Patreon’s Policy Team is committed to empowering creators to share their works with the world. The Creator Policy Engagement Program (CPEP) enables Patreon to foster transparency and an open dialogue with creators about policy development and ensure that Patreon’s guidelines are as modern, inclusive, and creator-first as possible. CPEP’s unique model involves consistent communications with creators related to policy in which the team proposes the policy updates under consideration and asks for direct feedback before they are finalized. To gather this community input, the team hosts frequent policy livestreams, creator office hours, small group discussions, and facilitates email correspondence. The Policy Team then leverages this input to help inform the policy updates that become finalized. Creators and fans can contact the Policy Team at CreatorPolicy@Patreon.com. For questions related to Trust & Safety, click here and select “I have a question about Community Guidelines.”

Patreon was built for creators, not for enabling or facilitating violence or harm.

Patreon strictly prohibits terrorism and violent extremism on the platform. Works that praise, support, or represent dangerous organizations or affiliated individuals will be removed from Patreon. Such groups include, but are not limited to:

Terrorists or terrorist organizations: Non-state actors that commit, advocate for, or support acts of violence against civilians for political, religious, or ideological aims.

Organized hate groups: Current or historical groups organized to promote ideologies including, but not limited to anti-LGBTQ, anti-Muslim, antisemitism, fascism, male supremacy, white nationalism, or white supremacy.

Criminal organizations: Groups or associates engaged in criminal activity or enterprises including, but not limited to violent crimes (e.g. torture, homicide), kidnapping, trafficking (e.g. humans, drugs, firearms), or financial crimes (e.g. money laundering, extortion, scams, fraud).

Actively involved in armed conflict: Armed militias or other groups that are actively involved in conflict, military training, or the procurement of military equipment; individual perpetuators of mass violence.

Works referencing dangerous organizations or individuals in neutral or condemnatory contexts (e.g. journalistic, historical, educational) are permitted.

If you come across a violation of Patreon’s Dangerous Organizations guidelines, please report it.

Creators and fans are empowered to express themselves, though not at the expense of anyone else’s safety or privacy.

Harassment, whether online or in the real world, harms people physically and psychologically. Although Patreon encourages people to share critical opinions and discuss controversial issues on the platform, safety is our top priority. Harassment and related abusive behaviors are not tolerated.

Bullying

Behavior, language, or creative works that bully individuals are prohibited on Patreon. Acts that qualify as bullying include, but are not limited to, threatening violence to intimidate, mockery based on sexual history or status as a survivor of sexual assault, sharing degrading photos or videos, and derogatory photoshopped images. To enable users to freely discuss topics relevant to the public interest (e.g. debates about current or newsworthy events or controversial issues), Patreon permits critical commentary directed at public figures and officials (e.g. political candidates, government officials, celebrities). Works that pose risk to the public figure’s physical safety and/or violates other Patreon policies (e.g. hate speech, sexual exploitation), however, are not permitted.

Dogpiling

Dogpiling is a form of harassment in which a group of people attack an individual online to intimidate or humiliate them. Patreon prohibits creators and fans from engaging in or encouraging dogpiling.

Doxxing

Doxxing is a form of harassment in which someone shares an individual’s personally identifiable information (e.g. home address, phone number, bank account information, medical information) online without consent. This abusive act can lead to on- and offline harms against the individual such as stalking, emotional distress, physical harm, job loss, and identity theft. Patreon prohibits creators and fans on the platform from engaging in or encouraging doxxing. Exceptions to this policy may include someone publishing their own personally identifiable information, publishing someone else’s personally identifiable information with the individual’s consent, and sensitive information from documents properly in the public domain (e.g. court filings, press releases, news articles).

Non-consensual intimate imagery

Patreon has zero tolerance for works featuring non-consensual intimate imagery, which is defined as sexual or pornographic imagery of an individual or individuals made and/or distributed without their consent. Works which relate to non-consensual intimate imagery in the form of survival stories, educational resources, and/or advocacy, however, are permitted. If you are a victim of this behavior and feel your wellbeing is at risk, we recommend you contract local law enforcement as well. If you are addressing a situation involving non-consensual intimate imagery in which you hold copyright rights, we strongly advise that you report that to us here instead of submitting a notification of claimed copyright infringement. Notifications of claims copyright infringement may be forwarded to the person responsible for contributing the accused material and may be posted publicly.

