligibility requirements considered are based on applicable national law, and include age, citizenship, or vital status.
Incitement to interfere with democratic processes: Content encouraging others to interfere with democratic processes. This includes obstructing or interrupting voting procedures.
Examples of voter suppression not allowed are telling viewers they can vote through inaccurate methods like texting their vote to a number, giving made-up voter eligibility requirements like saying an election is only open to voters over 50, and telling viewers an incorrect voting date.
Supporting quotations
The following types of content are not allowed on YouTube. This isn't a complete list.
Voter suppression
Telling viewers they can vote through inaccurate methods like texting their vote to a particular number.
Giving made up voter eligibility requirements like saying that a particular election is only open to voters over 50 years old.
Telling viewers an incorrect voting date.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Candidate eligibility examples: false claims about age, citizenship or being deceased
Examples of false candidate eligibility claims not allowed are claims that a candidate or sitting official is not eligible to hold office based on false information about the required age or citizenship status in that country or region, or based on false claims that they are deceased, not old enough or otherwise do not meet eligibility requirements.
Supporting quotations
Candidate eligibility
Claims that a candidate or sitting government official is not eligible to hold office based on false info about the age required to hold office in that country/region.
Claims that a candidate or sitting government official is not eligible to hold office based on false info about citizenship status requirements to hold office in that country/region.
Claims that a candidate or sitting government official is ineligible for office based on false claims that they’re deceased, not old enough or otherwise do not meet eligibility requirements.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Incitement examples: long voting lines, hacking government sites, inciting conflict at polling places
Examples of incitement to interfere with democratic processes not allowed are telling viewers to create long voting lines to make it harder for others to vote, telling viewers to hack government websites to delay the release of election results, and telling viewers to incite physical conflict with election officials, voters, candidates or other individuals at polling locations to deter voting.
Supporting quotations
Incitement to interfere with democratic processes
Telling viewers to create long voting lines with the purpose of making it harder for others to vote.
Telling viewers to hack government websites to delay the release of elections results.
Telling viewers to incite physical conflict with election officials, voters, candidates, or other individuals at polling locations to deter voting.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
EDSA context for elections content may be in video, audio, title or description; not a pass
Content that would otherwise violate the policy is sometimes allowed to stay when it has educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context in the video, audio, title or description. YouTube may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over government actions. The page says this is not a pass to promote misinformation. Additional context may include countervailing views, or the content condemning, disputing or satirizing misinformation that violates the policies.
Supporting quotations
Sometimes, content that would otherwise violate this policy is allowed to stay on YouTube when it has Educational, Documentary, Scientific, or Artistic (EDSA) context in the video, audio, title, or description. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to promote misinformation. Additional context may include countervailing views, or if the content condemns, disputes, or satirizes misinformation that violates our policies. [Learn about how YouTube evaluates EDSA content](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162).
Qualifications & exceptions
Discretionary ("sometimes", "may").
Here the context may be in the title or description; other policy sections require it in the images or audio.
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Elections content is also subject to other guidelines: threats, manipulated footage, misattributed footage
Elections-related content is also subject to other Community Guidelines. Content that threatens individuals such as election workers, candidates or voters is not allowed under the Harassment & cyberbullying policies. Technically manipulated or doctored content that misleads users, usually beyond clips taken out of context, and may pose a serious risk of egregious harm is not allowed under the Misinformation policies, for example footage manipulated to make a candidate falsely claim they are dropping out. Content that may pose a serious risk of egregious harm by falsely claiming old footage is from a current event is also not allowed under the Misinformation policies, for example a video showing a head of state condoning a violent conflict they never condoned.
Supporting quotations
Elections-related content is also subject to other Community Guidelines. This could include, for example:
Content that threatens individuals such as election workers, candidates, or voters isn’t allowed under our [Harassment & cyberbullying policies](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802268).
Content that has been technically manipulated or doctored in a way that misleads users - usually beyond clips taken out of context - and may pose a serious risk of egregious harm isn’t allowed under our [Misinformation policies](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10834785). For example, footage that has been technically manipulated to make a candidate for public office falsely claim they’re dropping out of the race.
Content that may pose a serious risk of egregious harm by falsely claiming that old footage from a past event is from a current event isn’t allowed under our [Misinformation policies](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10834785). For example, a video that shows a head of state condoning a violent conflict that he or she never actually condoned.
Not stated here
The linked Harassment & cyberbullying and Misinformation policies are separate pages; this card does not describe their rules.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Elections content: incitement to violence, candidate impersonation and harmful links fall under other policies
Content that encourages others to commit violent acts, including acts targeting election workers, candidates or voters, is not allowed under the Violent or graphic content policies. Content intended to impersonate a person or channel, such as a political candidate or their party, is not allowed under the Impersonation policy. Content that contains external links to material that would violate the policies and can cause a serious risk of egregious harm, like misleading or deceptive election content, hate speech targeting protected groups, or harassment targeting election workers, candidates or voters, is also covered, including clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites and other forms of link-sharing.
