Identifier for Advertisers

What is the Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA)?

The Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) is a unique, random device identifier assigned by Apple to every iOS device. It functions similarly to web cookies and allows advertisers to:

• Track user engagement with ads using the Identifier for Advertisers.
• Measure campaign performance effectively.
• Monitor post-install activity.
• Create personalized ad experiences tailored to users.

Unlike browser cookies, which have short lifespans, the Identifier for Advertisers persists until a user either manually resets it or enables Limit Ad Tracking (LAT). LAT is a privacy feature introduced in 2016 that zeros out the IDFA string when activated.

The Evolution of  IDFA Post iOS 14

Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework, launched with iOS 14.5, significantly altered the advertising landscape by:

1. Shifting from opt-out to opt-in tracking (current global opt-in rate ~46%).
2. Requiring explicit user permission through pop-up prompts.
3. Limiting advertisers’ access to device-level data.
4. Introducing SKAdNetwork (SKAN) as a privacy-focused alternative to the Identifier for Advertisers.

Key Impacts of ATT on Advertising:

• Reduced measurement accuracy for campaigns that rely on IDFA.
• Challenges in audience targeting and ad personalization.
• Increased difficulty in detecting ad fraud.
• Greater reliance on probabilistic models and aggregated data.

How GeeLark Enhances IDFA Management for Advertisers？

GeeLark’s antidetect phone technology provides unique solutions for advertisers navigating the challenges presented by changes to IDFA:

1. Isolated Testing Environments

GeeLark allows the creation of multiple cloud phone profiles with distinct IDFA simulations to test:

• Different user consent states (opted-in vs. opted-out).
• Various attribution scenarios.
• Campaign performance across different segments.

2. ATT Prompt Bypass for Seamless Testing

GeeLark’s virtual environments empower advertisers to:

• Test campaigns without triggering iOS pop-ups related to IDFA.
• Evaluate user flows without interruptions from ATT.
• Analyze conversion paths in controlled testing settings.

3. Comprehensive Attribution Analysis

Measure and compare:

• SKAdNetwork (SKAN) performance metrics.
• Post-IDFA campaign effectiveness.
• Conversion rates across various privacy scenarios related to IDFA.

IDFA vs. GAID: Key Differences

While both IDs serve as advertising identifiers, Apple’s IDFA and Google’s GAID (Google Advertising ID) have significant differences:

Feature	IDFA (Apple)	GAID (Google)
User Control	ATT opt-in required	Opt-out available
Reset Mechanism	Via Privacy settings	Via Google settings
Future Status	Limited but available	Being phased out
Replacement	SKAdNetwork	Privacy Sandbox
Personalization	Restricted post-ATT	Currently more flexible

Best Practices for Advertisers in a Post-IDFA World

1. Embrace SKAdNetwork:
   • Understand the hierarchical source identifiers in SKAdNetwork.
   • Properly configure conversion value endpoints.
   • Collaborate with MMPs that support SKAN 4.0 features.
2. Implement Privacy-First Solutions:
   • Explore GeeLark’s cloud phone technology for testing that complies with privacy regulations.
   • Consider cohort-based analysis methods to respect the Identifier for Advertisers.
   • Evaluate data clean room solutions.
3. Diversify Measurement Approaches:
   • Combine SKAN data with probabilistic modeling.
   • Implement media mix modeling (MMM).
   • Conduct incrementality tests to validate impact.
4. Optimize User Experience:
   • Craft compelling messaging for ATT prompts.
   • Provide clear value propositions for tracking consent.
   • Respect user privacy choices in all communications about the Identifier for Advertisers.

Conclusion

The advertising landscape continues to evolve rapidly alongside increasing privacy regulations. While the Identifier for Advertisers remains available (with limitations), forward-thinking advertisers must adapt by leveraging tools like GeeLark’s antidetect phone technology to test and optimize campaigns in a privacy-compliant manner. By integrating innovative solutions such as SKAdNetwork with robust testing environments, marketers can successfully navigate the post-IDFA landscape while respecting user privacy.

People Also Ask

How to find your advertising ID?

Here’s how to find your Advertising ID on Android and iOS:

1. Android (GAID)
   • Open Settings > Google > Ads.
   • Tap Your advertising ID (e.g., ABCD-1234-EF56).
   • Reset it with Reset advertising ID if needed.
2. iOS (IDFA)
   • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.
   • Toggle Allow Apps to Request to Track (IDFA appears only if enabled).
   • Check individual app permissions below

What is an example of an advertising ID?

Here’s an example of an advertising ID for both major platforms:

1. Apple (IDFA)
   • Format: 8-4-4-4-12 uppercase alphanumeric
   • Example:A1B2C3D4-E5F6-7890-G1H2-I3J4K5L6M7N8
2. Android (GAID)
   • Format: 8-4-4-4-12 lowercase alphanumeric
   • Example: abcd1234-5678-90ef-gh12-ij34klmnop56

Key Notes:

• Unique per device, resettable by users.
• Used for ad targeting/attribution (e.g., linking app installs to ads).
• Privacy changes (iOS ATT/Android Privacy Sandbox) limit access.

What is an identifier in marketing?

An identifier in marketing is a unique piece of data used to track and recognize individual users or devices across campaigns.

Common Types:

1. Device IDs (e.g., IDFA, GAID) – Tracks mobile app interactions.
2. Cookies – Follows web activity (e.g., Google Analytics).
3. Email Hashes – Identifies logged-in users.

How do I find my iOS advertising identifier?

Here’s how to find your iOS Advertising Identifier (IDFA) in 3 steps:

1. Open Settings → Tap Privacy & Security → Select Tracking.
2. Toggle “Allow Apps to Request to Track” (must be enabled).
3. Check individual apps below for IDFA access permissions.

Note:

• If tracking is off, apps receive 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000.
• Reset IDFA: Go to Settings → Privacy → Apple Advertising → Reset Advertising Identifier.