Swatting

Swatting is the act of making a false report to emergency services or law enforcement (e.g. bomb threat, hostage situation, active shooter report). Swatting, encouraging others to engage in swatting, and/or promoting swatting in general is extremely dangerous and prohibited on Patreon. Exceptions to this policy include testimonials or storytelling from those who have been targeted by swatting attempts.

Threats and inciting violence

Patreon treats threats and incitements of violence or physical harm with the utmost seriousness. Prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to organizing or disclosing aspirational, conditional, or credible plans for a violent act; soliciting advice for, advocating for, or threatening the safety of public or private individuals. Any creator or fan exhibiting these behaviors will be removed from the platform. Exceptions to this policy include non-literal threats that are figurative or humorous (e.g. “My brother forgot my birthday, I’m going to kill him!”).

Username profanity

Although profanity is generally permitted on Patreon, including within creator or fan usernames that do not violate any other guidelines, username profanity may not be directed at or against another person or group.

If you come across a violation of Patreon’s Harassment guidelines, please report it.

The safety and wellbeing of Patreon’s community is paramount.

Patreon prohibits works focused on promoting dangerous or self-destructive topics (e.g. high-risk acts and challenges, disordered eating, suicide, self-harm or self-injury) that pose risk to the physical, mental, or emotional health of those on the platform. However, raising public awareness is important, and Patreon empowers individuals on the platform to detail personal experiences with these topics in a safe manner. Also permitted are works displaying or discussing aesthetic or medical body modification unrelated to self-harm or self-injury (e.g. piercings, tattoos, gender affirming surgery, plastic surgery, scarification).

Patreon regularly consults academic and industry experts to help inform our guidelines, enforcement, and resources related to these challenging topics. If you or someone you know are struggling, we strongly encourage you to contact local emergency services or a hotline.

Dangerous acts and challenges

Promoting, normalizing, glorifying, coordinating, or otherwise providing instructional advice about acts or challenges that pose an imminent risk of serious injury or death is prohibited on Patreon. Creators who are posting dangerous stunts should include a clear disclaimer discouraging imitation of their behavior. Works involving dangerous acts and challenges that have a community support or educational focus, or are part of a greater narrative, are permitted.

Disordered eating

Promoting, normalizing, providing instructional advice about, coordinating, or otherwise glorifying disordered eating or related topics is prohibited on Patreon.

Examples of disordered eating works include, but are not limited to: extreme low-calorie diets, imagery of someone making themselves vomit, and imagery focused on ribs, thigh gaps, concave stomachs, and so forth. Works involving force feeding (e.g. feeding someone against their will) are also not permitted on Patreon.

Works involving disordered eating, force feeding, and related topics that have a community support or educational focus, are part of a greater narrative, or are otherwise contextualized in a manner that abides by Patreon’s guidelines are permitted. Also permitted are works that promote body positivity, eating competitions, medical surgeries, and health, fitness, or lifestyle works.

Suicide, self-harm, and self-injury

Promoting, normalizing, providing instructional advice about, coordinating, or otherwise glorifying suicide, self-harm or self-injury, or related acts is prohibited on Patreon. This policy includes imagery of someone engaging in the act, the aftermath of the act, and/or associated paraphernalia (e.g. razor blades, bandages), as well as text and audio works. Works involving suicide, self-harm or self-injury and related challenges that have a community support or educational focus, are part of a greater narrative, or are otherwise contextualized in a manner that abides by Patreon’s guidelines are permitted.

If you come across a violation of Patreon’s Harmful Acts guidelines, please report it.

Creativity, connection, and self-expression thrive in inclusive environments where everyone’s differences are respected.

Although we welcome diverse viewpoints and debates, there is no room for hate speech on Patreon. We define hate speech as serious attacks against a person or group based on the following characteristics: caste, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, race, religion, serious medical condition, sex, or sexual orientation. Attacks may include (but are not limited to) dehumanizing language, harmful slurs or stereotypes, and calls for violence, exclusion, or segregation.

