Navigating the world of Facebook advertising can often feel like a journey through a maze, especially when you're waiting for your ads to be reviewed. The question "How long do ads stay in review on Facebook?" is a super important one for marketers and businesses counting on Facebook for their advertising needs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the intricacies of Facebook's ad review process, delve into reasons why your ad might still be in review, and provide actionable insights on what to do if your ads are rejected or stuck in review.
How long do ads stay in review on Facebook?
Dealing with ad reviews on Facebook can feel like waiting for paint to dry sometimes. Getting the timing right for ad reviews is crucial for keeping your marketing plans on track. Here's an updated and detailed rundown of what to expect:
1. Standard Review Time
According to Facebook, the majority of ads are reviewed within 24 hours. This quick turnaround is a testament to the efficiency of Facebook's ad review system, which largely relies on automated tools.
2. Extended Review Periods
In some instances, the check can take several days. This is especially true for ads that require a detailed look-over or or fall into a grey area concerning Facebook's advertising guidelines.
3. Exceptional Cases
While rare, there are situations where the review process can extend up to a week. This prolonged period often occurs during peak advertising times or for ads with particularly complex content or targeting criteria.
4. Understanding the Review Process
- Automated and Manual Reviews: Facebook employs a combo of auto systems and human oversight to ensure detailed and right ad checks. The process checks out everything in your ad, from the creative content (images, videos, etc.) to the targeting setup and the landing page linked to the ad.
- Compliance with Advertising Guidelines: The key to a swift review is adherence to Facebook’s guidelines. Ads that align with these guidelines are typically approved, while non-compliant ads face rejection.
- Revisions and Re-Reviews: It's important to note that any changes made to your ad (like copy, graphics, targeting, or billing events) can reset the review process. Additionally, ads may be reviewed again post-approval, especially if there are significant alterations or updates.
5. Scheduling for Future Delivery
For those looking to have ads show at a specific future date, Facebook offers the option to plan ads. These scheduled ads undergo the standard review process but will only start delivering on the chosen start date.
Remember, while the 24-hour mark is a general standard, the complexity of your ad and Facebook's ad traffic can impact this timeline. Patience and understanding of this process are vital for a smooth advertising experience on Facebook.
Why is my Facebook Ad still in Review?
Figuring out why ads take so long to review on Facebook can help you fix and speed up the approval process. Here's why your Facebook ad might still be in review:
- Ad Content Violations: The biggest reason for long review times is breaking Facebook's ad rules. Common violations include:
- Prohibited Content: Ads should not contain violence, hate speech, adult content, illegal products or services, or any content deemed inappropriate by Facebook.
- Misleading or Deceptive Claims: Ads must be truthful and cannot make false promises.
- Personal Attacks: Ads should not target individuals or groups in a derogatory manner.
- Spammy Content: Ads should not be overly promotional or resemble spam.
- Sensitive Topics: Ads covering sensitive subjects like politics, religion, or health issues often undergo a more detailed review.
- Image and Text Alignment: The visual and textual components of your ad must align properly. Misalignment or discrepancies can lead to ad rejection.
- Landing Page Issues: The content on your landing page must match and support the message in your ad. Inconsistencies here can result in ad rejection.
- Editing Ads in Review: Making changes to your ad while it's under review resets the review process, potentially delaying approval.
- Technical Glitches: Occasionally, technical issues can cause ads to be stuck in review, although this is less common.
- Ad Status Confusion: Sometimes, an ad might be approved but not delivered, showing zero impressions. Checking the ad's status in the delivery column can clarify this.
- Manual Review: Some ads are flagged for someone checking your ad, which takes longer than automated processes. This is more likely if your ad covers complex topics or falls into a gray area of Facebook's guidelines.
- High Ad Traffic: During peak advertising times, such as major sale seasons or holidays, the volume of ads increases significantly. This surge can slow down the review process, especially for ads requiring manual review.
- History of Disapproved Ads: If you have a record of submitting ads that frequently violate Facebook's policies, your new ads may be subjected to more stringent and time-consuming reviews. This history can also increase the risk of having your ad account or page restricted.
To mitigate these issues and improve the likelihood of a swift ad review, make sure your ads follow the rules with Facebook’s guidelines, don't change your ad while it's being reviewed, and pplan when you submit your ads to account for potential delays during high-traffic periods.
Facebook Ads Guidelines: Navigating the Rules for Successful Advertising
Understanding and adhering to Facebook's advertising policies and community standards is crucial for ensuring your ads are approved promptly and avoid prolonged review periods. Here's a breakdown of key guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Prohibited Content
Avoid advertising products or services that Facebook strictly forbids. Common examples include:
- Tobacco and Vaping Products: Ads should not promote these items.
