API and SDF integration

Both Structured Data Files (SDFs) and Display & Video 360 API support managing Display & Video 360 resources in bulk.

Each tool has its own limitations. Use the tools jointly to better your Display & Video 360 integration.

Download SDFs using the API

SDFs are generally downloaded in the Display & Video 360 UI. Downloads are initiated from parent resource pages and restricted to a single advertiser. SDF downloads in the UI can take a lot of time and manual effort.

Streamline this process by using the Display & Video 360 API to programmatically download SDFs. Read how to do so in our guide.

Look up SDF reference IDs using the API

SDF data uses numeric IDs to identify resources and some targeting values. Use Display & Video 360 API as reference material for the relevant resources:

  • Call the relevant GET method to look up ID found in downloaded SDFs.
  • Call the relevant LIST method to retrieve IDs that can be used in SDF columns.

Regularly get and cache reference data. Use cached data to read and set SDF data.

Find API services and methods in the API reference documentation.

Existing examples

Some IDs used by SDFs are not available in the Display & Video 360 API:

  • Affinity & In Market Targeting: Retrieve IDs for these audiences from the Display & Video 360 interface.
  • Conversion Floodlight Activity Ids: Retrieve Floodlight Activity IDs from the Display & Video 360 interface.
  • Inventory Source Targeting: Look up Exchange IDs in the SDF exchange reference. Retrieve Inventory source IDs and sub-exchange IDs in the Display & Video 360 API.
  • App Targeting: Retrieve App IDs from the relevant app platform.

Manage YouTube & partners resources using SDF upload

Display & Video 360 API doesn't support managing YouTube & partners resources. This must be done in the Display & Video 360 UI. It can be done individually by hand or in bulk by uploading an SDF.

Use the Display & Video 360 API when preparing SDFs:

  1. Use the Display & Video 360 API to retrieve YouTube and partners resources.
  2. Identify resources that to update.
  3. Download SDFs containing the resources to update.
  4. Modify the SDF programmatically.
  5. Send the modified SDF to a user for them to upload in the UI.

Read more on the SDF download guide and the SDF upload article.