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What are YouTube Shorts' ad policies for financial products?

, 4 min read

YouTube Shorts ads that promote financial products must comply with Google Ads policies. These policies aim to give users the necessary information to understand the costs of financial products and services, while also protecting them from harmful or deceptive practices. Advertisers are expected to research and follow all relevant local laws and regulations for any location their ads target.

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The short version

  • Google Ads defines financial products as those related to managing or investing money and cryptocurrencies, including personalized advice.
  • Advertisers must comply with all state and local regulations for their targeted locations, including specific disclosures.
  • Disclosures must be clearly and immediately visible, not hidden behind clicks or hovers.
  • Certain financial products, like personal loans with short repayment periods or high APRs, are restricted.
  • Advertisers may need to complete a certification process, which can vary by location, to run financial services ads.

What are Google Ads' policies for financial products?

Google Ads policies are designed to provide users with the information they need to weigh the costs of financial products and services. The goal is to protect users from harmful or deceptive practices. Under these policies, financial products and services include anything related to the management or investment of money and cryptocurrencies, as well as personalized advice.

These policies apply to ads shown on YouTube Shorts, as YouTube ads are managed through Google Ads. The English version of Google Ads policies is the official language used for enforcement.

What are the disclosure requirements for financial product ads?

When promoting financial products and services, you must comply with state and local regulations for every location your ads target. This includes providing specific disclosures required by local law. Advertisers are responsible for researching and understanding these local regulations.

Google Ads specifies that disclosures cannot be posted as roll-over text or made available through another link or tab. They must be clearly and immediately visible without requiring a click or hover. Required information includes the physical address for the business offering the financial product or service, all associated fees, and links to third-party accreditation or endorsement if affiliation is asserted or implied, such as proof of government affiliation or third-party ratings.

Are there specific restrictions for certain financial products?

Yes, Google Ads has specific restrictions for certain financial products. For example, only personal loans that require repayment in full in 61 days or longer are allowed. Google does not permit ads for personal loans with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 36% and above in the United States.

Do I need certification to advertise financial products?

In addition to general advertiser verification, certain industries, including financial services, require you to apply for specific certification to advertise content related to that industry. These requirements vary by location, so you should check the location-specific restrictions for every area where you plan to advertise.

If the policy details indicate that a certificate is required, you must apply to advertise according to the policy instructions. Google may require separate verification for advertisers in each targeted location. Certain cryptocurrency products and services can only be advertised if they comply with local laws and industry standards, and if you have applied and been approved to advertise in the targeted locations.

Google is gradually introducing the option to apply for specific certifications directly from your Google Ads account. These include certifications for cryptocurrency exchanges and software wallets, cryptocurrency hardware wallets, cryptocurrency coin trusts, and complex speculative financial products.

What happens if I violate Google Ads policies?

Google uses a combination of Google AI and human evaluation to ensure that ads comply with its policies. You are required to comply with all applicable sanctions and export regulations, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Using Google Ads or Display & Video 360 for or on behalf of entities or individuals located in sanctioned countries or regions is not allowed.

In some limited circumstances, violations of local law may be considered egregious. This can result in an account suspension. If an account is suspended, all ads in that account will stop running, and you may not be able to advertise using Google Ads or Display & Video 360 again.

Common questions

What is considered a financial product by Google Ads?
Google Ads defines financial products and services as those related to the management or investment of money and cryptocurrencies. This definition also includes personalized advice concerning these areas.
Where should disclosures appear in financial product ads?
Disclosures in financial product ads must be clearly and immediately visible to users. They cannot be hidden as roll-over text or accessed through a link or tab; users should not need to click or hover over anything to see them.
Are there any restrictions on personal loans in YouTube Shorts ads?
Yes, Google Ads policies restrict personal loans. Only personal loans that require repayment in full in 61 days or longer are allowed. Additionally, ads for personal loans with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 36% and above are not permitted in the US.
Do I need a separate certification for each location I target?
Yes, requirements for advertising financial products vary by location. You may need to apply for separate verification or certification for each targeted location where you plan to advertise, in addition to completing general advertiser verification.
What are the consequences of violating Google Ads financial product policies?
Violations of Google Ads policies, especially egregious ones like non-compliance with local laws or sanctions, can lead to account suspension. If an account is suspended, all ads will stop running, and you may be permanently unable to advertise using Google Ads or Display & Video 360.

Primary sources

This article was researched and written by an AI model and published automatically. It was written from sentences that were checked to appear on the pages below, but a person has not reviewed the text. If something is wrong, tell us at leetcv@darthwares.com and we will correct it.

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