The Importance of Timestamps and Metadata in Ad Audits

If you show a client a screenshot of their ad, their first question might be: "When exactly was this taken?" If your answer is "Uh, sometime Tuesday morning," you have a credibility problem.

To turn a screenshot into a Verification Record, you need the "Who, When, and Where" of metadata.

1. Cryptographic Timestamps

A timestamp isn't just a label on a file; it's the heartbeat of your proof. AdShot Pro records the exact UTC time of every capture down to the second, providing an immutable record of execution.

2. URL and Path Metadata

Sometimes an ad appears on a sub-page or a specific category. Our metadata captures the full URL, including any query parameters used during the visit. This allows you to recreate the visit exactly if a dispute arises.

3. Viewport and Device Data

Was this captured on an iPhone 15 Pro or a 1080p Desktop? Knowing the Environment Metadata is critical for verifying responsive ads and ensuring they are behaving correctly across all devices.

4. IP and Geo-Location Data

For global campaigns, you need to prove the ad was captured from a specific region. We tag our captures with the proxy IP and country metadata, closing the loop on geo-targeting verification.

5. Network Traffic Logs (The "Under the Hood" Proof)

For advanced audits, knowing that a specific pixel fired or a specific VAST tag was called is the ultimate proof. AdShot Pro's internal logs can verify these network events alongside the visual capture.

Summary

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a metadata-enriched capture is worth a thousand billing reconciliations. Move beyond "Snapshots" and start building a structured "Truth Database" for your campaigns.

Ready for data-rich auditing? Get started with AdShot Pro.