In a review of a potential hate speech violation, questions like the following may be considered:

• Did they call for violence against someone based on one or more characteristics listed above?
• Did they use dehumanizing language to describe someone based on one or more characteristics listed above?
• Did they use racial slurs or harmful stereotypes against someone based on one or more characteristics listed above?
• Did they mock or deny the experience of victims of hate crimes or genocide such as the Holocaust?
• Did they engage in legitimate political commentary, such as a discussion or debate about immigration policy, or did they target people on the basis of immigration status?
• Did they offer legitimate criticism of a State, institution, or belief, or did they use code words or proxies to attack people based on one or more characteristics listed above?

If you come across a violation of Patreon’s Hate Speech guidelines, please report it.

Activities and goods funded and promoted on the platform must be lawful.

Patreon is not intended to be used to facilitate or raise funds for activities related to illegal or regulated initiatives or topics such as those listed below.

Criminal activity

Creators engaged in criminal activity including, but not limited to violent acts (e.g. murder, sexual violence or exploitation, assault, domestic violence, child or animal abuse), hate crimes, property crimes (e.g. vandalism, arson), or engagement with criminal organizations (e.g. drug cartels, gangs) are not permitted on Patreon.

Non-criminal violent acts, including but not limited to consensual violence (e.g. MMA fights, BDSM), legally permitted violence (e.g. self-defense), or legal hunting (e.g. deer hunting) are permitted on Patreon. Street art is also permitted.

Individuals convicted of criminal activity who have fulfilled the terms of their sentence may share works on Patreon as long as the works do not instruct others how to partake in criminal activity.

Cryptocurrency, financial advice, company equity, and MLM

Cryptocurrency: Patreon was not designed to help creators launch an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) or create an investment scheme. Coins may not be offered as part of an investment scheme or for the purpose of direct financial benefit. Creators also may not offer discounts, coupons, or vouchers for cryptocurrency.

Works related to cryptocurrency are permitted (e.g. journalistic investigations, historical documentation, consumer education) as long as they do not violate other guidelines. Creators may offer digital tokens as part of a membership tier as long as those tokens provide access to exclusive creator benefits.

For more information regarding creator coins and tokens, please refer to this Help Center article.

Financial advice: Creators may not offer financial advisory services on Patreon in which they take over a member’s personal finances. Financial advice given on Patreon must be in compliance with the laws of the country where the creator is based. Patreon encourages consumers of financial advice content to consult with licensed financial professionals before making investment decisions.

Works involving speculation about financial outcomes are permitted as long as no financial reward is guaranteed.

Company equity: Creators cannot offer ownership in a business or company as part of a pledge through Patreon (e.g. “If you pledge $500 per month, you will own 1% of my company”).

Multi-level marketing (MLM): Building or facilitating a multi-level marketing initiative or offering MLM discounts or coupons is not permitted on Patreon.

Consumables and health

Alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking substances (e.g. wine, beer brewing kits, tobacco, cigars, vapes, e-cigarettes, rolling papers, cigarettes) may neither be sold nor offered as membership benefits on Patreon. Creators may not offer promotions, coupons, or other incentives to purchase or obtain these products. Instructional works related to these topics, however, are permitted (e.g. tutorials on brewing alcohol, growing tobacco, making cocktails,) as are educational or community-oriented resources for those seeking help for alcohol or smoking addiction.

Ingestible items: Ingestible items (e.g. food ingredients, spices, medications, vitamins, supplements), drug paraphernalia, and educational materials claiming to help cure disease may neither be sold nor offered as membership benefits on Patreon. Creators may, however, offer cooking recipes, tutorials on meal prep or meal planning, or topical items like lotions or perfumes. They may also discuss alternative medications or supplements as long as it does not pose a risk to health or safety.

Drugs: Selling drugs or drug paraphernalia is not permitted on Patreon. Creators may not share works depicting illicit drug use by real people (except in educational, medical, or journalistic contexts), encourage underage people to use drugs, or advocate for irresponsible use of drugs. Exceptions include recovery stories and fictional works that depict — but do not glorify — illicit drug use. Advocating for the legalization of drugs is also permitted on Patreon, as long as the creator or fan does not directly promote how to acquire the drug. Works involving discussions of the scientific or medical benefits of recreational drugs, educational content on how to safely use or stop using drugs, and educational content on the danger of drugs in general, are permitted on Patreon.

