The safety of our creators, viewers, and partners is our highest priority. We rely on everyone in the community to help keep YouTube safe. Please review these guidelines carefully to understand what content is not allowed.
We do not allow content that sells, promotes, or facilitates access to certain regulated goods and services. In some cases, exceptions may be made for educational, documentary, scientific, artistic, or public-interest content.
If you see content that violates this policy, please report it. You can also report entire channels if needed.
What You Should Not Post
1. Illegal or Highly Regulated Goods and Services
Do not post content that sells, promotes, or connects users to:
- Alcohol (where prohibited or improperly promoted)
- Drugs or controlled substances (including narcotics, steroids, or misuse substances)
- Pharmaceuticals without a prescription
- Nicotine products (including vaping products)
- Firearms or restricted firearm accessories
- Explosives or weapons materials
- Counterfeit currency or forged documents
- Stolen financial data (credit cards, bank logins, etc.)
- Endangered species or animal parts
- Human organs or trafficking-related services
- Escort or sex services
- Human smuggling
- Unlicensed medical services
- Unverified or illegal gambling platforms
This includes sharing links, contact information, or instructions to access these services.
2. Drug-Related Content
Not allowed:
- Selling, facilitating, or promoting drug use or distribution
- Instructions for making or obtaining illegal drugs
- Content showing non-educational drug use (e.g., injection, inhalation, or misuse)
- Promotion of steroid use for non-medical purposes
- Providing access to drug marketplaces (including dark web guidance)
- Promotion or sale of inhalants or other substances used for abuse
This also includes showing minors using drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or similar substances.
3. Poisonous or Hazardous Substances
Not allowed:
- Sale, creation, or distribution of toxic substances
- Instructions for making poisons or harmful chemicals
- Promotion or facilitation of access to hazardous materials
Examples include substances like cyanide, mercury, or chloroform.
4. Gambling and Fraud
Not allowed:
- Uncertified or illegal gambling services
- Promises of guaranteed gambling winnings
- Fake credit card generators or financial fraud tools
- Instructional content for cheating systems or scams
5. Academic and Institutional Fraud
Not allowed:
- Instructions or services promoting academic cheating
- Tools or services that help bypass academic integrity systems
Exceptions
Some content may be allowed if it is clearly:
- Educational
- Documentary
- Scientific
- Artistic
- In the public interest
Examples include journalism, academic discussion, or policy debates. However, this does not allow promotion or facilitation of illegal or regulated goods and services.
Age Restrictions
Some content may not be removed but may be restricted to users 18+ if it includes:
- Gambling content from certified platforms
- Cannabis-related content (e.g., dispensary reviews)
- Nicotine product reviews or discussions
- Regulated financial or substance-related services
Enforcement
If you violate this policy, YouTube may:
- Remove the content
- Issue a warning or strike
- Remove monetization features
- Terminate the channel in severe or repeated cases
Repeated violations or serious abuse may lead to permanent removal from the platform.
