---
title: Understanding Syncs in Chord
slug: understanding-syncs-in-chord
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-02-26T19:30:55.576Z
---

::loom{url="https://www.loom.com/embed/b74184812f964a9c9c7285e9d1e64a3f"}

## Introduction

Syncs power Audience activation in Chord. When you send an Audience to a destination, such as an ESP or ad platform, you create a sync.

This page explains how syncs work and how to manage them.

## What is a sync?

A sync connects:

- A Chord Audience 
- A destination
- A defined set of mapped fields 

It controls how data moves from Chord to your external platform.

A sync does not change your underlying Audience logic. It only controls how that Audience is delivered.

## What you configure in a sync

When setting up a sync, you define:

**1. Destination**

Where the Audience is sent.

**2. Field mappings**

How Chord fields match destination fields.

Clear mapping ensures the destination platform receives data in the correct structure.

**3. Sync behavior**
Depending on the destination, you may configure:

- Full refresh vs. incremental updates
- List additions or removals
- Record update behavior

## Viewing sync history

![]()

![]()

Each sync includes a history of past runs.

You can review:

- Last run details
- Source details
- Destination details 
- Full sync history

If a sync fails, start by reviewing the error details in the run history. Most issues relate to:

- Missing required fields 
- Invalid mappings 
- Destination-side validation rules 

## Editing a sync

![]()

To edit a sync:

1. Navigate to **Data Activations**.
2. Click on **Manage Syncs.** 
3. Select the specific sync you wish to edit.
4. Click on the three veritcal dots icon in the **Actions **column.
5. Click **Edit sync**. 

:::hint{type="info"}
You can also Manage Syncs via the **Audience Destinations** tab on the **Audiences** page.
:::

All settings are available in one structured modal.

Changes apply to future runs. Historical runs remain unchanged.

## Deleting a sync

Deleting a sync:

- Stops future data updates 
- Does not delete historical records in the destination platform 
- Does not delete the underlying Audience 

To delete a sync:

1. Navigate to **Data Activations**.
2. Click on **Manage Syncs.** 
3. Select the specific sync you wish to delete.
4. Click on the three veritcal dots icon in the **Actions **column.
5. Click **Delete sync**. 

:::hint{type="info"}
You can also Delete Syncs via the **Audience Destinations** tab on the **Audiences** page.
:::

## Best practices

- Confirm required destination fields before mapping. 
- Review sync history after your first run. 
- Keep field naming consistent across platforms. 
- Test new syncs before launching time-sensitive campaigns.