Gambling and raffles

Gambling: Patreon may not be used to provide or access gambling products or services (e.g. betting, lotteries, casino games, fantasy sports). Works for which monetary value (e.g. cash, digital currencies like bitcoin) is exchanged as a method of entry are also not permitted. Works involving speculation about sports outcomes are permitted as long as no financial reward is guaranteed.

Raffles: Creators are prohibited from requesting payment from fans for the chance to win something (e.g. raffle, giveaway, lottery) as part of a membership or community benefit. Creators seeking to offer fans a chance to win something must make the opportunity available to everyone on and off Patreon (i.e. may not restrict it to Patreon fans only) and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Human trafficking and exploitation

Patreon has zero tolerance for human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Creators and fans are prohibited from engaging in, promoting, or facilitating trafficking, including but not limited to sex trafficking and forced labor. Works or behaviors associated with these activities could result in account removal and being reported to relevant authorities.

Military and political funding

Military funding: Patreon may not be used to fund the procurement of weapons (e.g. guns, rockets, armor), or other military-related activity for armed or military forces or other groups actively involved in conflict. Patreon may be used to fund support for civilians impacted by conflict (e.g. humanitarian or medical aid relief), military service members (e.g. care packages, medical support), or physical trainings not connected to military or militia activity (e.g. survival skills courses, conditioning bootcamps).

Political funding: Patreon may not be used to directly raise money for political campaigns or associated activities or groups (e.g. political action committees, political parties, candidates). Raising funding for political or societal causes (e.g. equal rights campaigns, youth mentorship, gun violence prevention, democracy movements) is permitted.

Weapons

Bladed and edged weapons: Creators are not permitted to sell, distribute, or raffle off bladed and edged weapons (e.g. swords, daggers, knives, bayonets) on Patreon.

Firearms and explosives: Creators are not permitted to sell, distribute or raffle off firearms, explosives, ammunition, or related weapons on Patreon. They also may not offer discounts, promotions, coupons, or other incentives to purchase or obtain weapons, or create instructional works related to crafting weapons (e.g. 3D printed guns) or modifying weapons (e.g. using bump stocks to turn semiautomatic firearms into automatic firearms). Weapon-related content that does not violate other guidelines (e.g. uses in educational or historical contexts, illustrated content, fictional or illustrated depictions of firearm distribution, gun maintenance tutorials) is permitted on Patreon.

If you come across a violation of Patreon’s Illegal & Regulated Activities guidelines, please report it.

A culture of authenticity empowers creators and fans to confidently build community and support original art.

Creators on Patreon offer their fans original creative works and special benefits, such as exclusive access and creations, merchandise, and engaging community experiences. To promote authentic behavior and ensure a safe creative environment, Patreon prohibits people from misrepresenting themselves, employing fake accounts, or engaging in activities that facilitate other policy violations.

Authenticity

Creators may not offer fans works promoting inauthentic initiatives including, but not limited to tutorials for engaging in illegal activities (e.g. theft, hacking, piracy), third-party services that artificially inflate metrics (e.g. views, likes, members), or access to piracy software. Creators who are removed from Patreon also may not circumvent the proper appeals process so as to create a new campaign. Creators may engage with campaigns that organically request fans support their Patreon and/or provide tutorials for organically increasing fan engagement.

Deepfakes

Deepfakes are manipulated or digitally-altered audio, video, or image works that portray a person, event, or scene in a way that is not real or did not occur. Examples include, but are not limited to, superimposing an individual’s face onto a different body, or manipulating audio recordings to fabricate audio portraying a person saying something they did not say.

The following types of deepfakes are prohibited:

• Deepfakes that intimidate, bully, harass, incite violence against, or harm the reputation of one or more persons.
• Deepfakes that incorporate an individual’s image or likeness in sexualized contexts in which they did not partake.
• Deepfakes that use a public figure’s image, likeness, or voice to deceive through misrepresentative or fraudulent product endorsements, promotions, phishing, financial scams, and merchandise sales, among others. Deepfakes of public figures may be permitted, however, if they are satirical or parodic in nature, or focus on political or social commentary. Examples may include using humor, irony, sarcasm, exaggeration, or imitation to critique an individual, institution, or societal issue.