Supporting quotations
Content that encourages others to commit violent acts, including acts targeting election workers, candidates, or voters isn’t allowed under our [Violent or graphic content policies](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802008).
Content that’s intended to impersonate a person or channel, such as a political candidate or their political party, isn’t allowed under our [Impersonation policy](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801947).
Content that contains external links to material that would violate our policies and can cause a serious risk of egregious harm, like misleading or deceptive content relating to an election, hate speech targeting protected groups, or harassment targeting election workers, candidates, or voters. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in a video, and other forms of link-sharing.
Not stated here
The linked policies and guidelines are separate pages; this card does not describe their rules.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Elections examples are not complete; advertiser-friendly content guidelines also apply, as do external-link rules
YouTube says the examples are just some examples, and tells creators not to post content if they think it might violate the policies. It adds that advertiser-friendly content guidelines also apply, and that these policies also apply to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites, as well as other forms.
Supporting quotations
Remember these are just some examples, and don't post content if you think it might violate these policies. [Advertiser-friendly content guidelines](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6162278) also apply. Please note these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Not stated here
The advertiser-friendly content guidelines are a separately linked document that is not supplied here, so this card cannot say what they require.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Standalone COVID-19 policies retired; the broader medical misinformation framework still covers infectious diseases
YouTube says it reviews all its Community Guidelines as a normal course of business. The page says that, after a 2023 announcement ending several COVID-19 policies, YouTube has now retired the remaining standalone COVID-19 policies given the reduced burden of disease. It adds that its broader Medical Misinformation framework continues to apply to content related to infectious diseases including influenza and measles.
Supporting quotations
Note: YouTube reviews all its Community Guidelines as a normal course of business. In our [2023 blog post](https://blog.youtube/inside-youtube/a-long-term-vision-for-medical-misinformation-policies/) we announced ending several of our COVID-19 policies and we have now retired the remaining standalone COVID-19 policies given the reduced burden of disease. Our broader Medical Misinformation framework continues to apply to content related to infectious diseases including influenza and measles.
Not stated here
The linked 2023 blog post is not supplied here.
The date on which the standalone COVID-19 policies were retired is not stated in this passage.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Medical misinformation that contradicts local health authority guidance and risks egregious harm is not allowed
YouTube does not allow content that poses a serious risk of egregious harm by spreading medical misinformation that contradicts local health authority (LHA) guidance about specific health conditions and substances. In some cases it may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest. The policy has two categories: prevention misinformation and treatment misinformation.
Supporting quotations
YouTube doesn't allow content that poses a serious risk of egregious harm by spreading medical misinformation that contradicts local health authority (LHA) guidance about specific health conditions and substances. In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest. This policy includes the following categories:
Prevention misinformation
Treatment misinformation
Qualifications & exceptions
Limited to content posing "serious risk of egregious harm" and contradicting local health authority guidance.
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Company commitment
The medical misinformation policies can change, may lag health authority guidance and may not cover all of it
YouTube says its medical misinformation policies are subject to change in response to changes in guidance from health authorities. There may be a delay between new guidance and policy updates, and the policies may not cover all local health authority guidance related to specific health conditions and substances.
Supporting quotations
Note: YouTube’s medical misinformation policies are subject to change in response to changes to guidance from health authorities. There may be a delay between new guidance and policy updates, and our policies may not cover all LHA guidance related to specific health conditions and substances.
Qualifications & exceptions
The policy does not promise to track every change in health authority guidance.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Prevention and treatment misinformation defined: contradicting health authority guidance, including harmful substances
Creators should not post prevention misinformation, meaning content that promotes information contradicting health authority guidance on the prevention or transmission of specific health conditions, or on the safety, efficacy or ingredients of currently approved and administered vaccines. They should not post treatment misinformation, meaning content that promotes information contradicting health authority guidance on treatments for specific health conditions, including promotion of specific harmful substances or practices that have not been approved by local health authorities as safe or effective, or that have been confirmed to cause severe harm.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if it includes any of the following:
Prevention misinformation: We do not allow content that promotes information that contradicts health authority guidance on the prevention or transmission of specific health conditions, or on the safety, efficacy or ingredients of currently approved and administered vaccines.
Treatment misinformation: We do not allow content that promotes information that contradicts health authority guidance on treatments for specific health conditions, including promotion of specific harmful substances or practices that have not been approved by local health authorities as safe or effective, or that have been confirmed to cause severe harm.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The policies cover videos, descriptions, comments, live streams and external links
The medical misinformation policies apply to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature, and the page says the list is not complete. They also apply to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites in a video, as well as other forms.
