Does it feel like your carefully crafted ads always hit a wall and never go live? You’re not alone! Many advertisers end up scratching their heads, wondering why my ads are not getting approved even when everything seems fine. In this in-depth guide, you’ll get clarity on the approval process, discover the most common pitfalls across Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads, and unlock actionable steps to finally get your ads approved and live. By the end, you’ll know exactly which roadblocks are stopping your ads from getting approved and how to fix them swiftly—no more lost time or wasted budgets!
What is Ad Approval & Why is it So Important?
Ad approval refers to the review process that advertising platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram use to ensure all new ads comply with their detailed policies. When you submit an ad, automated systems (and often human reviewers) check your visuals, headline, copy, landing page, and even minor details for compliance issues. Only once an ad is approved does it go live and start delivering results. If there’s a problem, your ad can be disapproved—sometimes without a clear explanation.
Why My Ads Are Not Getting Approved: 12 Common Reasons
Let’s break down the most frequent reasons why your ads are not getting approved on major advertising platforms. Recognizing these upfront will prevent future holdups:
- Use of prohibited or restricted content (e.g. alcohol, weapons, gambling, adult content)
- Misleading or sensational claims (“Lose 10kg in 1 week!”)
- Poor quality or misleading images
- Landing page issues (broken links, misleading content, prohibited offers)
- Non-compliance with local regulations—especially for sensitive industries or regions
- Trademark violations (using competitor names, copyrighted images/text)
- Inappropriate or shocking content (violence, nudity, hate speech)
- Overuse of capitalization or symbols in headline/copy (“BUY NOW!!!”)
- Unsubstantiated or exaggerated claims
- Non-transparent branding or false representation (impersonating other brands)
- Insufficient company details or privacy policies on the landing page
- Technical issues (too much text on image, slow page load, unsafe scripts)
Benefits of Understanding the Ad Approval Process
Knowing why ads get disapproved is not just about compliance—it’s a powerful growth lever for your business. Here’s how understanding why my ads are not getting approved gives you the edge:
- Faster campaign launches: Fewer interruptions mean quicker go-live & better timing.
- Improved ROI: Every approved ad puts your budget toward real results, instead of wasted reviews.
- Less frustration: Avoid the endless cycle of resubmissions & unclear feedback.
- Better brand reputation: Stay compliant and build trust with platforms and audiences alike.
- Higher ad quality: Following policies often results in ad content that actually performs better!
Use Cases: Real-World Examples of Disapproved Ads
Let’s make this crystal clear with a few relatable scenarios you might face:
- Google Ads Example: A financial coaching service uses “Get rich quick!” in the headline. Disapproved for “misleading or unrealistic claims” according to Google policy.
- Facebook Ads Example: A fitness brand shares a before-after image showing dramatic weight loss. Disapproved for “body image policy violation.” (Reference)
- Instagram Ads Example: An ecommerce site creates an ad where the product image has 40% text overlay. Disapproved due to Instagram’s “20% text rule” for ad creatives. (Reference)
- Facebook Ad for Health Supplement: Headline says, “Cure diabetes naturally.” Disapproved because no medical claims can be made without FDA evidence.
If you’ve faced any of these, you already know how frustrating it is when ads aren’t getting approved despite your efforts.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When Your Ads Aren’t Getting Approved
It’s critical to follow a structured process when your ads are stuck in review or disapproved. Here’s a proven checklist:
- Check the Notification: Platforms will state the reason—however vague, so inspect your ad status center in Google, Facebook, or Instagram dashboards.
- Read Platform Policies: Deep-dive into their latest ad guidelines; for instance, Google Ads Policy or Facebook Ad Review.
- Edit & Resubmit: Correct the stated (and any obvious) issues. Triple-check headlines, images, landing pages, and claims.
- Test Variants: Run A/B tests—sometimes a slight variation will get approved when another won’t.
- Appeal if Needed: If you believe it’s a mistake, use the platform’s appeal/request review feature. Provide supporting evidence or clarifications.
