We Analysed the 527,350 Facebook Ads placed by the US Presidential Candidates. Here Are The Results.

Using the Facebook Ad Library API to reveal how each candidate is using social media to attract voters.

In March 2019, Facebook launched the Ad Library — a direct response to the Cambridge Analytica scandal that hit the platform in early 2018.

The Ad Library is a place where anyone can see ads placed by any Facebook page. Currently this is available for ads relating to social, political, or electoral issues.

The data can be accessed programmatically through the Ad Library API. At Applied Data Science Partners, we use this open data to generate insight and shine light on how advertisers are using Facebook to influence voters. If you’re interested in receiving this analysis on a regular basis, please do get in touch.

One area of particular relevance and interest is the US 2020 Presidential campaign. In this post, we shall explore the spend of each candidate.