Election Misinformation

Updated October 2024: Patreon permits educational or journalistic works about elections, as well as discussions, opinions, or satire related to elections. However, Patreon does not permit unverified, misleading, or false claims of election fraud, candidate or voter eligibility, or works that encourage harmful behavior or mobilizing around election misinformation.

Impersonation

Patreons may not be devoted to deceptively representing the identity or brand of another person or entity. Examples of impersonation include, but are not limited to, deceptively using another person or entity’s name, username, bio, or photos, falsely claiming to be the person or brand’s “official” Patreon account, and disseminating works created by or associated with the person or entity.

Parodying, spoofing or expressing support in the form of a fan page for a brand or person is permitted if transparently disclosed on the page (e.g. in the name, username, bio, tiers). Patreon attempts to screen for fraudulent creator pages but cannot guarantee the identity of creators or the validity of any claims they make. To report a suspicious creator page, click here.

Intellectual property

Infringing on the intellectual property rights of others is prohibited on Patreon. For more, check out our Copyright & Trademark Policies.

Spam

Spamming others or distributing unsolicited advertising material is not permitted on Patreon.

If you come across a violation of Patreon’s Inauthentic Behaviors guidelines, please report it.

Patreon’s Adult/18+ category enables creators of works involving permitted sexual expression to connect with fans.

Works which are sexually gratifying or contain nudity and abide by all other guidelines are in many cases permitted on Patreon pages categorized as Adult/18+. The public-facing spaces (e.g. profile image, page banner, tier descriptions) of Adult/18+ Patreon pages must be free of sexually explicit material or nudity, real or animated, in any format: photo, video, written, or audio. Such works should reside behind the subscription wall to be accessible only by the creator’s fan community of paid members. 

Consent

It is paramount that Adult/18+ creators demonstrate consent in all works (real or animated; photo, video, written, audio) between adult participants or characters; specifically, a freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of consent by a statement or by a clear affirmative action. Additionally, participants and characters must be able to give consent (i.e. not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, hypnosis, blackmail). “Consensual non-consent” works, in which participants or characters engage in simulated non-consensual encounters, are not permitted. Accompanying a work that features a non-consensual encounter with a statement claiming that the encounter was consensual is a violation of Patreon guidelines.

Age verification and consent documentation

To comply with payment processor requirements, Patreon creators in the Adult/18+ category must complete a brief verification process to attest that they are at least 18 years old. Payment processing partners require Patreon to ensure that creators in the Adult/18+ category obtain written consent from real human participants visually featured in their creative works. Patreon developed this consent form, updated May 2024, for Adult/18+ creators to use for this purpose.

For more information on age verification or consent documentation requirements, visit Patreon’s Help Center.

Artificial intelligence

Specifically for AI-generated Adult/18+ works, hyperrealistic depictions of people must be of real humans who have documented their explicit consent (see “Age verification and consent documentation” for details). AI-generated Adult/18+ figures or characters that are animated or illustrated — as opposed to hyperrealistic — and otherwise comply with Patreon’s Sexually Gratifying Works policies, are permitted on Patreon. Criteria to distinguish between AI-generated figures or characters that are hyperrealistic as opposed to animated or illustrated include: Anatomical consistency with human features (e.g. not part-robot or part-animal), mimicking natural lighting and movement, detailed texture (e.g. skin pores, wrinkles, individual eyelashes, lifelike shadows), and composition (e.g. three-dimensional, high-resolution, with intricate backgrounds and foregrounds).

Accounts that primarily allow access to generators, tools, or software that use machine learning or AI technology to produce 18+ nudity or explicit imagery are not permitted on, and may not be funded through, Patreon. Offering fans access to AI-driven Adult/18+ chatbots, sexbots, or virtual girlfriend/boyfriend-type experiences that incorporate user-generated content (e.g. image generation or manipulation) is also not permitted.

Bestiality

Bestiality refers to sexual activities or relationships involving humans and animals.

Not permitted

• Sexual activity between a human and any animal that exists in the real world.
• Depictions or glorification of animal genitals.

Permitted

• Same-species sexual interaction between fictional or mythological creatures.
• Sexual interaction between a human and a fictional mythological creature that is more humanistic than animal (i.e. anthropomorphic, bipedal, and/or sapient).
  
