If you’re an Adult/18+ creator using Patreon’s commerce tools to sell downloadable media—like images, videos, audio files, or zines—it’s important to understand how public previews work and what’s allowed.
When you add a product to your Shop, the preview image and description are publicly visible—even to people who aren’t logged in, don’t follow you, or haven’t paid. Think of it like a storefront window: fans can browse your Shop and view previews before deciding whether to buy.
These previews are considered public, just like a post that isn’t paywalled, and must follow Patreon’s Community Guidelines.
Age gate ≠ Public Preview protection
Marking your page as Adult/18+ helps ensure that users under 18 can’t follow or access your page—but it does not mean that all material on your page can include uncensored nudity or explicit material.
Public-facing material, like product previews or public posts, must still follow all safety and guidelines—regardless of your age setting.
That means:
- Nudity and sexually explicit material are never allowed in previews
- Public previews must be safe for general audiences
- These rules apply even if the full product is behind a paywall. For example, even if you're selling a downloadable image behind a paywall, the preview shown on your Shop is still public—and must not include nudity or sexually explicit works
These standards help keep Patreon safe for all users and ensure we stay compliant with our payment partners.
What not to include in public previews
Preview images for posts, collections, or digital products must not include nudity or sexually explicit material.
Tips for effective (and compliant) previews
Think of your preview as a teaser trailer—not the full film. Here are some smart, policy-safe ways to preview your product:
- Use a blurred or cropped version of your work
- Create a graphic or cover image that hints at what’s inside
- Use text or titles to set expectations; you’re permitted to indicate that explicit material is included for purchase on your page
- Add mood-setting imagery that reflects your aesthetic—without being explicit
Why this matters
Patreon works with trusted payment partners to power your sales. These partners require that all public-facing works remain free of nudity and explicit imagery—and that includes previews.
Violations of these policies may lead to:
- Product removal
- Shop visibility issues
- Account restrictions
Following these guidelines helps protect your account and ensures continued access to Patreon’s commerce tools.
Still have questions?
If you’re unsure whether a specific preview is okay, or if you’ve received a policy warning and need clarification, you can contact our support team or review Patreon’s Community Guidelines or Commerce Guidelines.