Substack terms

Content Guidelines

Rules and standards for content published on Substack.

What are the content guidelines in Substack?

Substack provides a platform for writers to publish newsletters and monetize their content. The content guidelines in Substack are designed to ensure a respectful and safe environment for all users. They prohibit content that is abusive, threatening, defamatory, or that promotes hate speech, violence, or illegal activities. This includes content that harasses, bullies, or discriminates against individuals or groups based on attributes such as race, religion, gender, age, nationality, or sexual orientation.

Substack also prohibits spam, misleading content, and content that infringes on someone else's intellectual property rights. Users are expected to respect copyright laws and only publish content they have the rights to. Additionally, Substack reserves the right to remove content or suspend accounts that violate these guidelines. It's important for users to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to ensure their content is in compliance and to maintain a positive experience for all Substack users.

How do I adhere to the content guidelines in Substack?

Adhering to the content guidelines in Substack involves understanding and following the rules set by the platform. Substack has a set of community guidelines that all users are expected to follow. These guidelines include not posting content that is abusive, defamatory, or that promotes hate speech or violence. They also prohibit the posting of content that is sexually explicit or that infringes on someone else's copyright or intellectual property rights.

To adhere to these guidelines, you should ensure that all content you post is respectful and does not harm or offend others. You should also make sure that any content you post is your own original work or that you have the necessary permissions to use someone else's work. If you are unsure about whether a piece of content is appropriate, it is always better to err on the side of caution and not post it. Violating Substack's content guidelines can result in your account being suspended or terminated.

What happens if I violate the content guidelines in Substack?

If you violate the content guidelines in Substack, the platform may take action against your account. The severity of the action depends on the nature and frequency of the violation. For minor or first-time offenses, you may receive a warning or a request to remove or edit the offending content.

However, for serious or repeated violations, Substack may suspend or terminate your account. This means you would lose access to your account and any content you have published on the platform. Additionally, Substack may also withhold any unpaid earnings if your account is terminated due to a violation of their content guidelines. It's important to familiarize yourself with Substack's content guidelines to avoid any potential issues.

Are there any exceptions to the content guidelines in Substack?

Substack's content guidelines are generally firm and are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all users. However, the platform does allow for some discretion in enforcing these rules. The guidelines are not exhaustive and Substack reserves the right to take action on any content or behavior that they believe is harmful or inappropriate, even if it doesn't explicitly violate a listed guideline.

That said, it's important to note that Substack does not make exceptions for content that promotes hate speech, harassment, violence, or any form of discrimination. They also do not allow content that infringes on others' rights, including copyright and privacy rights. Ultimately, while there may be some flexibility in how guidelines are enforced, the platform's overarching goal is to maintain a safe and respectful community.

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