Supporting quotations
These policies apply to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. Keep in mind that this isn't a complete list. Please note these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Harmful substances as prevention: MMS, black salve, turpentine, B17, strong peroxide, chelation for autism, fuels
Examples of content not allowed (a list that is not complete) include promotion of substances and treatments that present an inherent risk of severe bodily harm or death: Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), black salve, turpentine, B17 or amygdalin or peach or apricot seeds, high-grade hydrogen peroxide, chelation therapy to treat autism, and gasoline, diesel and kerosene.
Supporting quotations
Here are some examples of content that’s not allowed on YouTube. This isn't a complete list.
Harmful substances & practices as prevention methods
Promotion of the following substances and treatments that present an inherent risk of severe bodily harm or death:
Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)
Black Salve
Turpentine
B17/amygdalin/peach or apricot seeds
High-grade hydrogen peroxide
Chelation therapy to treat autism
Gasoline, diesel, and kerosene
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Denying that tobacco or nicotine is harmful or addictive is not allowed
Content that denies the addictive or harmful properties of nicotine and tobacco is listed as not allowed, with examples of claiming that tobacco does not cause cancer and claiming that nicotine is not addictive.
Supporting quotations
Content that denies the addictive or harmful properties of nicotine and tobacco. Examples:
Content that claims tobacco does not cause cancer.
Content that claims nicotine is not addictive.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Vaccine safety misinformation: chronic side effects, MMR and autism, depopulation, herd immunity claims
Claims that contradict health authority guidance on the safety, efficacy and ingredients of currently administered and approved vaccines are not allowed. On safety, this includes content alleging that vaccines cause chronic side effects, such as cancer or paralysis, outside of rare side effects recognized by health authorities. Examples include claims that the MMR vaccine causes autism, that vaccines are part of a depopulation agenda, that the HPV vaccine causes chronic side effects such as paralysis, that an approved vaccine will cause death, infertility, miscarriage, autism or contraction of other infectious diseases, and that achieving herd immunity through natural infection is safer than vaccinating the population.
Supporting quotations
Vaccine misinformation
Claims that contradict health authority guidance on safety, efficacy, and ingredients of currently administered and approved vaccines.
Vaccine safety: Content alleging that vaccines cause chronic side effects, such as cancer or paralysis, outside of rare side effects that are recognized by health authorities.
Examples:
Claims that the MMR vaccine causes autism.
Claims that vaccines are part of a depopulation agenda.
Claims that the HPV vaccine causes chronic side effects such as paralysis.
Claims that an approved vaccine will cause death, infertility, miscarriage, autism, or contraction of other infectious diseases.
Claims that achieving herd immunity through natural infection is safer than vaccinating the population.
Qualifications & exceptions
Rare side effects recognized by health authorities are outside the example.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Vaccine efficacy and ingredients misinformation: no effect on disease, fetal tissue, tracking, genetic change, magnetism
Content claiming that vaccines have no impact on the prevention of disease is not allowed, for example claims that vaccines do not reduce the severity of illness, including hospitalization or death. Content misrepresenting the ingredients in vaccines is also not allowed, for example claims that vaccines contain substances not on the ingredient list such as fetal tissue, fetal cell lines or animal byproducts, that they contain substances or devices meant to track or identify those who received them, that they alter a person's genetic makeup, or that they will make recipients magnetic.
Supporting quotations
Vaccine efficacy: Content claiming that vaccines have no impact on the prevention of disease.
Example:
Claims that vaccines do not reduce the severity of illness, including hospitalization or death.
Ingredients in vaccines: Content misrepresenting the ingredients contained in vaccines.
Examples:
Claims that vaccines contain substances that are not on the vaccine ingredient list, such as biological matter from fetuses (e.g. fetal tissue, fetal cell lines) or animal byproducts.
Claims that vaccines contain substances or devices meant to track or identify those who’ve received them.
Claims that vaccines alter a person’s genetic makeup.
Claims that vaccines will make people who receive them magnetic.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Transmission misinformation: promoting information that contradicts local health authorities is not allowed
Content that promotes transmission information that contradicts local health authorities is listed as not allowed.
Supporting quotations
Transmission information
Content that promotes transmission information that contradicts local health authorities.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Harmful substances as treatment methods are not allowed
Promotion of substances and treatments that present an inherent risk of severe bodily harm or death is not allowed, including Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), black salve, turpentine, B17 or amygdalin or peach or apricot seeds, high-grade hydrogen peroxide, chelation therapy to treat autism, and gasoline, diesel and kerosene.
Supporting quotations
Harmful substances & practices as treatment methods
Promotion of the following substances and treatments that present an inherent risk of severe bodily harm or death.
Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)
Black salve
Turpentine
B17/amygdalin/peach or apricot seeds
High-grade hydrogen peroxide
Chelation therapy to treat autism
Gasoline, diesel and kerosene
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Promoting unapproved cancer treatments outside clinical trials is not allowed
Content that recommends specific methods for treating cancer that local health authorities have not approved as safe or effective, or that have been confirmed harmful or ineffective, is not allowed. Examples are content that promotes caesium chloride, Hoxsey therapy, coffee enemas or Gerson therapy for cancer treatment outside of clinical trials, and content that claims antineoplaston therapy, intravenous quercetin, methadone or over-the-counter chelation therapy are safe or effective for cancer treatment outside of clinical trials.
Supporting quotations
Content that recommends the use of specific methods for the treatment of cancer when those have not been approved by local health authorities as safe or effective or have been confirmed to be harmful or ineffective for cancer treatment.
Examples:
Content that promotes the use of the following methods for the treatment of cancer, outside of clinical trials:
Caesium chloride (cesium salts)
Hoxsey therapy
Coffee enema
Gerson therapy
Content that claims that the following methods are safe or effective for the treatment of cancer, outside of clinical trials:
Antineoplaston therapy
Quercetin (intravenous injection)
Methadone
Over-the-counter chelation therapy
Qualifications & exceptions
The examples are limited to use "outside of clinical trials".
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Claims of a guaranteed cancer cure outside approved treatment are not allowed
Content that claims there is a guaranteed cure for cancer outside of approved treatment is listed as not allowed.
Supporting quotations
Guaranteed treatment misinformation
Content that claims that there is a guaranteed cure for cancer outside of approved treatment.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Claiming approved cancer treatments never work, or discouraging them in favor of alternatives, is not allowed
Content that claims approved cancer treatments are never effective, such as claims that chemotherapy or radiation are never effective, is not allowed. Also listed are content that discourages people from seeking approved cancer treatments; claims that alternative treatments are safer or more effective than approved treatments; claims that juicing has better results than chemotherapy; content recommending alternative treatments in place of approved treatments; and content promoting diet and exercise instead of seeking approved treatment.
Supporting quotations
Harmful alternative methods & discouragement of professional treatment
Content that claims that approved treatments for cancer are never effective.
Examples:
Content that claims that approved treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiation, are never effective.
Content that discourages people from seeking approved treatments for cancer.
Claims that alternative treatments are safer or more effective than approved treatments for cancer.
Content that claims that juicing has better results than chemotherapy in treating cancer.
Content that recommends alternative treatments in place of approved treatments for cancer.
Content that promotes diet and exercise instead of seeking approved treatment for cancer.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Abortion safety guidance and infant formula substitutes: contradicting health authorities is not allowed
Content that contradicts local health authorities' guidance on the safety of chemical and surgical abortion is listed as not allowed. So is promotion of alternative abortion methods in place of chemical or surgical methods deemed safe by health authorities, and promotion of alternative formulas for infants in place of breast milk or commercial formula.
Supporting quotations
Content that contradicts local health authorities’ guidance on the safety of chemical and surgical abortion.
Promotion of alternative abortion methods in place of chemical or surgical methods deemed safe by health authorities.
Promotion of alternative formulas for infants in place of breast milk or commercial formula.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Medical misinformation exceptions: added context, condemnation or satire, medical studies and open public forums
YouTube may allow content that violates the misinformation policies if it includes additional context in the video, audio, title or description, such as countervailing views from local health authorities or medical experts. It may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over government actions; where the purpose is to condemn, dispute or satirize misinformation; for content discussing the results of a specific medical study; or for content showing an open public forum like a protest or public hearing, provided the content does not aim to promote misinformation. The page says this is not a pass to promote misinformation.
Supporting quotations
Educational, documentary, scientific or artistic content
We may allow content that violates the misinformation policies noted on this page if that content includes additional context in the video, audio, title, or description. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to promote misinformation. Additional context may include countervailing views from local health authorities or medical experts. We may also make exceptions if the purpose of the content is to condemn, dispute, or satirize misinformation that violates our policies. We may also make exceptions for content discussing the results of a specific medical study, or showing an open public forum, like a protest or public hearing, provided the content does not aim to promote misinformation that violates our policies.
Qualifications & exceptions
All exceptions are discretionary ("may").
Here context can appear in the title or description; other policy sections require it in the images or audio.
Content & IP Rights · Context
Guidelines apply to every kind of YouTube content, and the list is not complete
YouTube frames the Community Guidelines as rules that help keep YouTube fun and enjoyable for people from all over the world. They apply to all types of content on the platform, expressly including unlisted and private content, comments, links, posts and thumbnails. The page says this list is not complete, so a kind of content is not outside the rules just because it is not named.
Supporting quotations
When you use YouTube, you join a community of people from all over the world. The guidelines below help keep YouTube fun and enjoyable for everyone.
