Troubleshoot MSN content rejections and moderation issues
If your content has been rejected or flagged by MSN, this page helps you understand common moderation triggers, how to appeal decisions, and how to align your posts with MSN’s publishing standards and prohibited content policies
Why was my article or video rejected?
All content is reviewed by a combination of automated and human moderation. Rejection typically occurs when content violates MSN’s publishing guidelines or contains prohibited elements such as profanity, gore, explicit material, or clickbait.
Important
Due to recent platform changes on YouTube’s side, MSN cannot currently moderate YouTube embeds. As a result, all YouTube 3PP videos submitted through feeds or article HTML will be rejected during ingestion. This issue affects a small portion of global content, but partners should avoid using YouTube embeds until further notice. We will update this guidance once support is restored.
Where can I see why my content was rejected?
In MSN Partner Hub, go to the Content tab and hover over “See details” next to the rejected item. This will show you the moderation reason and help you understand what needs to be fixed.
Can I appeal a rejected post?
Yes. Click the Appeal button next to the rejected item and provide a short explanation. A moderation team member will review the appeal and either approve the post or provide clarification for rejection.
What happens if my appeal is denied?
You cannot re-appeal the same post. However, you can revise the content to address the flagged issues and resubmit it as a new or updated post.
What content is prohibited on MSN?
MSN prohibits content with profanity in titles, explicit imagery, glorification of drugs or terrorism, hate speech, unverified medical claims, graphic violence, or sexual content. See the full prohibited content for detailed guidelines.
Why was my post flagged for being misleading or clickbait?
Clickbait headlines that misrepresent the article, exaggerate claims, or use phrases like “Never Eat This…” may be flagged. Ensure your headline aligns with the content and avoids sensationalized language.
Why is my content removed after initially being published?
If a published post is later flagged by users or MSN reviewers for violating guidelines, it may be taken down. This includes content later deemed misleading, plagiarized, or improperly attributed.
Can I post AI-generated content?
Yes, but all AI-assisted content must be reviewed by a human and flagged in your feed using <category><![CDATA[AI-Assisted]]></category> (RSS) or <category term="AI-Assisted" /> (ATOM). Unreviewed AI content is prohibited.
How long does a moderation appeal take?
Manual reviews typically take a few hours. You’ll be notified in MSN Partner Hub once the status changes to Published or Appeal Denied.