# Overrides (/docs/paid-media/overrides)



Two columns on `project_ads_content` give you escape hatches against
the auto-scoring system:

| Value                  | Effect                                                 |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| `override = 'include'` | Always eligible. Bypasses the 4.0 threshold.           |
| `override = 'exclude'` | Never eligible. Forced ineligible regardless of score. |
| `override = null`      | Auto. Score governs.                                   |

Overrides are **per project** — the same `ads_content` row can be
`include` in one project and `exclude` in another.

## When to use `include` [#when-to-use-include]

* A paid-shoot creative you spent real money on; you want it always in
  the rotation.
* A high-performing UGC video with strong unit economics that you don't
  want subject to organic score decay.
* A regulatory-required disclosure card that must always run.

## When to use `exclude` [#when-to-use-exclude]

* A creative the optimizer keeps trying to use but is off-brand.
* A regional creative that shouldn't run in your default geos.
* A creative being held back for a launch date.

## Setting an override [#setting-an-override]

From the [creative library](/docs/paid-media/creative-library) detail
panel → **Override** dropdown.

Or from the ad's detail panel → **Creative** tab → **Override**.

## Bulk override [#bulk-override]

Creative library → select multiple → **Set override**.

## Audit [#audit]

Every override change is logged. View in the
[audit log](/docs/organizations/audit-log) filtered by
`action = 'creative_override'`.

## Limits [#limits]

You cannot override `safetyFailed = true`. A safety-failed creative is
permanently excluded — regenerate to fix.

You cannot override the optimizer's pause of an actively-running ad. To
keep an ad running, pause + reactivate manually after the optimizer
acts.