> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.dstillery.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.dstillery.com/resources/faqs.md).

# FAQs

Find answers about DS-1, Dstillery data, audience building, activation, and measurement.

### Using DS-1

#### What's the difference between an agent and a workflow?

An **agent** is a specialized tool for one audience task. A **workflow** is a saved sequence of steps for recurring processes. Workflows can combine several actions or agents.

#### Is DS-1 self-serve, or does Dstillery manage it for me?

Both. Use DS-1 for on-demand audience building and activation. Or work with Dstillery's team, who use DS-1 to manage audience development and activation for you.

#### When's the right time to bring Dstillery into a campaign?

Any time. Dstillery works as a lift on already-strong campaigns and as a way to unlock reach on campaigns that need it. There's no requirement to wait until something's underperforming.

### Building audiences

#### What data can I use to seed an audience?

Most products need a seed. It can be a pixel, a URL, a domain, a keyword, or retail purchase intent data. CRM lists and customer records can also be used, but they require a short platform onboarding step (through LiveRamp) before they're ready to seed a model. Pre-built Audiences are the exception and activate with no seed at all.

#### Do I need first-party data to use DS-1?

No. Custom Built Audiences let you build from a domain, keyword, or product signal instead, without sharing any of your own data. If you do have first-party data like a CRM list or pixel, Custom AI Audiences will typically perform best.

#### How long does it take to build a custom audience?

Most custom audiences are delivered to your DSP within 24 hours of Dstillery receiving your seed. Once live, the model refreshes every 24 hours, so it never goes stale.

#### How do I know Dstillery audiences stay current?

Dstillery refreshes and scores segments every 24 hours. Targeting reflects the most current behavior.

#### How does audience scaling work for niche or small seeds?

Every audience is scored against the full event universe daily. Audience size matches your budget and campaign format, rather than a fixed list. Even niche seeds can scale precisely enough for campaign use.

### Privacy and data handling

#### Is my data shared with anyone else?

No. Your first-party data is strictly sequestered and used exclusively to build your own custom models. It's never shared, sold, or repurposed for another client. Client data is also logically separated in Dstillery's systems, with unique identifiers per client to prevent commingling.

### Activation and measurement

#### Can DS-1 audiences be used across multiple DSPs or SSPs?

Yes. Dstillery audiences are available across major DSPs, including The Trade Desk, DV360, Yahoo DSP, Nexxen, Microsoft Advertising, Amazon DSP, and LiveRamp.

#### What's the best way to test Dstillery before committing budget?

We recommend running Dstillery as a test group alongside your existing targeting for at least two weeks, so results are directly comparable.

#### How soon should I expect to see results?

Most clients start to see meaningful signal within the first two weeks of a live campaign, once the model has enough activity to optimize against.

#### I syndicated an audience, but it is not showing in my DSP. What now?

After DS-1 confirms syndication, allow time for your DSP's activation process. If segments still do not appear after that window, contact the Dstillery team.