Knowledge Article

Sexual content advertising (e.g. contraceptives, adult toys, dating) is regulated to prevent exposure to minors and avoid explicit or suggestive material. Approval depends on creative execution, audience targeting, and publisher policy.

Creative compliance

Sexual content creatives must:

Exclude nudity and explicit imagery.
Avoid fully visible intimate body parts.
Avoid sexually provocative images.
Avoid sexual innuendo in text or visuals.

Audience and geo compliance

Age targeting

Age targeting for users aged 18 or older is mandatory for campaigns promoting adult content.

Recommended brand safety and contextual settings

Brand Safety

Use DoubleVerify to exclude mobile apps related to age and content advisory ratings, such as Everyone (4+), and apps rated for Tweens (9+), Teens (12+), and Mature (17+).
Consider including the Sexuality category under content and keyword targeting.

AdSquare

Prohibits advertising pornography or content harmful to minors.

Inventory eligibility

Exchanges: All exchanges may be targeted, subject to publisher approval.

Whitelists: Refer to the Sexual Health and Wellness Accepted table. Whitelisting is optional but may limit reach.

Declarations

Advertiser declaration: Dating or Relationship Services
Campaign declaration: Sexuality or Dating

Point of contact

Contact your Account Manager for approval guidance or compliance support.

Examples of rejected creatives

Adult content

Pornography, nudity, or obscenity

FAQs

What declarations are required for sexual content campaigns?

Sexual content campaigns require an advertiser declaration for Dating or Relationship Services and a campaign declaration for Sexuality or Dating. These declarations help reviewers apply the correct compliance rules.

Can sexual content ads run in mobile apps?

Yes, but the campaigns should apply targeting filters. For instance, we recommend mobile app brand safety filters that exclude child and teen rated environments. Apps rated Everyone, Tweens, Teens, or Mature often face restrictions. Publisher approval determines final eligibility.

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