Terms of Service
Effective Date: October 2025
1. Who We Are
- EU/EEA: Velvet Technologies GmbH - datenschutz@velvetrituals.com
- India: Velvet Rituals India Pvt. Ltd. - privacy@velvetrituals.com
These entities are part of the Velvet Rituals Group (including subsidiaries, affiliates, current and future brands).
2. Definitions
- "Services": the Velvet Stories website, apps, connected-device integrations (e.g., Velvet Vibes + device sync), and any future AI or interactive features.
- "Content": all audio stories, scripts, voice performances, sound design, vibration patterns, software, text, images, graphics, and related materials.
- "User": any person accessing or using the Services (registered or not).
- "Account": a registered user profile used to access the Services.
3. Age Eligibility (18+)
Velvet Stories is an adult-oriented experience designed for individuals aged 18 years and above, or the legal age of majority in their country of residence whichever is higher. By accessing or using the Services, you confirm that: You meet the minimum age requirement; You have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement; and Your use of the Services complies with all applicable local laws and regulations.
We do not knowingly collect, store, or process personal data from individuals under 18. If we become aware that a minor has registered or provided information, we will promptly delete such data and restrict further access, as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
Velvet Stories promotes open and informed exploration of intimacy - always within the boundaries of responsibility, consent, and age-appropriate access.
4. Account Registration
To access the full experience of Velvet Stories including personalized recommendations, saved playlists, and premium content you'll need to create an account ("Account").
You can register directly on our website or app, or log in using your Velvet Vibes credentials for a unified experience across the Velvet Rituals ecosystem.
When creating an Account, you agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete information;
- Keep your login credentials confidential and secure;
- Be responsible for all activity under your Account; and
- Notify us immediately at stories@velvetrituals.com if you suspect any unauthorized access or misuse.
You may choose a pseudonym or screen name visible to others, but you must still provide a valid email address for verification and communication purposes.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that provide false information, engage in suspicious activity, or violate these Terms.
Your Account may also be used seamlessly across other Velvet Rituals services, offering a connected experience between Velvet Stories, Velvet Vibes, and future platforms.
5. Safety & Wellness
Velvet Stories is designed to inspire imagination, relaxation, and self-connection. While our content may explore themes of intimacy and sensuality, it is intended solely for entertainment and personal well-being.
The Services and Content do not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, and should never replace guidance from qualified professionals.
Please use Velvet Stories mindfully:
- Avoid listening while driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks requiring focus.
- Engage only in settings where you feel safe, private, and comfortable.
- If you listen with a partner, ensure mutual consent and respect for personal boundaries.
We encourage open, positive, and informed approaches to pleasure and self-care always within the limits of personal comfort and responsibility.
6. Subscriptions, Payments, Renewals, Cancellation
Certain features and premium content on Velvet Stories are available through paid subscription plans ("Subscription"). We believe in transparent pricing and flexible options designed for your comfort and choice.
- Subscription Plans - Velvet Stories currently offers monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual plans. Longer-term plans are priced at preferred rates to provide better value to our loyal listeners.
- Automatic Renewal - Your subscription will renew automatically at the end of each billing cycle, unless canceled before the renewal date. Renewal ensures uninterrupted access to all premium stories, playlists, and exclusive features.
- Payment Methods - Payments are securely processed through trusted providers, including Stripe (for international users) and Razorpay (for Indian users). We may add additional payment gateways in the future to enhance convenience. Where supported, transactions may appear under a discreet billing descriptor for your privacy.
- Managing Your Subscription - You can view, modify, or cancel your subscription at any time in your Profile → Membership Area. If you subscribed via the Apple App Store or Google Play, cancellations or plan changes must be made through your respective store account.
- Refunds - All subscription payments are non-refundable. You will continue to have access to the Services until the end of your paid period. Refunds are issued only where required by applicable law or at Velvet Rituals' sole discretion.
