Video Ad Compliance: Staying Platform-Safe Across Meta, TikTok, and Google

Video Ad Compliance: Staying Platform-Safe Across Meta, TikTok, and Google

Nothing kills advertising momentum faster than a rejected ad or a suspended account. Platform compliance is not glamorous, but getting it wrong costs real money: lost campaign days, wasted production budgets, and in worst cases, permanent account bans that cut off entire revenue channels.

This guide covers the specific compliance requirements for video ads across Meta (Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, and Google (YouTube and Display), explains the most common rejection reasons, and shows how AI tools can help you stay within bounds while still creating effective ads.

Why Compliance Matters More Than Ever

Ad platforms are tightening enforcement. Here is what has changed in recent years:

• Automated review is faster and stricter. AI-powered ad review systems now screen creatives in seconds, catching violations that human reviewers might miss.
• Account-level consequences are harsher. Repeat violations no longer just result in ad rejections. They trigger account restrictions, reduced delivery, and permanent bans.
• Cross-platform standards are converging. While each platform has unique rules, they are increasingly aligning on core policies around misleading claims, sensitive content, and user experience.
• Regulatory pressure is increasing. Governments worldwide are introducing stricter advertising regulations, and platforms are proactively tightening policies to stay ahead of legislation.

The bottom line: compliance is not optional overhead. It is a prerequisite for sustainable advertising.

Meta (Facebook and Instagram) Video Ad Requirements

Meta has the most detailed and extensively documented ad policies of any major platform.

Technical Specifications

Spec	Requirement
Aspect ratios	1:1, 4:5, 9:16 (Reels), 16:9
Max duration	240 minutes (Feed), 120 seconds (Reels), 15 seconds (Stories)
Min resolution	1080 x 1080 recommended
Max file size	4 GB
Formats	MP4, MOV, GIF
Captions	Strongly recommended (auto-generated or custom)

Content Policies to Watch

Personal attributes. Meta prohibits ads that assert or imply personal attributes about the viewer. This is one of the most common rejection reasons.

Avoid: "Are you struggling with weight loss?" or "We know you have bad credit."

Use instead: "Many people find weight loss challenging" or "Looking for financial solutions?"

The distinction is between addressing the viewer directly about a sensitive attribute versus speaking generally about a problem.

Before and after imagery. Meta restricts before-and-after comparisons that imply unrealistic outcomes, especially for health, fitness, and beauty products.

Avoid: Dramatic transformation images that suggest impossible or misleading results.

Use instead: Realistic demonstrations with appropriate context. If showing results, include realistic timeframes and disclaimers.

Sensationalism and engagement bait. Videos that use exaggerated claims, shocking imagery, or engagement bait ("Tag someone who needs this!") get reduced delivery even when they are not outright rejected.

Misleading claims. Any claim in your video ad must be substantiated. This includes pricing claims, discount percentages, product capabilities, and testimonial results. If your AI-generated script includes specific numbers or claims, verify them before publishing.

Audio quality. Meta does not require audio, but if your video has audio, it must be clear and properly mixed. Distorted or misleading audio can trigger rejections.

Meta-Specific Tips for AI-Generated Video Ads

When using AI video generation tools for Meta campaigns:

• Review AI-generated scripts for personal attribute language before generating the video
• Ensure AI talking avatars make claims that are factually accurate and substantiated
• Use AI captions that match the spoken audio exactly (mismatched captions trigger manual review)
• Avoid generating before-and-after style content for health, beauty, or finance products
• Keep AI-generated text overlays readable (minimum 24px equivalent at 1080p)

TikTok Video Ad Requirements

TikTok's ad policies are newer and evolving rapidly, making compliance a moving target.

