Test: How Snapchat's Lifestyle Category Targeting Performs Vs Broad Targeting

At the suggestion of our Snapchat rep, we tested Snapchat's Lifestyle Categories that an account indexed strongly with to see how they performed relative to our standard broad targeting. 

Similar to our test on TikTok, we recently have been exploring Snapchat’s Audience Insights tool. Specifically, the tool gives advertisers the ability to see how an account indexes with Snapchats’s Lifestyle Categories. These interests include Sports Fans, Adventure Seekers, Meme Watchers, etc. At the suggestion of a Snapchat rep, we decided to test audiences that this account indexed strongly with to see how they performed compared to our standard practice of targeting broad audiences. 

Methodology

  • We ran a single campaign with ad set budgets optimized for In-App Purchases
  • Dates: October 6, 2021 - October 20, 2021
  • Total spend across the test was $13,878.48
  • Results were measured on a 1-day swipe attribution window
  • Each ad group had an equal daily budget and were using Auto Bid
  • Ad groups were split between Broad (no interest targeting), Investors & Entrepreneurs, Automotive Enthusiasts, News Watchers on Android devices only
  • All ad groups used the same creative

The Data

When we take a look at overall performance, broad targeting performed much stronger than the Lifestyle Categories that we selected for the test. In some instances Lifestyle Categories cost per purchases were 162% higher than our broad targeting. Interestingly, broad targeting wasn’t the lowest cost from a CPM perspective, being slightly edged out by the News Watcher audience. However, the lower conversion rate on that audience ultimately led to higher cost per purchases overall. 


Unfortunately, Lifestyle Categories weren’t able to beat broad targeting on any of the lower funnel conversion events we were tracking during this test. Although it was a relatively short test, we feel pretty confident in the results and were able to exit the Exploration Phase on each of these ad sets. 

Targeting Implications

Ultimately, we generally recommend that advertisers keep their targeting as broad as possible. It allows the algorithm the most room to both find efficiencies and scale. Focusing on iterative creative testing rather than targeting is the most effective way to increase performance of your advertising efforts. That being said, Lifestyle Categories might be worth testing if you have the time and budget. 


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