Facebook has formally launched its Ads API (application protocol interface) allowing developers to build tools that help users create and manage ad campaigns on the social network. In private beta
until now, the Ads API had has been used to created and optimize large campaigns too costly and complex to be handled through Facebook's self-serve system.
Only about 20 companies including
AdParlor, TBD Digital and iSpy Marketing have used the Ads API to date, but any developer can now apply to be part of the program. The Ads API is
part of Facebook suite of marketing APIs which includes APIs for developing Facebook brand pages and building customized analytics for tracking user activity on Facebook pages or applications.
Inside Facebook pointed out that opening up the Ads API could help to reduce ad development costs as competition increases among
third-party providers. Improved ad performance could also benefit Facebook over time through increased marketer spending.