Overview
A JavaScript (JS) tag is a snippet of HTML and JavaScript code generated by a third-party ad server, such as Google Campaign Manager 360 (CM360). Instead of uploading an image creative, you paste the tag into 6sense, and the external ad server renders the creative when the ad is served. JavaScript tag creatives are available for Banner Ads.
Why use JavaScript Tag Creatives?
You may want to use JavaScript tag creatives if:
Your creatives are already built in a platform such as Google Campaign Manager 360 (CM360) and you do not want to rebuild them.
Your agency manages creatives externally and provides JavaScript tags as the delivery format.
You use dynamic creatives that retrieve content from an external ad server.
Supported Capabilities
Capability | Details |
|---|---|
Google Campaign Manager 360 (CM360) tags | Supported. CM360 tags are automatically detected. |
Other third-party JavaScript tags | Supported. The tag must contain the required macro values described below. |
Ad preview | Supported. The creative renders in a sandboxed preview. |
Ad Library thumbnails | Supported. A scaled preview is shown in the Ads Library and ad creation pages. |
Video JavaScript tags | Not supported. |
Create a JavaScript Tag Creative
Go to Advertising > Ads and select Create New Ad, or open an existing Banner Ad campaign.
Select Banner Ad as the ad type.
In the Upload Creative step, select JavaScript Tag instead of uploading a file.
Select the ad size or dimensions for the tag.
Paste the JavaScript tag into the text field. The system automatically detects the vendor.
If a CM360 tag is detected, status messages such as CM360 tag detected and Macros injected are displayed.
Review the Vendor field. The system automatically selects the detected vendor, but you can change it if needed.
Select Add. A preview of the creative appears.
Complete the remaining ad details and save the creative.
6sense automatically creates a name for the creative, which you can edit.
Macro Requirements
JavaScript creatives require the following macro values:
Macro | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Supports click tracking. |
| Supports cache busting and helps prevent browsers from serving cached impressions. |
CM360 Tags
When a CM360 tag is detected, 6sense automatically identifies the tag and performs the required setup.
You may see status messages such as:
CM360 tag detected
Macros injected
Other JavaScript Tags
For tags that are not CM360 tags, the JavaScript tag must already contain the literal:
{{CLICK_URL}}
{{CACHEBUSTER}}
values before it is pasted into 6sense.
Vendor-specific macro syntax is not supported. The required macro values must be present in the tag.
Validation Status Messages
During validation you may see the following messages:
Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
Spinner visible | The system is analyzing the tag. |
CM360 tag detected | The tag matches CM360 patterns. |
Macros injected | Required macros have been added and the tag is ready to serve. |
No status shown | The vendor is set to Other and macros are not added automatically. |
Preview Behavior
JavaScript creatives include a live preview. The preview is displayed in a sandboxed environment.
The following behavior is expected:
The click URL is intentionally blank in the preview.
The cachebuster value is replaced with a random number in the preview.
Links displayed in the preview may not navigate when selected.
Preview behavior may differ from production click tracking behavior. Click tracking occurs when the ad is served.
Troubleshooting
Preview Is Blank
A blank preview can occur when:
The JavaScript tag contains an error.
The external ad server is not responding.
Verify that the JavaScript tag is valid in the source ad server before adding it to 6sense.
Vendor Displays as "Other"
CM360 detection may not occur if the tag does not contain the expected CM360 identifiers. If your tag was generated by CM360 but is not detected automatically, review the tag source and vendor selection.
Click Tracking Is Not Working
For non-CM360 tags, verify that the tag contains both required macros:
{{CLICK_URL}}
{{CACHEBUSTER}}
Thumbnail Is Not Displayed
If a thumbnail preview is not displayed, the JavaScript tag may contain an error that prevents the preview from being generated.
Ad Is Not Serving
Verify the following:
The campaign is active.
The ad is approved.
Campaign targeting is configured correctly.
The creative dimensions match the intended placement size.
FAQ
Can I use JavaScript tag creatives for any ad type?
No. JavaScript tag creatives are available for Banner Ads.
Can I use CM360 tags?
Yes. CM360 tags are supported and automatically detected.
Can I use non-CM360 JavaScript tags?
Yes. Non-CM360 JavaScript tags are supported when the tag contains the required macro values.
Can I edit a JavaScript tag after saving the creative?
Yes. Open the ad, select Edit, and update the JavaScript tag content. Validation runs again after the content is updated.
Why is my preview blank?
A blank preview can occur if the JavaScript tag contains an error or the external ad server is not responding.
Why are links not working in the preview?
This is expected behavior. The preview runs in a sandboxed environment and does not represent production click tracking behavior.
Do JavaScript creatives appear in the Ads Library?
Yes. JavaScript creatives display in the Ads Library and include a thumbnail preview.