Khalil Shreateh specializes in cybersecurity, particularly as a "white hat" hacker. He focuses on identifying and reporting security vulnerabilities in software and online platforms, with notable expertise in web application security. His most prominent work includes discovering a critical flaw in Facebook's system in 2013. Additionally, he develops free social media tools and browser extensions, contributing to digital security and user accessibility.

Get Rid of Ads!


Subscribe now for only $3 a month and enjoy an ad-free experience.

Contact us at khalil@khalil-shreateh.com

Understand why Facebook rejected your ads and learn step-by-step how to get them approved. A full guide with solutions and examples by Khalil Shreateh
Understand why Facebook rejected your ads and learn step-by-step how to get them approved. A full guide with solutions and examples by Khalil Shreateh

I often get asked: "Why did Facebook reject my ad even though the content looks normal?"
In this article I list all possible reasons, explain each reason in detail, and provide practical step-by-step solutions so your campaign can move from rejection to running successfully.

 

What to do when you see an ad rejection (quick summary)

  • Open Ads Manager and check the rejection reason carefully.
  • Edit the copy, the image, or the landing page according to the reason.
  • Resubmit the ad and request a manual review if needed.

Reasons and solutions with an image description for each reason

1) Prohibited content or content that requires approval

The problem: Categories such as gambling, certain health products, some dating ads, or sensitive financial services may be prohibited or require prior approval.

The solution: Define your product category precisely, use the Special Ad Category option if required, and upload the necessary documents or licenses before submitting.

2) Exaggerated claims or guaranteed promises

The problem: Phrases like "100% guarantee" or "Earn X in a week" are considered misleading and lead to rejection.

The solution: Replace guarantees with realistic phrasing like "results may vary by user" and support claims with verifiable testimonials or data.

3) Landing page does not match the ad or is slow

The problem: The ad promises something but the landing page shows something else, or the page is slow or not mobile-friendly.

The solution: Match the ad copy to the landing page, improve load speed to under 3 seconds, enable SSL, and show a clear privacy policy and contact information.

4) Before-and-after images, sensitive content, or excessive skin exposure

The problem: "Before-and-after" images or images that show sensitive areas or excessive skin exposure can lead to rejection.

The solution: Use professional images, and if you need to show results, rely on written testimonials accompanied by a licensed personal photo instead of direct before-and-after images.

shreateh forbidden

5) Issues with the ad account or payment

The problem: A restricted account, a rejected payment method, or outstanding invoices can prevent the ad from running.

The solution: Check Account Quality and Account Status in Business Manager, update the payment method, and request support if a restriction needs to be lifted.

credit card problem

6) Intellectual property violation

The problem: Using images, logos, or materials that are copyrighted without a license leads to rejection and IP complaints.

The solution: Use licensed images or create original visuals and keep license records to prove ownership if needed.

shreateh protected

7) Discriminatory or inappropriate targeting

The problem: Targeting based on race, religion, health status, or targeting restricted categories like housing or employment without selecting the Special Ad Category.

The solution: Use general targeting criteria, or comply with the restrictions of special categories and select Special Ad Category when required.

illustrative ad UI

8) Too much text inside the image or poor design

The problem: Images crowded with long text or poor design reduce approval chances and lower performance.

The solution: Minimize text inside the image, use clean design and high-resolution visuals, and provide the detailed copy in the ad description instead of flooding the image.

crowded ad image

9) Misleading content or violations of Community Standards

The problem: Content that promotes hatred, violence, or misinformation leads to immediate rejection.

The solution: Use neutral language, fact-check claims, cite supporting sources, and avoid sensitive phrasing.

facebook violating community standards

10) Technical or spelling errors

The problem: Spelling mistakes, broken links, or media files that don't work can cause rejection or poor performance.

The solution: Do a full proofread, test every link, and ensure video and audio files play correctly on all devices and browsers.

facebook errors labeled in red


Practical steps to recheck your ad

  • Copy the rejection reason text from Ads Manager.
  • Compare the ad copy, the image, and the landing page: does the landing page match what you promised your audience?
  • Make the fixes: clearer copy, licensed image, matching and fast landing page.
  • Resubmit and request a manual review if the issue persists.

You can use this appeal message template (copy and edit as needed):

Hello,
I am Khalil Shreateh, the owner of the ad account linked to shreateh.net.
Ad ID: [enter the ad ID]
Rejection reason: [paste the reason]
Actions taken: [edited copy - replaced image - improved landing page - uploaded documents]
Please review the ad manually and reinstate the campaign if it now complies with the policies.
Regards,
Khalil Shreateh

Final checklist before resubmitting

  • I copied and reviewed the rejection reason.
  • I edited the copy without absolute guarantees.
  • The image is licensed and free of sensitive content.
  • The landing page is matching, fast, and secure (HTTPS).
  • The payment method and account are in good standing.
  • I selected the Special Ad Category if required.

💡 Final tip: Treat ad rejections as an opportunity to improve your message and user experience, not as the end of the campaign.

 

Found this article useful? Share it with your friends. Don't forget to follow me on social media: https://khalil-shreateh.com/links

Social Media Share