Introduction
User-generated content (UGC) refers to in-app content that users contribute to an app and is visible to at least a subset of other users of the app. UGC can be text, images, videos, audio, user profiles, usernames, and so on. UGC apps may include, but aren't limited to, social media platforms, dating apps, chat apps, e-commerce shopping services, business networking platforms, and so forth. An app doesn't need to be fully UGC to be subjected to the UGC policy. Any app which appears on Google Play with UGC content must adhere to the UGC guidelines whether the app is intended for all users or is access-restricted. (For example, employees only, students only, and so forth).
Here are a few examples of UGC:
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Consumer-generated reviews in a shopping app.
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Any content such as comments, media, streams, and posts submitted by users in a community, social media, or work app.
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Chat functions in a game app.
Comply with Google Play UGC policy
Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating an app that contains UGC. These tips are based on common issues and don’t necessarily cover everything in the policy.
1. Make sure to include the user policy
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UGC apps require users to access and accept the app's Terms of Service (ToS) and/or user policy before users can create an account and upload UGC.
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Make sure the ToS and/or user policy is complete, updated, and always accessible in the app or the app’s website.
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Ensure the ToS and/or user policy defines and prohibits objectionable content and behaviors in a way that's clear and compliant with all Google Play’s Developer Program policies.
Here’s an example of an incomplete or unavailable terms of service.
Select the blue icon in the top-right corner for an enlarged view.
2. Enable users to flag or report objectionable content, and flag, report, or block users
Make sure to provide a user-friendly, in-app system for reporting objectionable UGC, and take action against that UGC where appropriate. Any UGC apps or apps with UGC components must:
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Allow users to flag or report other users for potential violations.
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Allow users to flag or report potential violating content.
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Allow users to remove or block abusive users or users in general for any reason.
IMPORTANT: We don't mandate how UGC functionalities are labeled or implemented, but we recommend that you make these required features understandable, accessible, and designed in a way that will allow your users and our review team to easily and reasonably identify ALL the reporting mechanisms.For example, if you are combining some required functionalities into a single button or feature, or if you are layering these functionalities one behind another in some logic flow, make sure this is clearly labeled and structured in a way the user understands that all these features exist.
Note: For dating apps, ‘unmatching’ or ‘unfriending’ functions would constitute 'block user’.
Here is an example of an app where users are unable to flag or report objectionable content, and flag, report, or block users.
Select the blue icon in the top-right corner for an enlarged view.
Here is an example of an app where users are able to flag or report objectionable content and flag, report, or block users.
Select the blue icon in the top-right corner for an enlarged view.
3. Make sure the primary purpose of your app is compliant with Google Play Content policy
Apps whose primary purpose is to feature objectionable UGC will be removed or disallowed on Google Play. Similarly, apps that become used primarily for hosting objectionable UGC, or that develop a reputation among users of being a place where such content thrives, may also be removed from Google Play. It is your responsibility to ensure all user-generated content in the app is properly moderated and adheres to your guidelines and Google Play Content Policy.
Recap and resources
For apps that are fully UGC or contain any UGC components, consider these recommendations:
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Make sure to include user policy.
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Establish functionalities that enable users to flag or report objectionable content, and flag, report, or block users.
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