When you use YouTube, you’re part of a global community. These guidelines exist to make sure the platform stays safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone. If you come across content that seems to break these rules, you can report it directly.
Keep in mind: even content that would normally violate the rules may sometimes stay up if it is included for Educational, Documentary, Scientific, or Artistic (EDSA) purposes, or if it is considered in the public interest. In those cases, YouTube may allow the content with an EDSA exception—but it is still carefully reviewed.
These rules apply to all content types, including public videos, private or unlisted uploads, comments, thumbnails, links, playlists, and posts.
1. Spam, Scams & Deceptive Practices
YouTube does not allow content that tries to trick, mislead, or exploit users. This includes spam and fraud-like behaviour.
Examples include:
- Fake engagement (artificial likes, views, or subscribers)
- Scams or misleading promotions
- Impersonating other creators or brands
- Misleading links or external redirects
- Manipulated playlists or deceptive metadata
The goal is to maintain trust across the platform.
2. Sensitive Content Rules
YouTube restricts content that could harm users, especially minors. This includes:
- Sexual or nudity-related content
- Harmful content involving children
- Self-harm or suicide-related material
- Graphic or inappropriate thumbnails
- Offensive or vulgar language in certain contexts
These rules are designed to protect vulnerable audiences and ensure safer viewing.
3. Violent or Dangerous Content
Content that promotes harm, violence, or dangerous behaviour is not allowed.
This includes:
- Hate speech or discrimination
- Graphic violence or disturbing content
- Cyberbullying or harassment
- Promotion of criminal or dangerous activity
- Support for violent organizations or extremist behaviour
YouTube aims to prevent content that could encourage real-world harm.
4. Misinformation
Certain types of false or misleading content that could cause serious harm are not allowed.
This includes:
- Dangerous health misinformation or fake cures
- Manipulated media intended to deceive
- Election-related misinformation
- Content that interferes with democratic processes
YouTube focuses on reducing real-world harm caused by misleading information.
5. Educational, Documentary, Scientific & Artistic (EDSA) Exceptions
Some content that might normally break the rules can remain on YouTube if it is clearly used for:
- Education or teaching
- Documentary reporting
- Scientific explanation or analysis
- Artistic expression
- Public interest discussions (such as government debates or speeches)
Even in these cases, the content must still follow YouTube’s overall safety rules and is not automatically exempt.
YouTube’s Community Guidelines are designed to:
- Prevent scams, spam, and deception
- Protect users from harmful or sensitive content
- Reduce violence, hate, and harassment
- Limit dangerous misinformation
- Allow exceptions only when content has clear educational, documentary, scientific, artistic, or public interest value
If content violates these rules, users are encouraged to report it so YouTube can review it.
