about > help > flags and community moderation

craigslist provides free and nearly instantaneous self-publishing for tens of millions of user postings each month, subject only to craigslist Terms of Use and posting guidelines.

The flagging system allows craigslist users to flag inappropriate postings for speedy removal, while preserving everyone's ability to express themselves freely and in a timely fashion.

Using the flagging feature at the upper right corner of each posting, you can take flag it as:

  • miscategorized - wrong category/site, discusses another ad, otherwise misplaced
  • prohibited - violates craigslist Terms of Use or other posted guidelines
  • spam/overpost - posted too frequently, in multiple cities/categories, or is too commercial

Free classified ads receiving enough negative flags are subject to automatic removal (one flag per person per ad is counted).

Forums postings and paid classified ads receiving enough negative flags are subject to staff review.

Ads reviewed by craigslist (e.g. adult services) suspected of terms of use violations can be forwarded to abuse@craigslist.org.

Posters whose postings are repeatedly flagged are subject to staff review and additional remedial measures.

You can also nominate funny or memorable postings for inclusion in "best of craigslist".

Millions of ads are removed through community flagging each month, of which 98-99% are in violation of craigslist terms of use or posting guidelines.

No moderation system is perfect, and 1-2% of ads removed through flagging are within our terms of use--but without the flagging system, craigslist would quickly become unusable.

If your ad has been flagged down and you'd like help figuring out why, visit our flag help forum and provide detailed information about your posting to the forum participants.

Flagged postings that meet craigslist guidelines and Terms of Use may be reposted, reworded as necessary.

Posted diatribes against flagging tend to get flagged off quickly.


Still have questions? try our help desk discussion forum or send us a note.