• Animated depictions of sexual activity between anthropomorphic characters such as furries.
• Personal accounts or survival stories involving bestiality or educational or journalistic works about bestiality within a non-glorified context or narrative.

Sexually explicit deepfakes

Deepfakes are manipulated or digitally-altered audio, video, or image works that portray a person, event, or scene in a way that is not real or did not occur, often done to achieve sexual gratification.

Not permitted

• Editing or generating an image of a person in which their clothing has been removed or body artificially enhanced to emphasize body parts for sexual gratification (e.g. breast, buttocks, genitals).
• Generating a deepfake that incorporates an individual’s image or likeness in sexualized contexts in which they did not partake.

Incest

Incest refers to sexual activities or relationships between close relatives.

Not permitted

• Real or animated works (photo, video, written, audio) featuring sexual activity or role play interactions between family members who are blood relatives or part of the same immediate family (e.g. siblings, parents, adopted children, step-siblings, step-parents).

Permitted

• Sexual activity between members of a family who are not blood relatives (e.g. in-laws).
• Personal accounts or survival stories involving incest.
• Fictional plot points involving incest that are part of a larger narrative.

Pornography and nudity

Not permitted

• Pornography, defined as visual depictions (e.g. photos, videos) of human(s) engaging in sexual activities including but not limited to sexual intercourse, masturbation, or oral sex (e.g. genitals, sex toys, or related instruments inserted into anus, vagina, or mouth).
• Mouths, sex toys, or related instruments being used for the stimulation of certain body parts such as genitals, anus, breast or nipple (as opposed to hip, arm, or armpit which would be permitted).
• Simulations of oral sex or other sexual acts using fingers, mouth, tongue, or feet.
• Nudity depicting genital-to-genital contact among humans.
• Aroused human genitalia (e.g. erect penis or wet vagina, whether clothed or not).
• Drawing attention inside an anus or genitals by touching the surrounding area, bending, stretching, zooming in or cropping the image for non-medical or health-related reasons.
• Fetish works involving bodily fluids (e.g. blood, feces, semen, urine, vomit).

Permitted

• Human nudity that does not meet the above criteria.
• Non-visual depictions (e.g. written, audio such as ASMR) of sexual activity.
• Intimate activity that falls short of sexual activity (e.g. open-mouthed kissing, grinding, lap dancing).
• Nudity in medical, educational, or healthcare contexts (e.g. childbirth, breastfeeding, gender affirming surgery, mastectomy surgery, medical exams involving genitals); these examples are permitted not just in the Adult/18+ category, but the All Audiences category, as well.
• Animated or illustrated works (e.g. cartoons, comic strips, graphic novels) that depict nudity in sexual contexts as long as they comply with Patreon’s other guidelines.
• Massaging body parts other than genitals or anus (e.g. back, shoulders, breasts, buttocks).
• Storylines in which a sexual encounter is a plot point contributing to the larger narrative.

Sex tourism

Sex tourism refers to the practice of individuals traveling to a foreign destination with the primary purpose of engaging in sexual activities.

Not permitted

• Advice for how to locate sex workers in a particular location.
• Forums for sex tourism enthusiasts to share their experiences.

Permitted

• Educational or journalistic works about sex tourism within a non-glorified context or narrative.

Sexual violence

Patreon has zero tolerance when it comes to works, real or animated, that glorify non-consensual sexual acts such as rape, sexual assault, or coerced consent (e.g. under the influence of drugs or alcohol, hypnosis, blackmail). Personal accounts or survival stories involving sexual violence, however, are permitted.

Sexualized minor age play

Adult/18+ creators on Patreon are prohibited from producing or distributing any types of works in which they implicitly or explicitly portray themselves or other adults as minors in a sexualized context (e.g. Adult Baby Diaper Lover works that are sexualized, whether through nudity, crotch shots, closeups, or by using objects associated with infants, toddlers, or children as a sex toy, etc.).

If you come across a violation of Patreon’s Sexually Gratifying Works guidelines, please report it.

Patreon is committed to keeping the platform safe for teen users and free of works or behavior that puts young people at risk.