- Contact Support: For unresolved issues, reach out via live chat or forums—like the Google Ads community or Facebook support center.
- Update Compliance Training: Periodically review changing policies and train your team/agency on these updates.
Challenges, Myths & Objections on Ad Getting Approved
When diagnosing why my ads are not getting approved, it’s easy to fall for myths or get stumped by hard-to-find issues. Here are real-world challenges and truths:
- Myth: “If my ad is approved, it’s always shown.”
Truth: Even approved ads can be limited by audience targeting, budget, or recent policy changes. - Myth: “I fixed one issue, so my next ad will be approved instantly.”
Truth: Each new ad is independently reviewed. Historic disapprovals may lead to stricter scrutiny. - Myth: “A tiny change guarantees a new approval.”
Truth: Sometimes, hidden elements (like image metadata or landing page code) trip up the review process. - Myth: “Manual reviews are slow and biased.”
Truth: Both AI and human checks are involved; transparency is rising but not perfect yet. - Objection: “Policies are too complex!”
Answer: Yes, but most policies are publicly documented, and tools like Google’s policy manager can help you navigate intricacies.
FAQs: Why My Ads Are Not Getting Approved
1. Why do my ads keep getting disapproved even after I edit them?
Repeated disapprovals usually mean there’s a deeper policy conflict—often on the landing page, an unaddressed compliance issue, or platform algorithms spotting something subtle like hidden claims in images. Review the ad and the landing page thoroughly.
2. How long does the ad approval process take on Google, Facebook, and Instagram?
Typically, ad review takes from a few minutes to 24 hours. However, weekends or flagged content may extend timelines. Always plan campaigns allowing at least 48 hours for safe approval.
3. Can I appeal a disapproved ad?
Yes! Most platforms offer an appeal or “request review” option after a disapproval notice. If you believe your ad was wrongly flagged, submit documentation or a brief explanation for a manual review.
4. Will too many disapproved ads hurt my business account?
Repeated violations can trigger stricter reviews, limit your ad reach, or even get your account suspended. Aim to fix issues promptly, and avoid repeated patterns of non-compliance.
5. My ad was approved but not showing. Why?
Approved ads may not show due to low budget, narrow audience targeting, or poor ad relevance scores. Review platform notifications, check your targeting, and ensure your daily ad set budget is sufficient.
6. Do all platforms have the same ad approval rules?
No. Google, Facebook, and Instagram each have unique—and frequently updated—policies. Make sure to consult the specific ad policies for each platform before launch.
7. Are there any tools to pre-check my ad before submission?
Yes! Tools like Facebook’s Text Overlay Checker, Google Ad Preview Tool, and Chrome extensions can help spot compliance issues before submission. Double-check both creative and landing page elements.
8. What are the most common words or claims that trigger ad rejection?
Phrases like “guaranteed results,” “best ever,” or any medical/financial claim tend to trigger rejections if unsupported by official evidence. Avoid hyperbolic, misleading, or unverifiable promises.
9. Can using stock images or copied content get ads disapproved?
Potentially. Copyrighted or overused stock images (especially with watermarks) and duplicate/borrowed copy can violate ad policies. Original creatives reduce approval issues.
10. Will my old approved ads be grandfathered if policies change?
Not necessarily. Even formerly approved ads might be re-reviewed and paused if policies update—stay alert to changes and update creatives/copy accordingly.
Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Ad Approval Rate
If you’ve been asking “Why my ads are not getting approved?”, you now know it’s not just about a simple technicality—it’s a combination of compliance, content, and understanding how ad platforms work. The benefits of getting your ads approved the first time are worth the effort: a seamless launch, maximized ROI, and a competitive edge.
Ready to boost your ad approval rate? Start applying these tips today. Review each platform’s policies, test your ads before launch, and keep your creative honest and clear. If you want to dive deeper, explore official resources like Google Ads, Facebook Business Help, and our specialized guides on Digital With Sandip.
Still stuck or have a tricky disapproval? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below. Let’s help each other get every ad approved—and thriving!