These policies apply to all types of content on our platform, including, for example, unlisted and private content, comments, [links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257), posts, and thumbnails. This list isn’t complete.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Viewers can report content they think violates the guidelines
If a viewer sees content they think violates the guidelines, the page points them to a report function. This page only gives the pointer; it does not say what happens after a report.
Supporting quotations
If you see content that you think violates these guidelines, [report it](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027).
Not stated here
What YouTube does after a report is not described in this passage.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context can keep violating content up
Content that would otherwise violate the Community Guidelines may stay on YouTube when it has Educational, Documentary, Scientific, or Artistic (EDSA) context. YouTube may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. In those cases the content gets an EDSA exception, but the page says this is not a pass to violate the Community Guidelines. The wording is permissive ("may"), so YouTube keeps the decision.
Supporting quotations
Sometimes, content that would otherwise violate our Community Guidelines may stay on YouTube when it has [Educational, Documentary, Scientific, or Artistic (EDSA) context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest. In these cases, the content gets an EDSA exception.
Our Community Guidelines aim to make YouTube a safer community. Sometimes, content that would otherwise violate our Community Guidelines may stay on YouTube when it has Educational, Documentary, Scientific, or Artistic (EDSA) context. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. In these cases, the content gets an EDSA exception. This is not a pass to violate our Community Guidelines.
Qualifications & exceptions
The exception is discretionary: content "may" stay, and YouTube "may" make public-interest exceptions.
It does not excuse violations in general.
Not stated here
How YouTube evaluates EDSA content is on a separately linked page that is not part of this passage.
qualifies (model-proposed): Serious misleading or deceptive content is not allowed — qualifies: The page-wide educational, documentary, scientific or artistic exception can apply to the misinformation prohibition summarized in the overview.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Scams, spam and deception are not allowed
The YouTube community is described as built on trust, and content that intends to scam, mislead, spam, or defraud other users is not allowed. The page lists six linked policies under this heading: spam, impersonation, external links, fake engagement, playlists and additional policies.
Supporting quotations
The YouTube Community is one that's built on trust. Content that intends to scam, mislead, spam, or defraud other users isn't allowed on YouTube.
Spam policy
Impersonation policy
External links policy
Fake engagement policy
Playlists policy
Additional policies
Not stated here
The linked policy pages are listed here only; this card does not describe their rules, which belong to each policy page.
Sensitive content rules cover child safety, nudity and sex, and self-harm
YouTube says it wants to protect viewers, creators and especially minors, and so it has rules about keeping children safe, sex and nudity, and self harm. The page lists five linked policies under this heading: nudity and sexual content, thumbnails, child safety, suicide, self-harm and eating disorders, and vulgar language. The page's general EDSA exception can apply: content that would otherwise violate the Community Guidelines may stay up when it has educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, at YouTube's discretion.
Supporting quotations
We hope to protect viewers, creators, and especially minors. That's why we've got rules around keeping children safe, sex & nudity, and self harm. Learn what's allowed on YouTube and what to do if you see content that doesn't follow these policies.
Nudity & sexual content policies
Thumbnails policy
Child safety policy
Suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders policy
Vulgar language policy
Not stated here
The linked policy pages are listed here only; this card does not describe their rules, which belong to each policy page.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Hate, predatory behavior, graphic violence and dangerous content are not allowed
Hate speech, predatory behavior, graphic violence, malicious attacks, and content that promotes harmful or dangerous behavior is not allowed on YouTube. The page lists five linked policies under this heading: harmful or dangerous content, violent or graphic content, violent criminal organizations, hate speech, and harassment and cyberbullying. The page's general EDSA exception can apply: content that would otherwise violate the Community Guidelines may stay up when it has educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, at YouTube's discretion.
Supporting quotations
Hate speech, predatory behavior, graphic violence, malicious attacks, and content that promotes harmful or dangerous behavior isn't allowed on YouTube.
Harmful or dangerous content policies
Violent or graphic content policies
Violent criminal organizations policy
Hate speech policy
Harassment & cyberbullying policies
Not stated here
The linked policy pages are listed here only; this card does not describe their rules, which belong to each policy page.
Certain goods cannot be sold on YouTube. The page links to a policy on the sale of illegal or regulated goods or services and a firearms policy. The summary does not say which goods are covered. The page's general EDSA exception can apply: content that would otherwise violate the Community Guidelines may stay up when it has educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, at YouTube's discretion.
Supporting quotations
Certain goods can't be sold on YouTube. Find out what's allowed and what isn't.
Sale of illegal or regulated goods or services policies
Firearms policy
Not stated here
The linked policy pages are listed here only; this card does not describe their rules, which belong to each policy page.
Which goods are restricted is not stated in this summary.