Age restrictions

Patreon is not directed to children, and you may not use Patreon if you are under the age of 13. You must also be old enough to consent to the processing of your personal data in your country (in some countries we may allow your parent or guardian to do so on your behalf). You must be at least 18 years old or have your parent’s or legal guardian’s permission to have a creator page on Patreon or to purchase an offering or subscription on Patreon. You must be at least 18 years old to subscribe to an Adult/18+ creator or purchase an offering related to such a creator. Creators must be at least 18 years old to create Adult/18+ works. Creators must also be at least 18 years old to share modeling or “posing” works that center on their appearance or body, and we may prompt them to provide documentation attesting to their age to confirm these restrictions are being upheld.

Zero tolerance policy

Patreon has zero tolerance for real or animated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) or other exploitative works depicting sexualized minors, regardless of how the works were created (e.g., hand-drawn, cartoon, text-based, hyperrealistic, or computer-generated, among others). Exploitative behaviors such as grooming or solicitation are also prohibited. Any Patreon user involved in attempts to harm or exploit minors will be removed and reported to appropriate authorities.

Adults misrepresenting as minors

Creators over the age of 18 are prohibited from using Patreon to produce or distribute any type of works featuring sexualized portrayals of themselves as minors, implicitly or explicitly.

Tools & resources

Teen creators who encounter abusive, harmful, or toxic behavior on Patreon can use our blocking and reporting tools. Additionally, Patreon partners with world-class organizations specializing in protecting minors online, such as The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Thorn, and the Tech Coalition.

If you come across a violation of Patreon’s Teen Safety guidelines, please report it.

This community deserves a welcoming environment free of disturbing depictions of suffering for gratuitous shock value.

To protect users from shocking or disturbing imagery, Patreon does not permit violent or graphic works, including the glorification of real-world violence or suffering. This policy applies to works featuring real humans as well as hyperrealistic representations of a human, regardless of how the works were created. Criteria to distinguish hyperrealistic from animated or illustrated depictions of humans include: Anatomical consistency with human features (i.e. not part-robot or part-animal), mimicking natural lighting and movement, detailed texture (e.g. skin pores, wrinkles, individual eyelashes, lifelike shadows), and composition (e.g. three-dimensional, high-resolution, with intricate backgrounds and foregrounds). Works deviating from reality in terms of visual representation (such as animations or illustrations) may possess elements of graphic violence as long as the violence is not glorified and the work complies with our other guidelines. If you believe someone is in imminent danger, please report the situation to local law enforcement immediately.

Prohibited works include, but are not limited to:

• Glorification of violence: Depictions, promotions, or celebrations of violent actions or actors. Examples include, but are not limited to praiseful or sadistic remarks about violent or disturbing works, encouraging others to engage or participate in violence, or showcasing footage of a violent or deadly attack.
• Human abuse: Works glorifying the infliction or aftermath of physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual harm on a person or group leading to suffering, pain, or death. Examples include, but are not limited to non-medical depictions of body parts or fluids, charred bodies, dismemberment, footage recorded during a violent or deadly attack, domestic or intimate partner violence, mass violence, or other physical abuse or torture.
• Animal abuse: Works glorifying the infliction or aftermath of physical, emotional, psychological or sexual harm on an animal or animals leading to suffering, pain, or death. Examples include, but are not limited to animal neglect, mistreatment, or cruelty, staged animal fights, the trafficking of livestock or animal parts, or depictions of animal slaughter outside traditional or standard practices (e.g. food preparation, lawful hunting, the practice of organized religion).

Permitted works include, but are not limited to:

• Fictional or dramatized works that do not glorify the violence and are accompanied by context or a statement informing viewers that the footage is not real.
• Documented or narrated storytelling such as True Crime podcasts, documentaries, or academic or historical research.
• Violence in an animated or simulated context (e.g. video games, comics, graphic novels in which the violence is not hyperrealistic).
• Testimonials or storytelling from survivors or victims of violence.
• Depictions of body parts in a medical, educational, or scientific context (e.g. post-surgery recovery, stitches, minor bruises, vaccinations, childbirth, sexual health).
• Violent or graphic imagery to raise awareness in a documentary or journalistic context (e.g. human rights abuses, armed conflicts, acts of terrorism).
• Imagery related to bodily piercings or tattoo art.

If you come across a violation of Patreon’s Violent and Graphic Works guidelines, please report it.