> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/ads/creating-meta-ads-campaign/how-to-run-ads-as-the-artist-dark-ads.md).

# How to run Ads as the Artist (Dark Ads)

This page shows you how to run dark ads from Cymbals ads platform

A dark ad runs from the artist's handle instead of your venue or promoter page. It feels like a personal recommendation rather than a typical ad, and it lets you sell tickets under the artist's identity without the artist posting every tour date to their main feed.

To run a dark ad, your Meta Business needs access to the artist's Facebook Page, the artist needs to approve it, and you need to assign yourself to the page before you pick it in Cymbal.

## How to request access to an artist's Page

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Go to [Meta Business Settings](https://business.facebook.com/settings). Make sure you're in the correct Business Account, the one for your venue or promotion company.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the left sidebar, select **Accounts**, then **Pages**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the blue **+ Add** button, then select **Request access to a Page**.

Don't select **Add a Page**. That option is for pages you already own and will try to move the artist's page into your business permanently.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the pop-up, type the artist's Page name or paste the Facebook Page URL. Pasting the URL is the best way to make sure you get the right page.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Set permissions. For dark ads you need:

* **Ads:** turn this on.
* **Insights:** usually turns on automatically. Keep it on so you can see how the ad performed.
* **Content:** helpful to turn on if you want to use existing photos or videos from their page in your ad creative.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select **Request Access**. The request shows as **Pending** in your dashboard.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## How the artist approves the request

The artist won't get a standard notification on their personal account. They, or their manager, need to:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Open Meta Business Suite.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Go to **Settings** → **Requests**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the **Received** tab.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select **Approve** on your request.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## How to assign yourself to the Page in Meta

After the artist approves, the person who connected your Meta account to Cymbal needs to give themselves access to the page.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
On the artist's Page in Meta Business Settings, select **Assign people**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Assign yourself, or whoever connected the Meta Ads account to Cymbal.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Choose privileges, then select **Assign**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

The page is now connected to your business account and will show up as an option in Cymbal.

{% hint style="danger" %}
When you connect your Meta Ads account to Cymbal, select **Opt in to all current and future pages** for both Facebook Pages and Instagram accounts. Otherwise, new artist pages you get access to later won't automatically appear in Cymbal. See [Connecting Meta Ads](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/setting-up-cymbal/ads-setup/connecting-meta-ads).
{% endhint %}

## How to run the ad from the artist's Instagram

For the ad to come from the artist's Instagram, their Instagram account must be linked to their Facebook Page.

After they approve Page access, go to **Accounts** → **Instagram Accounts** in your Meta Business Settings. If their Instagram is linked to their Facebook Page, it often appears automatically. If it doesn't, repeat the request access steps on the **Instagram Accounts** tab.

## How to run the dark ad from Cymbal

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
In the ad editor, select **Account**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Under **Facebook page**, select the artist's page you want the ad to run under.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Finish your campaign as usual. When you create a followers ad set in the **Audience** tab, you can now target the artist's followers.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

If the artist's page doesn't appear, see [Missing Facebook & Instagram pages](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/ads/troubleshooting/missing-facebook-and-instagram-pages).

## Related

* [Creating Meta ads campaign](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/ads/creating-meta-ads-campaign)
* [Creating Meta ads campaign](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/ads/creating-meta-ads-campaign)
* [Missing Facebook & Instagram pages](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/ads/troubleshooting/missing-facebook-and-instagram-pages)
* [Connecting Meta Ads](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/setting-up-cymbal/ads-setup/connecting-meta-ads)