Patreon allows creators to share AI-generated works, with different rules based on whether a page is categorized as Safe for All Audiences or Adult/18+. This distinction ensures compliance with Patreon policies, as well as requirements from payment partners. This article clarifies these policies, focusing specifically on the differences between hyperrealistic and illustrated/animated figures.
AI-generated works on Safe for All Audiences pages
If your account is categorized as Safe for All Audiences, AI-generated depictions of people are permitted as long as they do not contain nudity, sexual activity, or related adult/18+ material. These works must comply with Patreon’s Community Guidelines.
AI-generated works on Adult/18+ pages
TLDR: If your account is categorized as Adult/18+:
- AI-generated depictions of people that are illustrated/animated are permitted
- AI-generated hyperrealistic depictions of people are permitted only if the people are real and have documented their explicit consent (see “Age verification and consent documentation” for details)
As a reminder, all works on your page must comply with Patreon’s Sexually Gratifying Works policy and Patreon’s Community Guidelines broadly.
Distinctions between illustrated/animated and hyperrealistic AI
To help Adult/18+ creators distinguish between illustrated/animated and hyperrealistic AI-generated images, below you’ll find visual examples and descriptive characteristics.
What do we mean by “illustrated/animated?”
AI-generated works that are illustrated/animated deviate from reality in terms of visual representation; they present as distinct artistic interpretations rather than having the appearance of real-life photography. In practice, the depicted figures may have characteristics such as:
- Stylized, exaggerated, or distorted features (e.g., anime-, comic-, or cartoon-style or aesthetics)
- Flat or painterly appearance (e.g., visible brush strokes, less emphasis on intricate texture details)
What do we mean by “hyperrealistic?”
AI-generated depictions are considered hyperrealistic if the characters are highly detailed and lifelike; the appearance closely mimics a real human. These images typically include:
- Three-dimensional composition (e.g., high resolution, intricate backgrounds, and foregrounds)
- Anatomical consistency with a human (e.g., not part-robot or part-animal)
- Mimicking natural lighting and movement
- Detailed texture (e.g., visible skin pores, wrinkles, individual eyelashes, lifelike shadows)
As AI technology evolves, Patreon remains committed to ensuring its policies are clear, enforceable, and adaptable to new developments. If you have questions about how these guidelines apply to your works, we encourage you to review Patreon’s full Community Guidelines.