What it can and cannot do
Detailed targeting lets you stack interests and behaviors to describe an audience. The limit is that much of it is inferred or self-declared, so it approximates intent rather than proving it. With Advantage+ audience and Advantage+ detailed targeting (formerly detailed targeting expansion), Meta may also deliver beyond your selections when it expects better results.
How to use it well
Treat detailed targeting as a seed, not a fence. It is a fine way to bootstrap a cold audience, but the durable signal comes from your pixel and a lookalike of real converters. Over-narrow stacking also shrinks the audience below what the algorithm needs to learn, which can trigger overlap and learning problems.
Common questions
Is Meta detailed targeting accurate?
It is directional. Much of it is inferred or self-declared interest, so it approximates rather than guarantees intent. Behavioral signals from your pixel are stronger.
Does Meta stay within my detailed targeting?
Not always. With Advantage+ detailed targeting and Advantage+ audience, Meta can deliver beyond your selections when it predicts better performance, so treat targeting as a suggestion.