Technical Specifications

Spec	Requirement
Aspect ratios	9:16 (recommended), 1:1, 16:9
Duration	5-60 seconds (recommended 21-34 seconds)
Min resolution	720 x 1280 recommended
Max file size	500 MB
Formats	MP4, MOV, MPEG, AVI
Audio	Required (unlike Meta, TikTok strongly prefers sound-on)

Content Policies to Watch

Authenticity. TikTok places heavy emphasis on ad authenticity. Ads that look too polished or "corporate" may be deprioritized even if they are technically compliant. More importantly, ads that misrepresent user experiences or fabricate testimonials violate policy.

When using UGC-style AI personas, be transparent that the content is an ad. Do not present AI-generated testimonials as real user experiences without disclosure.

Age-gating. TikTok has strict age-related targeting and content restrictions. Ads for age-restricted products (alcohol, gambling, certain supplements) must use proper age-gating and cannot target users under the applicable age threshold.

Music and audio rights. TikTok's commercial music library is separate from its organic music library. Using trending sounds from organic TikTok in paid ads can result in rejection. When generating video ads for TikTok, use commercially licensed audio only.

Unsubstantiated superlatives. Claims like "the best," "number one," or "guaranteed results" require substantiation on TikTok. The platform's review team actively flags these.

Landing page consistency. TikTok checks that your ad content matches your landing page. If your video ad promises a 50% discount but the landing page shows full price, the ad will be rejected.

Community guidelines alignment. TikTok applies its community guidelines to ads in addition to advertising policies. Content that would be removed organically (graphic content, harassment, dangerous activities) is rejected even faster as paid content.

TikTok-Specific Tips for AI-Generated Video Ads

• Generate in 9:16 vertical format. Landscape ads are technically allowed but perform poorly and face stricter review.
• Always include audio. Silent ads are heavily penalized in delivery on TikTok.
• Use AI-generated music or commercially licensed tracks, never trending organic sounds.
• Keep the UGC aesthetic but ensure clear commercial disclosure.
• Run AI-generated scripts through a superlative check before generating. Remove or substantiate any absolute claims.

Google (YouTube and Display) Video Ad Requirements

Google has the most mature ad review system and the strictest interpretation of many policies.

Technical Specifications

YouTube In-Stream:

Spec	Requirement
Aspect ratios	16:9 (standard), 9:16 (Shorts)
Duration	No maximum (skippable), 6 seconds (bumper), 15 seconds (non-skippable)
Min resolution	1920 x 1080 (recommended for in-stream)
Max file size	256 GB (YouTube standard)
Formats	MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV

YouTube Shorts:

Spec	Requirement
Aspect ratio	9:16
Duration	Up to 60 seconds
Resolution	1080 x 1920 recommended

Content Policies to Watch

Destination requirements. Google is extremely strict about the relationship between ad content and landing page. The destination must be functional, match the ad's claims, and provide a clear user experience. Broken links, slow-loading pages, or mismatched content cause immediate rejection.

Inappropriate content. Google maintains a detailed list of content restrictions including:

• Shocking content or graphic violence
• Content that exploits sensitive events
• Misleading ad design (fake play buttons, fake system notifications)
• Sexually suggestive content
• Content promoting dishonest behavior

Healthcare and pharmaceutical restrictions. Google has the strictest healthcare advertising policies of the three major platforms. Prescription drug advertising, health claims, and medical device promotion all require certification and have specific content requirements that vary by country.

Financial services. Ads for financial products (loans, crypto, investment services) require certification on Google. Even mentioning financial outcomes in your ad can trigger enhanced review.

Trademark usage. Google protects trademarks in ad content. If your video ad mentions competitor brand names, ensure you have the right to use them. Comparative advertising is allowed but must be truthful and substantiated.

Repetitive content. Google may reject ads that are too similar to other ads you are running or that duplicate content from other advertisers. When batch-generating video ads, ensure sufficient differentiation between variants.

Google-Specific Tips for AI-Generated Video Ads

• For YouTube ads, focus on the first 5 seconds. Non-skippable bumper ads must deliver the full message in 6 seconds.
• Avoid generating fake UI elements (play buttons, notification badges) in your video. Google's automated review catches these instantly.
• Ensure all AI-generated text in the video is accurate and matches your landing page.
• For healthcare or financial products, have compliance review AI-generated scripts before video generation.
• Use high-resolution output (1080p minimum) for YouTube. Low-quality video triggers enhanced review on Google.