- Plan Changes - You can upgrade or switch plans at any time. Any new plan selected will begin immediately after your current billing cycle ends.
- Price Adjustments - We may adjust subscription prices periodically to reflect changes in content, platform costs, or market conditions. Any significant price change will be communicated to you in advance and will only take effect upon your next renewal.
- Payment Failures - If your payment method fails or cannot be charged, we may suspend access until the issue is resolved. We are not responsible for fees charged by your bank, credit card company, or payment processor.
7. Intellectual Property & License to You
All Content and the Services are owned by Velvet Technologies GmbH or its licensors and are protected by applicable IP laws. We grant you a limited, personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to access and enjoy Content for non-commercial use only. You must not record, copy, share, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from the Content without our written permission. All trademarks and brand elements belong to Velvet Technologies GmbH.
8. User-Generated Content (UGC) & Submissions
Velvet Stories celebrates imagination and creative participation. From sharing feedback and story ideas to submitting full scripts or recordings, we value the voices that help expand our world of storytelling.
By submitting any form of content to Velvet Stories (collectively, "User-Generated Content" or "UGC"), you agree to the following:
- What You May Submit - You may contribute story ideas, fantasies, or scripts ("Submit Your Fantasy"), audio recordings or voice performances, written pieces or reviews, feedback, ratings, comments, or any other materials shared through our platform.
- Your Responsibility - You confirm that you are the original creator or hold all necessary rights and permissions; that your submission does not infringe any third-party copyright, trademark, privacy, or moral right; and that your content is respectful, lawful, and consistent with these Terms. You remain solely responsible for the legality, reliability, and accuracy of everything you submit.
- License You Grant to Velvet Rituals - By submitting UGC, you grant Velvet Rituals and their affiliates a worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, transferable, and sublicensable license to:
- use, store, and reproduce your UGC;
- adapt, edit, or transform it for new stories, products, or formats;
- publish, distribute, and publicly perform it across the Velvet Rituals ecosystem, including web, mobile, and partner platforms;
- create derivative works or incorporate it into future experiences; and
- promote and commercialize it in any current or future media.
- Waiver of Rights - To the fullest extent permitted by law, you waive all moral rights and claims to royalties, credit, or future compensation related to your UGC. Each submission is deemed a voluntary contribution to the Velvet Stories creative ecosystem.
- Moderation & Removal - We reserve the right to review, edit, or remove any UGC that violates these Terms, legal standards, or community values; contains explicit personal data or defamatory material; or poses security or privacy risks.
- Amateur & Collaborative Programs (Future) - If you participate in programs such as Amateur Submissions, Become a Writer, or Become a Voice Artist, those programs may be governed by separate agreements. Unless otherwise stated in writing, all content submitted through such programs becomes the intellectual property of Velvet Technologies GmbH.
Velvet Stories is built on trust, creativity, and consent and your submissions help us keep that spirit alive.
9. Creator & Collaboration Programs (Writers / Voice Artists)
Velvet Stories is built in partnership with a growing community of writers, voice artists, and sound designers who bring imagination to life. From time to time, we may invite individuals to collaborate through formal programs such as "Become a Writer", "Become a Voice Artist", or other creative partnerships (collectively, "Creator Programs").
- Participation & Eligibility - Participation in any Creator Program is voluntary and subject to acceptance by Velvet Technologies GmbH or its affiliates. We may require verification of identity, sample submissions, or previous work before collaboration begins.
- Ownership of Works - Unless otherwise agreed in a separate, signed contract, all materials created or submitted within the scope of a Creator Program including scripts, voice recordings, sound designs, or derivatives - shall be deemed "works made for hire" and become the exclusive property of Velvet Technologies GmbH. Velvet Technologies GmbH retains all worldwide intellectual property rights, including reproduction, adaptation, distribution, and performance rights.
- Attribution & Credits - Where appropriate, Velvet Stories may display contributor names, stage names, or pseudonyms as part of published works. The form and placement of credits are at Velvet Technologies GmbH' sole discretion.
