Creative content guidelines

“Attention grabbing" mechanisms, including images unrelated to the nature of the product being advertised, will not be accepted on AOL. Words and phrases including “Shocking”, “Breaking News”, “Special Report”, “Alert”, “Stop!”, “Consumer Alert”, and “HATE” are not acceptable.

Advertisements which contain strobing will be examined by the Accessibility team, and excessive strobing will not be accepted on AOL. Please contact Robin London with any issues.

Advertisements must not have the look or feel normally associated with classified advertisements (i.e., cluttered and/or hard to read).

Before and after images are not allowed on the AOL Homepage.

Advertisements must clearly display the name, brand or product being advertised on the creative to avoid the appearance of an AOL offering

Advertising for products and services may not use disparaging language or intimate that use of the advertised product or service will help avoid compliance with a law or promote illegal activity.

Beauty Products
Beauty products are acceptable if: a) the images are presented in good taste, b) the results are realistic, and c) all required messaging is included on the creative (e.g., simulated imagery).

Cleavage
leavage is acceptable if: a) the person is clearly 18+, b) there is no disembodiment, c) it is not coupled with a sexual innuendo in the tagline, d) the breasts are not the focus of the advertisement, and e) the image is in good taste.

Disembodiment
Advertisements that use images which focus on specific body parts or use exaggerated body parts to gain attention are not acceptable. Disembodiment of the human form to display only the breast, groin or buttock regions is unacceptable. Models should be shown in complete form including their head. Exceptions to this policy will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Ad Policy team.

Partial Nudity/Semi-Revealing Attire
Partial nudity, including scantily clad women/men in swimsuits, is acceptable provided a) the person is clearly 18+, b) there is no disembodiment, c) garments are not transparent, d) men may not be bare-chested, e) garments/poses are not considered erotic, f) it is not coupled with a sexual innuendo in the tagline, and g) graphic is in good taste.

Sex/Sexual Situations
Graphics depicting displays of affection are acceptable provided that the individuals are clothed and not in mature sexual situations/settings (e.g., couple in bed).

Religious Symbols
Religious symbols (e.g., Holy Cross, Star of David) are not acceptable in advertising on AOL.

Violence
Graphics images containing gore are not acceptable in advertising on AOL.