Audiences

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Audience targeting helps you show your ads to the audiences most relevant to your business. There are two general approaches — specific or broad — you can take when creating a target audience. The approach you choose depends on what you're trying to accomplish and your available resources.

You can be specific and create audiences based on customer data, such as conversion data or activity in your app or website. Or, you can provide broader information, such as demographics or location, and Meta delivers ads to people who match those attributes.

Common uses

• Lookalike Audiences — Target people most like your established customers.
• Custom Audiences — Build your target custom audience with data from mobile app and website behavior, CRM (customer relationship management), and engagement signals. You can also build audiences from offline conversions.
• Dynamic Audiences — Build an audience from mobile app and website signals.
• Targeting Options — Basic targeting includes demographics and events, location, interests, and behaviors. You can also learn about advanced targeting.

Documentation contents

Overview

The basics of audiences and targeting

Guides

Build audiences with data and learn more about our broad targeting options

Reference

Explore our basic and advanced targeting options, targeting search, and the Custom Audience Terms of Service contracts

Special Ad Category

Targeting options available for advertisers offering housing, employment, or credit opportunities