- Compensation & Royalties - Creator Programs may involve fixed fees, one-time honorariums, or royalty-based models. Specific terms, rates, and payment schedules will be defined in a written agreement at the time of engagement. No compensation shall be implied outside such agreements.
- Confidentiality - All participants agree to maintain confidentiality regarding any unreleased scripts, audio files, or platform-related information shared during collaboration.
- Use of Submitted Materials Outside the Program - Any content not accepted, commissioned, or published by Velvet Technologies GmbH remains the creator's property; however, the creator grants Velvet Technologies GmbH a non-exclusive right to evaluate, test, and temporarily store such submissions during the review process.
- Termination of Collaboration - Velvet Technologies GmbH reserves the right to terminate participation in any Creator Program at its discretion, with reasonable notice. Upon termination, all delivered and accepted works shall remain Velvet Technologies GmbH' property.
Through these programs, Velvet Stories aims to nurture creative voices and build a respectful, equitable space for storytellers and performers to flourish.
10. Devices & Connectivity
Velvet Stories is part of the wider Velvet Rituals experience, designed to blend immersive storytelling with responsive technology. Our stories can synchronize with compatible Velvet Rituals smart devices to create a multi-sensory journey through sound, rhythm, and touch.
- Connecting Your Device - You can connect your device using the Velvet Vibes App or by scanning a QR code displayed within selected stories. Ensure your device firmware and app are updated to the latest version for the best performance.
- Synchronization - When connected, your device may receive encrypted vibration pattern data or timing signals that correspond to the progression of the story. This synchronization is designed to enhance your personal experience and does not transmit or store any private or environmental data.
- Internet Requirement - A stable internet connection is required to stream or sync stories. Once connected, your device operates independently, executing the preloaded vibration pattern even if your internet connection drops temporarily.
- Manual Controls - At present, stories follow pre-designed patterns created by our creative and engineering teams. Future updates will allow users to adjust intensity, design custom patterns, or manually sync actions in real time.
- Privacy & Data Protection - All connectivity features comply with the Velvet Rituals Privacy Policy. Device communication is encrypted and never used to collect personal identifiers, voice recordings, or behavioral data.
- Troubleshooting - If your device fails to connect or sync properly: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone, Keep your device within pairing range, and Restart both the app and device if needed. For persistent issues, please contact stories@velvetrituals.com or support@velvetrituals.com.
- Third-Party Devices - Velvet Stories is optimized for Velvet Rituals products. Compatibility with third-party or modified devices is not guaranteed and may void any related warranties or safety assurances.
Technology should enhance, not interrupt, intimacy. Velvet Rituals devices are designed to work quietly in the background allowing you to stay fully present in your story.
11. Al & Interactive Features (Present/Future)
Velvet Stories continues to evolve, blending storytelling, emotion, and technology. Some current or future features may include Al-powered personalization, virtual companions, or interactive recommendations designed to enhance your listening experience.
- Nature of Al Features - Al functionalities including story suggestions, chat-based interactions, or adaptive experiences are intended solely for entertainment and self-exploration. They do not provide psychological, therapeutic, or medical advice.
- Data Use and Privacy - When you engage with Al features, your inputs (such as messages, preferences, or reactions) may be processed to generate personalized responses or content recommendations. All such processing follows our Privacy Policy, and any personal data is handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws (GDPR, DPDP Act, etc.). We do not sell, trade, or publicly disclose any personal data or Al interaction history. Where third-party Al services are used, they will operate under strict contractual safeguards ensuring confidentiality and security.
- Accuracy and Limitations - Al systems may occasionally produce responses that are approximate, stylized, or imaginative. While we continuously refine these technologies, Velvet Rituals makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, consistency, or suitability of Al outputs for personal interpretation.
- Opt-Out Options - If you prefer not to use Al-based features, you will be provided an option to disable or avoid them within the app settings. Your core Velvet Stories experience, including access to stories, playlists, and standard content remains unaffected.
