Playstream Media – Content & Advertising Guidelines

These content guidelines outline the advertising and content standards expected from all publishers, advertisers, ad networks, demand-side platforms (DSPs), and agencies participating in the Playstream Media Exchange.

By partnering with or utilizing the services of Playstream Media, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to the guidelines outlined below. Playstream Media reserves the right to update these standards at any time, with changes taking effect upon notice via email or updates posted to our website. Continued use of our services after such updates will constitute your acceptance of the revised guidelines.

Mobile Content Guidelines

The following content types are strictly prohibited across all inventory managed or monetized through Playstream Media:

Sexual or Adult Content

  • Pornographic or adult content including nudity, sexual acts, fetishes, or sexually suggestive material.
  • Promotion or depiction of pedophilia, incest, bestiality, or child sexual exploitation.

Gambling & Substance Use

  • Online gambling, betting platforms, online casinos (real money or simulated).
  • Content promoting or selling tobacco, vapes/e-cigarettes, alcohol, recreational or illegal drugs.

Violence & Harmful Behavior

  • Graphic violence, gore, abuse, or content intended to shock or offend.
  • Content promoting terrorism, hate speech, self-harm, or criminal behavior including bomb-making or hacking.

Discriminatory or Defamatory Content

  • Material advocating hate or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any legally protected status.
  • Content that is libelous, harassing, misleading, or malicious in intent.

Fraudulent or Deceptive Content

  • Phishing, scams, impersonation of brands or institutions.
  • Malware, spyware, or any code that harms or deceives users or devices.

Infringement of Rights

  • Content that violates intellectual property laws including unauthorized file sharing, torrents, and pirated software/media.
  • Unauthorized use of logos, brand names, or creative assets.

Misleading UI/UX or Disruptive Ads

  • Auto-redirects, hidden or invisible ads, ads triggering downloads without user action.
  • Creatives mimicking OS/system alerts, fake buttons, or other deceptive interactions.

Prohibited IAB Categories

The following IAB categories and sub-categories are not permitted in campaigns or content:

  • IAB8 – Food & Drink
    • IAB8-5: Cocktails/Beer
    • IAB8-18: Wine
  • IAB9 – Hobbies & Interests
    • IAB9-9: Cigars
  • IAB23 – Religion & Spirituality
  • IAB25 – Non-Standard Content
    • IAB25-1: Unmoderated User-Generated Content
    • IAB25-2: Extreme Graphic/Explicit Violence
    • IAB25-3: Pornography
    • IAB25-4: Profane Content
    • IAB25-5: Hate Content
    • IAB25-6: "Under Construction" Pages
    • IAB25-7: Incentivized Traffic
  • IAB26 – Illegal or Harmful Content
    • IAB26-1: Illegal Activities
    • IAB26-2: Warez/Cracked Software
    • IAB26-3: Spyware/Malware
    • IAB26-4: Copyright Infringement

Ad Performance & Destination URL Guidelines

All ads must link to a functional, mobile-optimized landing page with content directly relevant to the ad creative.

No hidden, auto-playing, or deceptive formats are allowed, including:

  • Pop-ups (over/under)
  • Auto-redirects or downloads
  • Unclear "Click-to-Call" actions

Advertiser phone numbers must be local to the campaign's geography, functional, and must not be toll-based or lead to paid services.

Style & Creative Guidelines

  • Ads must use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Clear and professional language is expected.
  • Use of commonly understood text abbreviations is acceptable, but no excessive slang or intentionally confusing text.
  • Misleading, flashing, or unstable creatives are not permitted.
  • Creatives must not imitate platform/system messages or interfaces (e.g., fake download buttons or alerts).

Brand Safety Notice

Playstream Media is committed to providing a brand-safe, transparent, and trustworthy advertising environment. Violations of the above policies may result in the immediate suspension or termination of campaigns or accounts without notice.