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Searching campaigns, ad sets, and ads using the search bar

Describes how the search input matches entities across all levels and affects visibility.

Igor Simovic avatar
Written by Igor Simovic
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Summary

The search bar provides instant text-based filtering across your campaigns, ad sets, and ads. Type any part of a name or ID to immediately narrow down your view. This helps you locate specific items in large datasets without needing to set up filters.

How It Works

Search performs real-time text matching as you type. It checks:

  • Campaign, ad set, and ad names

  • Hunch IDs and Meta (platform) IDs

The search is case-insensitive and matches partial text anywhere in these fields. Results update instantly across all three tabs: Campaigns, Ad Sets, and Ads and work alongside any active filters.

When you search at the campaign level and switch to Ad Sets or Ads, results show:

  • All child records of matching campaigns (e.g., ad sets belonging to a campaign named "Black Friday")

  • Plus any child records that themselves match the search term directly (e.g., ad sets also named "Black Friday")

This ensures a comprehensive view of both campaign structure and any direct matches across hierarchy levels.

Before You Begin

  • Make sure you’re in the correct workspace and account context

  • Confirm your search term (e.g. name or ID) is spelled correctly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Basic Search

  1. Click the Search bar at the top of the table

  2. Start typing any part of:

    • Campaign, ad set, or ad name

    • Hunch ID

    • Meta ID

  3. Watch the table update in real-time

  4. Results only include items that contain your search text

Searching Across Hierarchy Levels

  1. Begin on the Campaigns tab

  2. Enter a search term (e.g., "Black Friday")

  3. Switch to Ad Sets and you'll see:

    • All ad sets within campaigns matching "Black Friday"

    • Any ad sets that directly contain "Black Friday" in their name or ID

  4. Switch to Ads and you'll see:

    • All ads within campaigns matching "Black Friday"

    • Any ads that directly contain "Black Friday" in their name or ID

Combining Search with Filters

  1. Apply any filters first (e.g. Status, Ad Account)

  2. Use the search bar to narrow down the filtered results

  3. Results will only include items that meet both the filter and search criteria

Using Search for IDs

  1. Copy a Hunch or Meta ID

  2. Paste it into the search bar

  3. Matching item appears instantly, if it exists in the current view

Clearing Search

Delete all text in the search bar

Use Cases / Troubleshooting

  • Find campaigns by product name: Search for terms like "Black Friday" to see related campaigns

  • Investigate items from error logs: Paste a Meta ID to jump directly to the problematic campaign, ad set, or ad

  • Review seasonal campaigns: Search for "Q4" or similar naming patterns

Search not finding what you expect?

  • Check if filters are hiding results

  • Make sure you’re on the correct tab

  • Confirm you’re viewing the right workspace/account

  • Be aware that your current tab level affects what appears in the results

FAQs

Q: Does search look through all data or just visible columns?

A: Search checks names and IDs regardless of which columns are visible.

Q: Can I use wildcards or advanced operators?

A: No. Search uses basic partial text matching only.

Q: Why do results change when I switch tabs after searching?

A: If you search at the campaign level and switch to a child level (like Ad Sets or Ads), the results will include:

  • All children of campaigns matching your search term

  • Any child items that directly match the search term themselves

This dual matching approach ensures you see both campaign-related and independently matching results.

Q: Is search case-sensitive?

A: No. Search is case-insensitive.

Q: Can I search for multiple terms at once?

A: No. Search treats the input as a single phrase. To match multiple conditions, use filters.

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