- Future Enhancements - In the future, Al may enable interactive storylines, real-time device synchronization, or emotionally adaptive content. Any new feature involving AI will include clear user information and consent options before activation.
At Velvet Stories, our goal is to ensure that innovation always respects privacy, enhances comfort, and deepens connection never replacing the authenticity of human experience.
12. Acceptable Use (Prohibited Conduct)
Velvet Stories is designed as a space of imagination, respect, and emotional exploration. To maintain a safe and enriching environment for all users, you agree to use the Services responsibly and refrain from any misuse of the platform, its content, or its community.
- Acceptable Use - You may access and enjoy Velvet Stories for your personal, non-commercial use only. You agree to engage respectfully with the platform and its community, honoring boundaries of consent, privacy, and cultural sensitivity.
- Prohibited Conduct - You must not, under any circumstance:
- Infringe any copyright, trademark, privacy, or intellectual property rights;
- Upload, transmit, or share any unlawful, offensive, defamatory, harassing, hateful, or explicit content beyond what is contextually permitted within the platform's artistic expression;
- Collect or store personal data of other users without their consent;
- Reverse engineer, copy, reproduce, or distribute any part of the Services or content for commercial use;
- Attempt to access, hack, probe, or bypass any part of the platform's security or authentication systems;
- Disrupt or interfere with the Services using malware, bots, spam, or automated scripts;
- Impersonate Velvet Rituals staff, representatives, or other users;
- Use the platform to promote illegal activities, hate speech, or sexual exploitation;
- Upload or share content involving individuals under 18, or imply non-consensual scenarios of any kind, such material will lead to immediate account termination and may be reported to relevant authorities;
- Misuse device connectivity or Bluetooth functions to harass, disturb, or endanger others.
- Platform Integrity - We reserve the right to monitor, restrict, or suspend accounts that violate these Terms or any applicable law. Velvet Rituals also reserves the right to remove objectionable content at its discretion to protect users, brand integrity, and legal compliance.
- Respectful Environment - Our vision is to create a community rooted in consent, respect, and emotional safety. By using Velvet Stories, you agree to uphold these principles and contribute to a space where fantasy and creativity coexist with kindness and accountability.
13. Third-Party Links & Integrations
Velvet Stories may contain links, integrations, or references to third-party websites, platforms, or services such as payment providers, app stores, content partners, or social networks (collectively, "Third-Party Services").
- Independent Services - Third-Party Services are provided and operated independently of Velvet Rituals or their affiliates. We do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for any content, privacy practices, or terms associated with these external platforms.
- Your Responsibility - When you access or interact with any Third-Party Service, you do so at your own discretion and risk. Please review their respective terms of service and privacy policies before engaging with them, especially when sharing payment details, personal data, or creative content.
- App Store Policies - If you download or purchase through an App Provider (such as the Apple App Store or Google Play), your use of Velvet Stories may also be governed by that provider's rules, billing system, and refund policies. Velvet Rituals is not liable for any discrepancies or limitations imposed by those platforms.
- Payment Gateways & Data Security - Payments made through partners like Stripe and Razorpay are processed securely in accordance with their respective compliance frameworks (PCI-DSS, GDPR, etc.). Velvet Rituals does not store your complete credit or debit card details and never shares your financial information without your explicit consent.
- External Integrations (Future) - As Velvet Stories evolves, you may see integrations with wellness platforms, smart devices, or partner ecosystems. These will always be optional, transparent, and introduced with clear user consent.
While we collaborate with trusted technology partners, your privacy, safety, and experience always remain our top priority.
14. App Store Terms (Apple / Google)
If you download or access Velvet Stories through an app marketplace such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, your use of the app is also governed by that store's respective Terms of Service and usage policies.