Cross-Platform Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist before launching any video ad on any platform:

Claims and Content

• All claims are truthful and substantiated
• No unqualified superlatives ("best," "guaranteed," "number one") without proof
• No personal attribute assertions about the viewer
• Before-and-after content (if any) is realistic and disclaimed
• Testimonials are genuine or clearly disclosed as illustrative
• Pricing matches the landing page exactly
• Discount percentages are accurate and currently valid

Technical Quality

• Video meets platform minimum resolution requirements
• Aspect ratio matches the intended placement
• Duration is within platform limits for the ad format
• File size is under platform maximum
• Audio is clear, properly mixed, and commercially licensed
• Captions are accurate and properly synced

Landing Page Alignment

• Landing page is functional and loads quickly
• Product or offer shown in the ad exists on the landing page
• Pricing shown in the ad matches the landing page
• The landing page provides a clear path to the advertised action

Restricted Categories

• If health-related: claims comply with platform health advertising policies
• If financial: proper disclosures and certifications are in place
• If age-restricted: age-gating and targeting are properly configured
• If comparative: competitor references are truthful and substantiated

How AI Helps with Compliance

AI does not just create the problem of scale. It also helps solve the compliance challenge.

Script Pre-Screening

Before generating a video, review the AI-generated script for compliance issues. AdCreate's copywriting frameworks are designed to produce persuasive copy that stays within bounds. Frameworks like AIDA and PAS naturally structure claims in ways that are easier to substantiate than free-form copy.

Consistent Branding

Using ad templates ensures that every video includes required branding elements, proper disclosures, and consistent legal language. Templates act as compliance guardrails that prevent common oversights.

Format Automation

When you generate a video ad with AdCreate, the system automatically handles technical specifications: correct resolution, aspect ratio, file format, and duration limits for your selected platform. This eliminates an entire category of technical rejections.

Caption Accuracy

AI-generated captions are synced to the audio track automatically, reducing the risk of caption/audio mismatches that trigger manual review on Meta and Google.

Multi-Platform Adaptation

Instead of manually reformatting a single video for different platforms (which often introduces compliance errors), AI can generate platform-specific versions that each meet the target platform's unique requirements. A single script becomes a TikTok-optimized vertical video, a Meta-optimized square video, and a YouTube-optimized landscape video, each properly formatted.

Industry-Specific Compliance Considerations

E-Commerce

E-commerce video ads face compliance issues around:

• Pricing accuracy (especially with dynamic pricing and flash sales)
• Product availability (advertising out-of-stock items violates most platform policies)
• Shipping and return claim accuracy
• Country-of-origin disclosures where required

Health and Wellness

The most heavily regulated category across all platforms:

• No disease cure or treatment claims without medical evidence
• Supplement ads must include required disclaimers
• Weight loss ads face the strictest scrutiny on all platforms
• Mental health advertising has specific sensitivity requirements

Financial Services

Requires certification on Google and compliance disclosures on all platforms:

• Interest rate and fee disclosures must be prominent
• Investment risk disclaimers are required
• Cryptocurrency advertising faces additional restrictions
• "Get rich quick" framing is rejected across all platforms

Software and Apps

• App functionality shown in ads must match actual app behavior
• Free trial terms must be clearly disclosed
• Subscription pricing and auto-renewal terms must be transparent
• Screenshots and demos must show real product interfaces

What to Do When an Ad Is Rejected

Even with careful compliance, rejections happen. Here is how to handle them efficiently.

Step 1: Read the Rejection Reason Carefully

Platforms provide specific policy citations with each rejection. Read the exact policy referenced, not just the summary. Often the rejection is about a specific element that can be fixed quickly.

