The Identifier for Vendor is a unique alphanumeric string that is assigned by Apple to a specific device when an app is installed on it for the first time.
It is a part of the Advertising Identifier (IDFA) framework and is used to track user behavior and provide targeted advertising.
Unlike IDFA, IDFV is specific to the device and cannot be reset by the user, even if they reset their advertising identifier.
This makes IDFV useful for app developers who want to track user behavior across many apps or sessions, without relying on a persistent user identifier.
But, it is important to note that IDFV should be used in compliance with Apple’s guidelines for privacy and user data collection.
How does it work?
When users install an app on their iOS device, Apple assigns a unique IDFV. This identifier is unique to the device and differs from the user’s Apple ID or any other account information. The IDFV is stored in the app’s local storage and can be accessed by the app at any time.
The IDFV is used to track user behavior and app usage across different sessions and even across different apps.
For example, if a user installs many apps from the same developer, the IDFV will be the same for all those apps. It will also allow the developer to track the user’s behavior across all their apps.
It’s important to note that IDFV is not used for targeted advertising by default. In fact, Apple has restricted the use of IDFV for ad targeting purposes since iOS 14.5, and developers now need to ask for user permission to access the IDFV. This change gave users more control over their privacy and prevented unwanted tracking.
What is the difference between IDFA and IDFV?
The main difference between IDFA and IDFV is their intended purpose and the degree of user control they provide.
IDFA is a unique identification provided by Apple to a device built exclusively for advertising use. It enables advertisers to follow user behavior across numerous apps and sessions. It allows them to show users personalized adverts based on their interests and behavior. IDFA, on the other hand, is under user control and can be reset at any time. In reality, since of iOS 14.5, users must explicitly opt-in to allow apps to track their IDFA.
In contrast, an IDFV is a special identification code that is given to a device when an app is installed on it.
It is designed to be used by app developers to track user behavior throughout sessions or across several apps, including those created by them. IDFV is not user-controllable and is not intended primarily for advertising, in contrast to IDFA. Even if the user resets their IDFA, reinstalls the app, or utilizes the app on a different device, it stays the same.
Is there an Android equivalent for IDFV?
Yes, there is an Android equivalent for IDFV called the “Android ID” or “Android Device ID. Like IDFV, the Android ID is a unique identifier assigned to a device when an app is installed on it.
It remains the same even if the user uninstalls and reinstalls the app, or uses the app on a different device. The Android ID is intended for use by app developers to track user behavior across multiple apps or sessions within their own apps, just like IDFV on iOS.
It’s crucial to highlight that, like IDFV, the Android ID should be used in accordance with Google’s privacy and user data collecting standards. App developers, in particular, should not utilize the Android ID to follow users across various apps, as this violates Google’s cross-app tracking policy.
Users can also reset their Android ID by doing a factory reset on their device, which is a more extreme process than merely resetting the IDFA on iOS. Ultimately, while the Android ID serves a similar purpose to IDFV, it is subject to distinct policies and considerations on the Android platform.
What are the benefits of IDFV?
For app developers and marketers, the Identifier for Vendor provides various advantages, including.
1. User behavior tracking
IDFV enables app developers to track user activity and usage trends over several sessions or even various apps.
This can provide significant information regarding user engagement and assist developers in improving the features and functionality of their app.
2. Personalization
Developers can personalize the user experience by providing appropriate content, features, and recommendations.
It is depending on the user’s activity by tracking user behavior with IDFV.
3. Analytics
When combined with other analytics tools, IDFV can provide more specific insights into user behavior.
Some of them are how frequently they use the app or which features are most popular.
4. Cross-promotion
The identification remains the same across all apps from the same vendor. App creators can use IDFV to cross-promote other apps from the same developer.
5. User Engagement
Developers can boost user engagement and retention by utilizing IDFV to track user activity.
It also customizes the user experience, resulting in more downloads, longer app usage, and improved user satisfaction.
FAQs
Ques 1: What do you need to know about vendors?
Ans: Vendors are individuals or businesses that supply goods or services to a company. They are important for companies to function, as they provide the necessary resources to keep the company operating.
Ques 2: What is IDFV code?
Ans: IDFV stands for Identifier for Vendor. It is a unique identifier assigned to an app by Apple for the purpose of tracking user activity within the app. IDFV code is specific to a particular app and is not shared across different apps.
Ques 3: Is IDFV the same for apps from different developers?
Ans: No, IDFV is unique to each app and is assigned by Apple. So, IDFV for apps from different developers will be different.
Ques 4: Is IDFV accessible only programmatically?
Ans: Yes, IDFV is accessible only programmatically through code within the app. It cannot be accessed by users or by the app store.
Ques 5: Is IDFV a real replacement for IDFA?
Ans: No, IDFV is not a replacement for IDFA. IDFV is unique to a specific app, while IDFA is unique to a user across all apps on a device. IDFA provides a more comprehensive tracking solution for advertisers than IDFV.
