Identify and troubleshoot ads using their click string
A click string (sometimes called a click tag) is part of the URL that takes the user to the ad's destination. A click string can come from display ads in web browsers or mobile apps and contains encoded information for the ad that's served.
Example
Usable click strings contain some reference to the system where they were served, such as:
adclick.g.doubleclick.net/pcs/click…
This article explains how to capture click strings in a web browser or on a mobile device.
Capture a click string
In a web browser
To capture a click string in a web browser, right-click the ad, and then copy the link address.
If right-clicking is unsuccessful, try these steps:
- Turn off your computer's internet connection.
- Click the ad, and then copy the URL that's in the address bar in your browser.
Additional tools and resources
There are a few other recommended tools to find the click string of an ad used in combination with your browser:
- Using Google Chrome: Chrome's Developer Tools can capture all traffic, including the click intermediate destinations such as the click string. Learn how to use Developer Tools to inspect network activity and save all requests to a HAR file.
- Using Charles proxy: You may be able to install the Charles web debugging proxy application and use it to capture click strings, as well as other information about ads. Learn more about Charles proxy.
- Using a browser extension: There may be an extension available for your browser that can help. Extensions can capture a click string without needing to disable your computer's internet connection.
On a mobile device
There are multiple ways to capture a click string on a mobile device. You can try the following methods. If one method doesn't work, try the next one.
Method 1
- Long-press on the ad.
- Tap Copy URL.
Method 2
- Disconnect from any internet or cellular service.
- Click or tap the ad.
The ad will attempt to open in a browser window, but because there's no service it will not load. However, the click string is exposed in the URL. This approach can also be used on a computer. - Copy the URL.
Method 3
For iOS, follow these steps:
- Trigger the ad.
- Tap and hold the ad headline and then swipe up.
- Select Copy or Share.
For Android, follow these steps:
- Trigger the ad.
- Tap and hold the ad headline.
- Select Copy link address.