Step 2: Identify the Specific Violation

Common quick fixes:

• Misleading claim: Edit the script and regenerate the video with corrected language
• Technical specification: Re-export in the correct format or resolution
• Landing page mismatch: Update the landing page to match the ad content
• Restricted content: Remove the flagged element and regenerate

Step 3: Fix and Resubmit

With AI video generation, fixes are fast. If the issue is in the script, edit the text and regenerate. If it is a visual element, swap the offending brick. Most compliance fixes take minutes, not days.

Step 4: Appeal If Appropriate

Automated review systems sometimes make mistakes. If you believe your ad is compliant and the rejection is incorrect:

• Gather documentation supporting your compliance
• Submit a clear, factual appeal through the platform's appeal process
• Do not resubmit the same ad without changes hoping for a different result (this can trigger account-level flags)

Step 5: Document and Prevent

Maintain a log of rejections and their causes. Over time, this log becomes a compliance knowledge base that prevents repeat violations. Share learnings with your team or agency.

Building a Compliance-First Creative Workflow

The most efficient approach is to build compliance into your creative process from the start, not treat it as a final check.

1. Start with compliant frameworks. Use proven copywriting structures that naturally produce compliant copy.
2. Use platform-specific templates. Templates pre-configured for each platform eliminate technical specification issues.
3. Review scripts before generation. Catch claim and language issues before spending generation credits.
4. Sample-check generated batches. For batch production, review a representative sample from each batch.
5. Monitor rejection rates. Track your rejection rate as a KPI. Industry average is 5 to 10 percent. If yours exceeds that, review your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do AI-generated ads face stricter review than traditional ads?

Currently, platforms do not have separate review processes for AI-generated versus traditionally produced ads. Both go through the same automated and manual review systems. However, platforms are beginning to require AI-generated content disclosures (Meta requires labeling AI-generated content), so stay current with each platform's AI transparency policies.

Can I use AI-generated people (avatars) in ads without disclosure?

Policies are evolving. Meta now requires disclosure when ads contain AI-generated or significantly altered media, including synthetic people. TikTok and Google are moving in the same direction. Best practice: always include a disclosure when using AI-generated presenters, even if the platform does not yet require it. This protects you against future policy changes and builds audience trust.

What happens if my account gets restricted for compliance violations?

Account restrictions vary by severity. Minor violations typically result in specific ad rejections. Repeated violations can lead to reduced ad delivery, restricted ad features, and in severe cases, permanent account suspension. The best defense is prevention: maintain a clean compliance record and address any rejections immediately. If restricted, follow the platform's appeal process promptly and provide documentation of corrective actions.

How often do platform ad policies change?

Major policy updates happen quarterly on most platforms, with minor clarifications and enforcement changes happening more frequently. Subscribe to each platform's advertiser policy update communications: Meta Business Help Center updates, TikTok Advertiser newsletter, and Google Ads Policy Updates blog. Review changes quarterly at minimum and update your compliance checklist accordingly.

Is it safe to reference competitors in video ads?

Comparative advertising is legal and allowed on all three major platforms, but it must be truthful, substantiated, and non-misleading. You can mention a competitor by name if you are making a factual comparison. You cannot make false claims about competitors, use their trademarks in misleading ways, or imply an endorsement that does not exist. When in doubt, focus on your own product's strengths rather than competitor weaknesses.

Conclusion

Compliance is the foundation that everything else in advertising sits on. The most creative, persuasive video ad in the world is worthless if it gets rejected or gets your account suspended.

The good news is that compliance and creativity are not at odds. The same AI tools that help you create video ads at scale can also help you stay within platform guidelines: structured copywriting frameworks produce naturally compliant scripts, templates enforce technical specifications, and fast regeneration makes fixing issues trivial.

Build compliance into your workflow from the start. Use this guide as your reference for platform-specific requirements. Keep your compliance checklist updated as platforms evolve their policies.

And when you are ready to create compliant, high-performing video ads at scale, AdCreate's AI video generator handles the technical specifications automatically so you can focus on crafting messages that convert.

Get started with a free account and create your first platform-compliant video ad today.