Serious misleading or deceptive content is not allowed
Certain types of misleading or deceptive content with serious risk of egregious harm are not allowed on YouTube. Examples named are misinformation that can cause real-world harm, such as promoting harmful remedies or treatments, certain types of technically manipulated content, and content interfering with democratic processes. The prohibition is limited to certain types with a serious risk of egregious harm, not all inaccurate content. The page links to general misinformation, elections misinformation and medical misinformation policies. The page's general EDSA exception can apply: content that would otherwise violate the Community Guidelines may stay up when it has educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, at YouTube's discretion.
Supporting quotations
Certain types of misleading or deceptive content with serious risk of egregious harm are not allowed on YouTube. This includes certain types of misinformation that can cause real-world harm, like promoting harmful remedies or treatments, certain types of technically manipulated content, or content interfering with democratic processes.
Misinformation policies
Elections misinformation policies
Medical misinformation policies
Qualifications & exceptions
Limited to "certain types" of content with "serious risk of egregious harm".
Not stated here
The linked policy pages are listed here only; this card does not describe their rules, which belong to each policy page.
The Hate speech section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of the Hate speech policy section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the hate speech rules follow in the next paragraphs.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Hate speech is not allowed: content promoting violence or hatred against people based on protected attributes
Hate speech is not allowed on YouTube. YouTube does not allow content that promotes violence or hatred against individuals or groups based on any of the listed attributes, which indicate a protected group status under YouTube's policy: age; caste, ethnicity or race; disability; immigration status; nationality; religion; sex, gender or sexual orientation; veteran status; and victims of a major violent event and their kin. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest, as a separate card explains.
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Hate speech is not allowed on YouTube. We don’t allow content that promotes violence or hatred against individuals or groups based on any of the following attributes, which indicate a protected group status under YouTube’s policy:
Age
Caste, Ethnicity, or Race
Disability
Immigration Status
Nationality
Religion
Sex, Gender, or Sexual Orientation
Veteran Status
Victims of a major violent event and their kin
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Hate speech exceptions for educational context may apply in some cases; violating content can be reported
In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest. A viewer who finds violating content can report it, and if they have found a few videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel.
Supporting quotations
In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you've found a few videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel).
Qualifications & exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post content meant to encourage violence or incite hatred based on protected status
Creators should not post content whose purpose is to encourage violence against individuals or groups based on protected group status, or to incite hatred against them. YouTube says it does not allow threats and treats implied calls for violence as real threats. The page points to its policies on threats and harassment.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if the purpose of that content is to do one or more of the following:
Encourage violence against individuals or groups based on their protected group status. We don’t allow threats on YouTube, and we treat implied calls for violence as real threats. You can learn more about our policies on [threats and harassment](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802268).
Incite hatred against individuals or groups based on their protected group status.
Qualifications & exceptions
The test is the "purpose" of the content.
Not stated here
The linked threats and harassment policies are separate pages not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Hate speech forms: dehumanization, glorified violence, slurs and stereotypes, claims of inferiority
Other content that violates the policy includes dehumanizing people by calling them subhuman or comparing them to animals, insects, pests, disease or other non-human entities based on protected group status; praise or glorification of violence against such individuals or groups; racial, religious or other slurs and stereotypes that incite or promote hatred, whether in speech, text or imagery, promoting the stereotypes or treating them as factual; and claims that individuals or groups are physically or mentally inferior, deficient or diseased, including statements that one group is less than another, calling them less intelligent or less capable, or calling for their subjugation or domination.
Supporting quotations
Other types of content that violates this policy
Dehumanization of individuals or groups by calling them subhuman, comparing them to animals, insects, pests, disease, or any other non-human entity based on their protected group status.
Praise or glorification of violence against individuals or groups based on their protected group status.
Use of racial, religious, or other slurs and stereotypes that incite or promote hatred based on protected group status. This can take the form of speech, text, or imagery promoting these stereotypes or treating them as factual.
Claim that individuals or groups are physically or mentally inferior, deficient, or diseased based on their protected group status. This includes statements that one group is less than another, calling them less intelligent or less capable. This also includes calls for the subjugation or domination over individuals or groups based on their protected group status.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Hate speech forms: hateful supremacism, conspiratorial claims, and denial of major violent events
Other content that violates the policy includes promotion of hateful supremacism by alleging the superiority of a group over those with protected group status to justify violence, discrimination, segregation or exclusion, including supremacist propaganda such as recruiting members or requesting financial support for the ideology and music videos promoting hateful supremacism in lyrics, metadata or imagery; conspiratorial claims that individuals or groups are evil, corrupt or malicious based on protected group status; and denial or minimization of a well-documented, major violent event or its victimhood.
Supporting quotations
Promotion of hateful supremacism by alleging the superiority of a group over those with protected group status to justify violence, discrimination, segregation, or exclusion. This includes content containing hateful supremacist propaganda, such as the recruitment of new members or requests for financial support for their ideology, and music videos promoting hateful supremacism in the lyrics, metadata, or imagery.
