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Ad Codes

Quickly boost creator content using shareable codes—no formal partnership setup required.

Overview​

User Story: "A creator posted something great, but we don't have a formal partnership set up in the Business Manager. They just sent me a code."

Ad Codes provide a fast-track workflow for boosting specific creator content without establishing a formal partnership through the roles API. The creator generates a code for their post, shares it with you, and you exchange it for a media asset.

Workflow Summary​

When to Use Ad Codes​

ScenarioUse Ad Codes
One-off promotions without ongoing partnershipYes
Quick turnaround on trending creator contentYes
Testing creator collaboration before formal dealYes
Ongoing campaign with multiple postsNo, use Brand Partnership
Need to run ads as creator's profileNo, use Ad Partnership

Comparison: Ad Codes vs. Partnerships​

FeatureAd CodesBrand PartnershipAd Partnership
Setup RequiredNoneBRAND_LEVEL inviteAD_LEVEL invite
Creator ApprovalPer-post (code)One-timeOne-time
Content DiscoveryManual (code share)API endpointN/A
Multiple PostsNew code each timeAutomatic discoveryBrand creates content
Run as Creator Profile❌❌✅
Best ForOne-off boostsOngoing campaignsCreator endorsements

Best Practices​

For Brands​

  1. Claim Immediately: Claim codes as soon as you receive them, even if you're not ready to create ads yet
  2. Verify Expiration: Ask creators about the expiration duration when they share codes
  3. Test First: Create a small test campaign before launching large-scale promotions
  4. Communicate: Keep creators informed when you boost their content
  5. Track Performance: Share results with creators to strengthen relationships

For Creators​

  1. Choose Appropriate Duration: Use longer durations (30-60 days) for established partnerships
  2. Verify Brand: Only share codes with brands you trust
  3. Track Usage: Note which brands you've sent codes to
  4. Communicate Changes: Inform brands if you need to revoke a code before they claim it

Limitations​

LimitationDetails
Single UseEach code can only be claimed by one ad account
No DiscoveryYou can't search for available codes—creator must share
No Profile SwapAds run from your profile, not the creator's
Creator Can Revoke (Before Claim)Creator can invalidate unclaimed codes at any time
No RenewalExpired codes require creator to generate new ones

Implementation Tracks​

Choose the track that matches how you'll be working:

  • Marketing UI — Step-by-step walkthrough using Business Manager to claim and boost Ad Codes. Best for marketers managing one-off collaborations.
  • Developer API — Code samples and endpoint references for programmatic Ad Code claiming. Best for engineers building automated workflows.

Switch between tracks using the tabs below — Choose Marketing UI for manual workflows or Developer API for automated integrations.

Marketing Track

This workflow guides you through boosting creator content using Partnership Ad Codes in Business Manager.

Step 1: Creator Generates the Ad Code​

The creator must generate a Partnership Ad Code from within the Snapchat app for the specific Snap they want to allow for boosting.

Creator's Actions:​

  1. Open the Snapchat app and navigate to the Snap they want to share
  2. Tap on the More Options menu (three dots or context menu)
  3. Select "Partnership Ad Code" from the menu

Code Generation

  1. Choose an expiration duration from the available options:

    • 7 days
    • 30 days
    • 60 days
    • 180 days
    • 365 days

  2. Tap "Generate Code"

  3. The code appears in the format: adcode_[unique-id]

  4. Tap "Copy" to copy the code to clipboard

Code copy

  1. Share the code with the brand via email, DM, or other communication channel

Ad Codes are creator-controlled. The creator sets the expiration and can revoke the code at any time before you claim it. Once you claim the code, the media asset remains in your account even if the creator later revokes the code.

Step 2: Brand Navigates to Collaborations​

As the brand/advertiser, you'll import the code through Business Manager.

  1. Log in to Snapchat Business Manager
  2. Navigate to Creator Dashboard → Collaborations
  3. Locate and click the "+ Partnership Ad Code" button

add ad code

You can also access this via Ads Manager → Ad Account → Creatives → "Import from Ad Code" (if available in your interface).

Step 3: Input the Ad Code​

A modal window will appear prompting you to enter the code.

  1. In the "Partnership Ad Code" modal, paste the code string you received from the creator
  2. The code format should be: adcode_a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890
  3. Ensure the full code including the adcode_ prefix is included
  4. Click "Import" or "Submit"

paste ad code

If you receive an error:

  • "Invalid Code": Verify the code format includes the adcode_ prefix and no extra spaces
  • "Code Not Found": The code may have expired or been revoked by the creator
  • "Already Claimed": This code has already been used by another ad account (codes are single-use)

Step 4: Media Processing​

After submitting the code, Business Manager will begin processing the creator's content.

  1. The system displays a "Processing" status indicator
  2. Processing typically takes 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on video length and quality
  3. Once complete, the status changes to "Ready"
  • Images: Usually under 30 seconds
  • Short videos (< 30s): 1-2 minutes
  • Longer videos: Up to 5 minutes
  • If processing takes longer than 10 minutes, contact Snapchat Support

Step 5: Asset Available for Boosting​

Once processing is complete, the asset appears in your Collaborations library.

  1. The imported Snap now appears in your Collaborations list
  2. The asset shows:
    • Creator's name and profile
    • Thumbnail preview
    • "Ready" status badge
    • Duration (for videos)

Step 6: Create Ad from Asset​

Now you can boost the creator's content as an ad.

  1. Click on the asset in your Collaborations list
  2. Click the "Create Ad" button

asset ready

  1. This launches the standard ad creation flow:
    • The media is pre-populated as the creative
    • Select your Campaign (or create a new one)
    • Configure your Ad Set (targeting, budget, schedule)
    • Add your Headline and Call-to-Action
    • Configure Attachments (website URL, app install, etc.)
  2. Review the ad preview
  3. Click "Publish"

Ads created from Partnership Ad Codes will display:

  • Your brand's avatar and name in the ad header
  • "Paid Partnership" label
  • The creator's content as the media
  • Your brand as the advertiser

The ad does not run from the creator's profile. For that, use Ad Partnerships.

Step 7: Monitor Performance​

Once your ad is live:

  1. Review Status: Check Ads Manager for review status (typically 1-2 hours)
  2. Track Metrics: Monitor impressions, swipe-ups, and conversions
  3. Edit as Needed: Modify targeting, budget, or creative elements
  4. Duplicate: Reuse the asset in additional campaigns without needing a new code

Once you've claimed and processed an Ad Code, the media asset remains in your account permanently (unless the creator requests removal through Snapchat). You can use it in multiple campaigns without needing new codes.

Next Steps​

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