Etsy New Changes 2024 - Listing Mature Content Policy Update

Today, we're diving into an important update from Etsy that's going to impact many of you, especially if you sell items that fall under the category of adult content.

Etsy is committed to maintaining a safe and delightful marketplace for users around the world. They've recently announced updates to their policies on adult nudity and sexual content, which will take effect on July 29, 2024. These New Etsy Changes 2024 are designed to protect the community while allowing for creative expression.

In this post, we'll break down the key changes and provide actionable tips on how to stay compliant. Let's get started!

Key Policy Changes Overview

Etsy's new policy focuses on several key areas:

1. Significantly Limiting Adult Toys and Sexual Accessories: Certain categories are now prohibited. It's crucial to review which specific types are allowed if listed appropriately.

2. Prohibiting Depictions of Sex Acts and Genitalia: Photos and photo-realistic depictions of these are not allowed, even if obscured in listing images.

3. Stricter Criteria for Mature Content Listing Images: Mature content cannot appear in public areas of your shop. The first thumbnail must be adequately obscured.

Detailed Breakdown

Let’s dive deeper into each of these changes and what they mean for your shop.

1. Adult Toys and Sexual Accessories

Etsy has narrowed down the types of adult toys that can be sold. Insertable items like dildos, vibrators, and anal plugs are prohibited. However, non-insertable items like restraints, handcuffs, and body harnesses are still allowed.

Actionable Tips:

• Review your inventory immediately. Make sure to remove any prohibited items before July 29 to avoid penalties.
• If you're unsure about an item, consult Etsy’s detailed guidelines or reach out to their support for clarification.

2. Depictions of Sex Acts and Genitalia

Etsy has banned photos and photo-realistic images of sex acts and genitalia. Non-realistic content like paintings and sculptures are permitted, but must be listed appropriately.

Actionable Tips:

• Use mannequins or flat lay photography instead of human models for adult items to ensure compliance.
• For non-realistic content, ensure there’s no sexual context like visible arousal or sexually suggestive posing.

3. Listing Images for Mature Content

Mature content must be tagged as such and the first thumbnail image should be suitable for general audiences.

Actionable Tips:

• Use censored or blurred images for the first thumbnail. Additional images can show the item fully, but make sure they comply with Etsy’s guidelines.
• Ensure mature content does not appear in public areas of your shop, including usernames, avatars, or shop home.

Compliance and Enforcement

Etsy will begin enforcing these changes on July 29, 2024. They’ll also be contacting sellers who need to update their listings. Here’s how you can prepare:

Actionable Tips:

• Regularly check your email for communications from Etsy and respond promptly to any requests for updates.
• Read through the new Adult Nudity and Sexual Content policy and the updated guidance for Listing Mature Content Correctly. Familiarize yourself with these documents to ensure you’re fully compliant.
• Make necessary changes to your listings now. Don’t wait until the last minute to review and update your items.

Final Thoughts

These New Etsy Changes 2024 are part of Etsy’s efforts to keep the marketplace safe and enjoyable for everyone. While change can be challenging, it’s also an opportunity to refine your shop and ensure it aligns with Etsy’s standards.

Actionable Tips:

• Engage with my Etsy seller community. Share your experiences and learn from others who might be facing similar challenges.  Join today on a trial 14 days for only £1
• Stay positive and flexible. Adapting to new policies is part of running a successful online business.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post helpful, please share it with fellow Etsy sellers. If you have any questions or need further clarification, leave a comment below, and we'll do our best to help you out.

Good luck with your Etsy shop, and stay tuned for more updates!

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