- Weapons and Ammunition: Ads for firearms or ammunition are not allowed.
- Adult Products: Advertising adult content or products is prohibited.
- Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Opportunities: MLM schemes are generally not allowed in ads.
- Financial Services: Be cautious when advertising financial services, especially those related to cryptocurrency.
- Profanity and Violent Terminology: Ads should not contain offensive language or promote violence.
2. Restricted Content
Certain types of content are restricted and must be advertised correctly:
- Alcohol: Ads promoting alcohol have specific guidelines and restrictions based on the audience's location and age.
- Dating Services: These services must adhere to particular rules and are often region-specific.
- Gambling: Gambling ads are subject to regulatory rules and restrictions.
- Cosmetic Procedures and Prescription Drugs: These ads require careful handling to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
- Social Issues, Elections, and Politics: Ads in this category are subject to additional transparency and authorization requirements.
3. Misleading Functionalities
Avoid using deceptive ad elements:
- Non-Functional Elements: Ads should not contain static images mimicking interactive features (like fake polls or play buttons).
4. Targeting Based on Personal Attributes
Be mindful of privacy and sensitivity:
- No Exposing Personal Data: Ads must not imply knowledge of personal data, such as demographic or behavioral attributes of the audience.
5. Consistency in Advertising and Landing Pages
Ensure a coherent user experience:
- Matching Offers: The content on your landing page should match the offer in your ad (e.g., a free eBook ad should lead to a free eBook download, not a paid product).
Staying up-to-date with Facebook's latest ad policies is vital. A clean record of ad approvals reflects positively on your advertiser profile and reduces the likelihood of needing additional review time for your ads. Proactively understanding and applying these guidelines can significantly streamline your ad review process and enhance your overall advertising success on Facebook.
What to Do if Your Facebook Ads Are Rejected?
Encountering a rejection of your Facebook ads can be a setback, but it's a common challenge that many advertisers face. By taking structured steps, you can understand the reasons for rejection, make necessary adjustments, and enhance your chances of future ad approval. Here's how to proceed:
Step 1: Identify the Reason for Rejection
Review Notification: Check the "Review Status" column in Ads Manager for specific details about the policy violation.
Common Rejection Reasons: These include prohibited content (like hate speech or sexual content), targeting based on personal attributes, technical issues, non-compliance with data policies, and unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
Step 2: Review Facebook's Advertising Policies
Educate Yourself: Visit Facebook's Advertising Policies for a comprehensive understanding of what is allowed and what is not.
Step 3: Analyze Your Rejected Ads
Pinpoint the Issue: Determine the specific aspect of your ad that led to the rejection, whether it's the copy, visuals, or targeting settings.
Step 4: Edit and Resubmit Your Ads
Make Corrections: Adjust your ad to align with Facebook's guidelines and resubmit it for review.
Step 5: Appeal the Decision (Optional)
File an Appeal: If you believe the rejection was a mistake, you can appeal for a re-evaluation.
Appeal Tips: Be clear, provide evidence, and maintain professionalism in your appeal.
Step 6: Consider Alternative Strategies
Explore Other Options: If rejections persist, think about different ad formats, targeting methods, or other marketing avenues.
Additional Resources
- Facebook Ads Help Center: Visit here
- Facebook Ad Library: Explore here
- Crowdtangle: Learn more
Remember
- Rejection is Part of the Process: It's a learning opportunity for most advertisers.
- Understand the Reason: Knowing why your ad was rejected is key to fixing issues.
- Review and Comply with Policies: Regularly check Facebook's advertising policies.
- Don't hesitate to Appeal: If you're confident about your ad's compliance, appeal the decision.
- Be Open to Change: Sometimes, a different approach might be necessary for approval.
By meticulously following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of ad rejections on Facebook, making necessary adjustments, and ultimately achieving success with your Facebook advertising campaigns.
Figuring out how Facebook checks ads can get tricky, but getting the rules and knowing how to respond to ad rejections are key to successful advertising. If you're looking for expert assistance to streamline this process, consider partnering with a Rent Ads Agency. As a leading Rent Facebook Agency Account provider, we offer the expertise and resources necessary to maximize your ad performance and compliance, we have worked with hundreds of international partners and we are very confident that we will make sure your Facebook ads work better and smoother.
Mohamed Fouad is a full-stack web developer and an entrepreneur who's really into advertising. He is the CEO of Rent Ads Agency, a company that helps businesses reach more customers through advertising. He graduated from Stanford University in 2018 and has over 4 years of experience in the tech industry.