Conspiratorial claims that individuals or groups are evil, corrupt, or malicious based on their protected group status.
Denial or minimization of a well-documented, major violent event or the victimhood of such an event.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Hate speech in educational context may be allowed, with examples; it is not a pass to promote hate speech
YouTube may allow content that includes hate speech if it includes additional educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, such as condemning, refuting, including opposing views or satirizing hate speech. It may also make exceptions for content in the public interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches or debates over government actions. The page says this is not a pass to promote hate speech. Its examples: a documentary about a hate group that does not support the group would be allowed, but one promoting violence or hatred would not; a documentary about how scientific theories about human groups have changed over time would be allowed, but one claiming there is scientific evidence today that a group is inferior or subhuman would not; and historical footage of an event like WWII that does not promote violence or hatred.
Supporting quotations
Educational, documentary, scientific, and artistic content
We may allow content that includes hate speech if that content includes additional educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context. Additional context may include condemning, refuting, including opposing views, or satirizing hate speech. We may also make exceptions for content that is in the public’s interest, such as congressional or parliamentary proceedings, campaign speeches, or debates over ongoing government actions. This is not a pass to promote hate speech. Examples include:
A documentary about a hate group: Educational content that isn’t supporting the group or promoting ideas would be allowed. A documentary promoting violence or hatred wouldn’t be allowed.
A documentary about the scientific study of humans: A documentary about how theories have changed over time, even if it includes theories about the inferiority or superiority of specific groups, would be allowed because it’s educational. We won’t allow a documentary claiming there's scientific evidence today that an individual or group is inferior or subhuman.
Historical footage of an event, like WWII, which doesn't promote violence or hatred.
Qualifications & exceptions
"May allow" and "may" make exceptions: discretionary.
The policy covers videos, descriptions, comments, live streams and external links
The policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams and any other YouTube product or feature. It also applies to external links in content, including clickable URLs and verbally directing users to other sites in a video, as well as other forms.
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This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. Please note these policies also apply to [external links](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9054257) in your content. This can include clickable URLs, verbally directing users to other sites in video, as well as other forms.
Content & IP Rights · Context
The Harassment section opens with a paragraph that repeats the Impersonation policy text
As captured, the first paragraph of the Harassment & cyberbullying policies section is word for word the opening paragraph of the Impersonation policy about unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity or channel. Its meaning is the same as in the Impersonation section. The source does not say whether it was meant to appear here; the harassment rules follow in the next paragraphs.
Supporting quotations
YouTube does not allow unauthorized impersonation of a person, entity, or channel that may mislead viewers in a way that could harm the YouTube community. Impersonation may include deceptively copying the branding, content, or usernames of individuals, channels or entities. It may also include using AI to copy the voice or likeness of an individual, to make it appear as if the channel is owned or authorized by that individual. YouTube also enforces [trademark](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6154218) holder rights.
Not stated here
Whether this repeated paragraph is intentional on the original page is unknown from the saved text.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Prolonged insults or slurs based on physical traits or protected group status are not allowed
YouTube does not allow content that targets someone with prolonged insults or slurs based on their physical traits or protected group status. In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, as a separate card explains.
Supporting quotations
We don’t allow content that targets someone with prolonged insults or slurs based on their physical traits or [protected group status](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801939#protected_group).
Not stated here
The linked protected group status definition is on the Hate speech page, a separate section of this source, and is not restated here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Threats and doxxing are not allowed; stricter approach for minors, with school and contact information limits
YouTube also does not allow other harmful behaviors, like threats or doxxing, and says it takes a stricter approach to content that targets minors. For example, it does not allow sharing a minor's school name or school ID for malicious purposes. Third parties should not share someone else's personal contact information, such as email, phone number, home address, or a minor's social media handle or private messaging details. Minors are also not allowed to share their own contact information. YouTube may make exceptions for extracurricular activities for school recruitment or applications, such as college sports.
Supporting quotations
We also don’t allow other harmful behaviors, like threats or doxxing. Keep in mind that we take a stricter approach on content that targets minors. For example, we don’t allow sharing a minor’s school name or school ID for malicious purposes. Third parties should not share someone else’s personal contact information, such as email, phone number, home address, or a minor’s social media handle or private messaging details. We also don't allow minors to share their own contact information. We may make exceptions for extracurricular activities for the purposes of school recruitment or applications, such as college sports.
Qualifications & exceptions
The exception for extracurricular activities is discretionary ("may") and limited to school recruitment or applications.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Harassment exceptions for educational context may apply in some cases
In some cases YouTube may make exceptions for content with educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, including content in the public interest.
Supporting quotations
In some cases, we may make exceptions for content with [educational, documentary, scientific, or artistic context](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6345162), including content that is in the public’s interest.