- Relationship with App Providers - Apple Inc. and Google LLC act as third-party beneficiaries of this license agreement. This means they have the right to enforce these Terms against you concerning your use of the Velvet Stories app. However, your contractual relationship remains solely with Velvet Rituals.
- Compliance with Store Rules - You agree to comply with all applicable App Store or Play Store usage rules, including restrictions related to age, region, and payment policies.
- Refunds & Billing - If you purchased a subscription or premium feature through the Apple App Store or Google Play, any refunds, cancellations, or billing disputes will be handled according to the store's own policies. Velvet Rituals does not process refunds for transactions made directly through those platforms.
- App Maintenance & Support - Velvet Rituals is solely responsible for providing maintenance, updates, and support for the Velvet Stories app. Apple and Google have no obligation to provide any support or warranty for the app or its performance.
- Legal Compliance - By downloading the app, you represent that you are not located in a country under a U.S. or EU embargo and are not on any prohibited or restricted parties list.
15. Export Controls & Sanctions
By accessing or using Velvet Stories, you confirm that:
- You are not located in, under the control of, or a resident or national of any country or region subject to international sanctions or trade restrictions;
- You are not listed on any applicable denied-party, blocked, or restricted persons list issued by the European Union, the United States, the United Nations, or India; and
- You will comply with all applicable export control and sanctions laws and regulations, including those administered by the EU, Germany, India, the U.S. Department of Commerce (BIS), and the U.S. Treasury Department (OFAC).
Velvet Rituals products and digital services may not be downloaded, accessed, or used in any manner that would violate such export or sanctions laws.
By continuing to use Velvet Stories, you represent and warrant ongoing compliance with these requirements.
16. Copyright Notices & Takedown
We respect the intellectual property rights of creators, authors, and performers - and expect our users, partners, and contributors to do the same. If you believe that any material available on the Velvet Stories platform infringes your copyright or related rights, please notify us so that we can review and, where appropriate, remove or restrict access to the content.
To submit a copyright notice, please include:
- A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed.
- A link or detailed identification of the material on our platform that you believe infringes your rights.
- Your contact information (name, address, email, and phone number).
- A statement affirming that you have a good-faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
- A statement that the information you have provided is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.
Please send your notice to:
legal@velvetrituals.com
stories@velvetrituals.com (for faster review of story-related claims)
Upon receipt of a valid claim, we will promptly review the notice and take appropriate action, which may include removing or disabling access to the allegedly infringing material. For faster review of story-related claims, please use stories@velvetrituals.com.
Velvet Rituals reserves the right to notify the alleged infringer and provide them with an opportunity to respond under applicable law. We may terminate the accounts of users who repeatedly infringe the intellectual property rights of others.
17. Changes to Services
We are constantly improving Velvet Stories to create a more immersive and enjoyable experience. Accordingly, we may modify, enhance, suspend, or discontinue certain features, pricing plans, or functionalities of the Services at any time.
Where feasible, we will provide reasonable advance notice of material changes that affect access, pricing, or the way you use the platform. Some updates may require you to install a newer version of the app or agree to revised terms to continue using our Services.
We reserve the right to introduce new features including interactive experiences, voice submissions, or premium tools at our discretion. Your continued use of Velvet Stories following such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Services.
18. Changes to These Terms
We may update or revise these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our Services, technology, or applicable laws. When we do, the "Effective Date" at the top of this page will be updated.
For material changes that significantly impact your rights or access, we will provide advance notice for example, through email, in-app notifications, or announcements on our website.
We encourage you to review these Terms periodically to stay informed about how Velvet Stories operates. Your continued use of our Services after the updated Terms become effective constitutes your acceptance of the new version. If you do not agree with any revised Terms, you may discontinue using the Services at any time.
19. Indemnity
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Velvet Rituals and all associated subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:
- your unlawful use or misuse of the Services;
- any content, submission, or user-generated material you post that violates these Terms or infringes upon another party's rights; or
- any breach of your representations, warranties, or obligations under these Terms.
