The Trade Desk Troubleshooting & Debugging | Blue Frog Docs

The Trade Desk Troubleshooting & Debugging

Troubleshooting playbook for Universal Pixel issues, attribution problems, and TTD campaign debugging.

Symptom Library

  • Universal Pixel not firing or events missing
  • Attribution discrepancies between TTD and other platforms
  • UID2 token generation failures or low match rates
  • Campaign underspending or not delivering
  • Creative approval delays or rejections
  • Audience list sync failures or low match rates
  • Conversion tracking gaps or duplicate conversions
  • Cross-device attribution inconsistencies
  • API rate limiting or authentication errors

Investigation Workflow

Universal Pixel Issues

  1. Check pixel status using Chrome Developer Tools Network tab
  2. Verify Universal Pixel ID matches advertiser configuration
  3. Review event tracking implementation and parameter formatting
  4. Test pixel fires on all required pages (homepage, conversion, etc.)
  5. Check for browser ad blockers or privacy extensions blocking tags
  6. Verify consent management platform isn't blocking pixel loads
  7. Use TTD Pixel Helper Chrome extension for real-time validation

Attribution Discrepancies

  1. Compare attribution models between TTD and GA4/other platforms
  2. Review lookback windows (TTD default: 30-day click, 7-day view)
  3. Check for timezone mismatches in reporting dashboards
  4. Verify conversion counting methodology (unique vs. total conversions)
  5. Examine cross-device attribution settings and methodology
  6. Review last-touch vs. multi-touch attribution differences
  7. Check for conversion de-duplication settings

UID2 Integration Issues

  1. Verify email normalization (lowercase, trim whitespace)
  2. Check SHA-256 hashing implementation on client or server
  3. Review UID2 token generation API responses for errors
  4. Confirm UID2 tokens are being passed to Universal Pixel correctly
  5. Check opt-out transparency portal for user opt-outs
  6. Verify refresh token logic for maintaining persistent IDs
  7. Review match rate reports in TTD platform

Campaign Performance Issues

  1. Check campaign flight dates and daily budget pacing
  2. Review bid strategy and performance goal settings
  3. Verify targeting isn't too narrow (audience, geo, inventory)
  4. Check inventory availability and bid competitiveness in auction insights
  5. Review brand safety and contextual targeting exclusions
  6. Confirm creative assets meet specifications and are approved
  7. Examine frequency caps and audience saturation

Tools & Logs

  • Chrome Developer Tools Network tab for pixel debugging
  • TTD Pixel Helper Chrome extension for validation
  • Universal Pixel event debugger in TTD platform
  • Campaign Audit Log for change history and optimization events
  • API error logs for server-side integration debugging
  • TTD Query Tool for custom reporting and data validation
  • Partner API test console for troubleshooting API calls

Common Error Messages

"Universal Pixel not detected"

  • Verify pixel code is present in HTML source
  • Check for JavaScript errors preventing pixel load
  • Ensure Universal Pixel ID is correct for advertiser
  • Confirm pixel script hasn't been blocked by CSP headers

"UID2 token generation failed"

  • Check email normalization and hashing implementation
  • Verify API credentials and authorization headers
  • Review rate limiting and throttling errors
  • Ensure UID2 SDK version is up to date

"Conversion event not recorded"

  • Verify event name matches tracker configuration exactly
  • Check conversion lookback window settings
  • Ensure Universal Pixel loads before conversion event fires
  • Review user cookie consent status

"Campaign not spending"

  • Broaden targeting parameters (audience, geography, inventory)
  • Increase bid amounts to compete in auction
  • Check budget caps and daily pacing limits
  • Review inventory source settings and exchange availability

"Creative rejected"

  • Review creative specifications (file size, dimensions, format)
  • Check for policy violations (prohibited content, claims)
  • Verify landing page is accessible and matches domain
  • Ensure SSL certificate is valid and secure

Escalation & Communication

  • TTD Support via platform help center or email
  • Technical Account Manager (TAM) for enterprise clients
  • Partner Success Manager for integration issues
  • TTD API support team for server-side implementation questions
  • Document error codes, screenshots, timestamps, and advertiser IDs for tickets
  • Provide browser console logs and network traces when applicable

Preventive Maintenance

  • Weekly Universal Pixel health checks using pixel debugger
  • Monthly audit of conversion tracking configuration and attribution windows
  • Regular review of UID2 match rates and token refresh logic
  • Quarterly access audit for platform users and API keys
  • Monitor API usage and rate limits proactively
  • Test Universal Pixel tags in staging before production deployment
  • Set up automated alerts for campaign underspending or pixel errors
  • Review privacy compliance and consent management quarterly
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