In some countries, broadcasting of softcore films is widespread on cable television networks, with some such as Cinemax producing their own in-house softcore films and television series. At least one country, Germany, has different age limits for hardcore and softcore pornography, softcore material usually receiving a FSK-16 rating (no one under 16 allowed to buy) and hardcore material receiving a FSK-18 (no one under 18 allowed to buy). Also, the exhibition of such films may be restricted to those above a certain age, typically 18. As with hardcore films, availability of softcore films varies depending on local laws.
In most countries softcore films are eligible for movie ratings, usually on a restricted rating, though many such films are also released unrated. Softcore films are commonly less regulated and restricted than hardcore pornography, and cater to a different market. Total nudity is commonplace in several magazines, as well as in photography and on the Internet. The softcore version may, for example, be edited for the in-house hotel pay-per-view market. Pornographic filmmakers sometimes make both hardcore and softcore types of a film, with the softcore version using less explicit angles of sex scenes or using the other techniques to "tone down" any objectionable feature. Portions of images that are considered too graphic and may be hidden in a variation of ways, such as the use of covered hair or clothing, particularly positioned hands or other body parts carefully positioned foreground elements in the scene (often plants, pillows, furniture, or drapery) and carefully chosen camera angles. Commercial pornography can be differentiated from erotica, which has high-art aspirations. Depictions of erections of the penis may not be allowed (see Mull of Kintyre Test), although attitudes towards this are ever-changing. It does not contain explicit depictions of sexual penetration, cunnilingus, fellatio, or ejaculation. Softcore pornography may include sexual activity between two people or masturbation.