We reserve the right to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you, in which case you agree to cooperate fully in asserting any available defenses.
20. Disclaimers
The Velvet Stories platform, its content, and related services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without warranties of any kind express or implied.
While we strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and availability, we do not guarantee that:
- the Services will always be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free;
- the platform will function seamlessly across all devices, browsers, or operating systems; or
- any content or functionality will meet your specific expectations or technical requirements.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Velvet Rituals and their affiliates disclaim all warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. Your use of Velvet Stories is at your own discretion and risk.
21. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Velvet Rituals and their affiliates, partners, licensors, and employees shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to:
- loss of profits, goodwill, data, or business opportunities;
- interruption of service or loss of access;
- damage to devices or third-party equipment resulting from use of our Services or connected products.
By using the Services, you acknowledge and agree that your enjoyment of Velvet Stories depends on responsible use, compatible devices, and reliable network conditions - and that occasional interruptions or changes may occur as part of normal digital operations.
22. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms, and any dispute or claim arising from them or your use of the Services, shall be interpreted and governed in accordance with applicable law based on your region of residence:
- For users in the European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA): These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hamburg, Germany.
- For users in India: These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of India, and the courts located in Mumbai, Maharashtra shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.
We always encourage resolving matters amicably through our support and legal channels before initiating formal proceedings. Your statutory rights under consumer protection or data privacy laws remain unaffected.
23. Feedback
We deeply value your thoughts, ideas, and creativity - they help shape the future of Velvet Stories. By sharing feedback, suggestions, story ideas, feature requests, or other input ("Feedback") with us, you acknowledge that:
- Your Feedback is voluntary and offered without expectation of confidentiality or compensation.
- You grant Velvet Rituals and its affiliates a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable, transferable, and sublicensable license to use, adapt, reproduce, publish, or incorporate your Feedback into our products, services, and experiences without any obligation to credit or compensate you.
- This ensures that Velvet Stories can continue to grow and evolve through shared creativity and community insights.
24. General Terms
- Entire Agreement - These Terms represent the complete and exclusive agreement between you and Velvet Rituals regarding your use of the Velvet Stories platform, and they supersede all prior understandings or agreements, written or oral.
- Severability - If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.
- Assignment - You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. Velvet Rituals and its affiliates may assign these Terms freely in connection with a merger, acquisition, or corporate reorganization.
- Notices - We may communicate important updates regarding these Terms or the Services via email or through in-app or website notifications. Notices will be deemed received on the date sent or posted.
- No Waiver - Our decision not to enforce any right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Velvet Rituals.
25. Language / Translation
These Terms may be translated for convenience. If there is any inconsistency, the English version prevails.
26. Music Credits & Licensing
Velvet Stories incorporates background music and sound design from a combination of licensed, royalty-free, and Creative Commons sources. All music and audio content are used exclusively as part of the Velvet Stories creative experience and are not sold or redistributed independently.
Some compositions used within Velvet Stories are created by Sascha Ende (ende.app) and are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Tracks may have been edited for length, ambience, and synchronization within the audio stories.
Additional sound elements and music are sourced from:
- Pixabay Music Library, under the Pixabay Content License, which permits free commercial use and modification.
- Freesound.org contributors, including works by excuse, provided under Creative Commons licenses.
We deeply acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of these talented artists and sound creators whose work enhances the immersive experience of Velvet Stories.
27. Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you whether it's a question, collaboration idea, or simply a thought you'd like to share. You can reach us anytime through the channels below:
- General Inquiries: stories@velvetrituals.com
- Legal & Partnerships: legal@velvetrituals.com
- Privacy & Data Protection (EU/EEA): datenschutz@velvetrituals.com
- Privacy & Data Protection (India): privacy@velvetrituals.com
Our team aims to respond within 2-3 working days.
Velvet Stories is a space for imagination, emotion, and exploration. These Terms protect that space-so it remains safe, respectful, and inspiring for everyone.