Qualifications & exceptions
Discretionary and "in some cases".
Not stated here
The linked EDSA evaluation page is a separate page not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · User right or choice
Report harassment and use safety resources; report specific threats to local law enforcement
A viewer who finds violating content can report it, and if they find many videos or comments they want to report, they can report the channel. The page points to the Creator Safety Center and a Stay safe on YouTube page for tips on staying safe, keeping an account secure and protecting privacy. If specific threats are made against someone and they feel unsafe, they are told to report it directly to their local law enforcement agency.
Supporting quotations
If you find content that violates this policy, report it. Instructions for reporting violations of our Community Guidelines [are available here](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027). If you find many videos or comments that you would like to report, you can [report the channel](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027#report_channel). For tips about how to stay safe, keep your account secure, and protect your privacy, check out the [Creator Safety Center](https://www.youtube.com/creators/safety/) and [Stay safe on YouTube](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9563682).
If specific threats are made against you and you feel unsafe, report it directly to your local law enforcement agency.
Not stated here
The linked safety resources are separate pages not supplied here.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Do not post prolonged insults or slurs based on intrinsic attributes, or content meant to shame or insult a minor
Creators should not post content containing prolonged insults or slurs based on someone's intrinsic attributes, which include protected group status, physical attributes, or status as a survivor of sexual assault, non-consensual intimate imagery distribution, domestic abuse, child abuse and more. They should also not upload content with the intent to shame, deceive or insult a minor, meaning intending to make a minor feel unpleasant emotions like distress, shame or worthlessness, intending to trick them to behave in ways that may harm themselves or their property, or name-calling toward them. Content that incites bullying against a minor is also prohibited. A minor is someone under 18.
Supporting quotations
Don’t post content on YouTube if it fits any of the descriptions noted below.
Content that contains prolonged insults or slurs based on someone's intrinsic attributes. These attributes include their [protected group status](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801939), physical attributes, or their status as a survivor of sexual assault, non-consensual intimate imagery distribution, domestic abuse, child abuse and more.
Content uploaded with the intent to shame, deceive or insult a minor. This means intending to make a minor feel unpleasant emotions, like distress, shame, or worthlessness; intending to trick them to behave in ways that may harm themselves or their property; or engaging in name-calling toward them. We also prohibit content that incites bullying against a minor. A minor is someone under 18 years old.
Qualifications & exceptions
The minor rule turns on the creator's intent.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Brigading and harmful conspiracy theories are not allowed
Content that encourages abusive behavior like brigading, meaning an individual encouraging the coordinated abuse of an identifiable individual on or off YouTube, is not allowed. Content that promotes harmful conspiracy theories, or that targets someone by claiming they are part of one, is also not allowed. A harmful conspiracy theory is one that has been linked to direct threats or violent acts.
Supporting quotations
Content that encourages abusive behavior, like brigading. Brigading is when an individual encourages the coordinated abuse of an identifiable individual on or off YouTube.
Content that promotes harmful conspiracy theories or that targets someone by claiming they’re a part of a harmful conspiracy theory. A harmful conspiracy theory is one that has been linked to direct threats or violent acts.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Threats, staged accusations, vigilantism and stalking of identifiable individuals are not allowed
Not allowed is content that threatens an identifiable individual or their property, including implicit threats that do not specify a time or place but may feature a weapon; content depicting a staged meet-up used to accuse an identifiable individual of egregious misconduct with a minor, without law enforcement present; content depicting vigilantes restraining or assaulting individuals or engaging in a dangerous or reckless vehicle pursuit; and content containing stalking of an identifiable individual.
Supporting quotations
Content that threatens an identifiable individual or their property. This includes implicit threats that don’t specify a time or place but may feature a weapon, for example.
Content that depicts a staged meet-up that is used to accuse an identifiable individual of egregious misconduct with a minor, without the presence of law enforcement.
Content that depicts vigilantes restraining or assaulting individuals, or engaging in a dangerous or reckless vehicle pursuit to apprehend an individual.
Content that contains stalking of an identifiable individual.
Content & IP Rights · Restriction or exception
Mocking death or injury, simulated victims, simulated serious violence and denial of victimhood are not allowed
Not allowed is content reveling in or mocking the death or serious injury of an identifiable individual; content that realistically simulates deceased or abused individuals describing their death or violence experienced; content in which creators simulate acts of serious violence against others, such as executions, torture, maimings and beatings; and content that denies or minimizes someone's role as a victim of a well-documented, major violent event.
Supporting quotations
Content reveling in or mocking the death or serious injury of an identifiable individual.
Content that realistically simulates deceased or abused individuals describing their death or violence experienced.
Content that depicts creators simulating acts of serious violence against others. For example, executions, torture, maimings, beatings, and more.
Content that denies or minimizes someone’s role as a victim of a well-documented, major violent event.