Auto-Allocate is an A/B test that uses a multi-armed bandit approach to automatically redirect traffic toward the winning experience as it collects data. Unlike traditional A/B tests, you don't have to wait until the test ends to benefit from the winner.
When to Use
You want faster results than traditional A/B
You have a clear single success metric
Opportunity cost of showing a loser is high
You want to maximize conversions during the test
Key Characteristics
Multi-armed bandit algorithm
Traffic shifts automatically toward winner
Faster convergence than manual A/B
Always reserves exploration traffic (~10%)
⚡ Auto-Allocate vs Traditional A/B
In a traditional A/B test, traffic stays 50/50 even when one variant is clearly winning. Auto-Allocate detects this early and shifts up to 90% of traffic to the leader — reducing opportunity cost and converging faster by sending more visitors through the best experience.
How It Works
1
Start with even traffic split
2
Collect conversion data each round
3
Multi-armed bandit recalculates
4
Traffic shifts toward leader
5
Winner gets 90%+ traffic
📐 Experience Composers
Adobe Target offers two ways to create Auto-Allocate experiences. Use the VEC for visual modifications, or the Form-Based composer for named-location content. The bandit algorithm optimizes traffic for both.
The hero section below contains elements targetable via the Visual Experience Composer. In an Auto-Allocate activity, the bandit algorithm automatically shifts more traffic to the best-performing visual variant as data accumulates.
Waiting for VEC propositions…
Best Performing Variant
Smart Traffic Optimization
Our multi-armed bandit algorithm ensures more visitors see the winning experience — maximizing conversions in real time.
💡 Create an Auto-Allocate activity in Adobe Target using the VEC. Create competing visual variants (e.g. different hero messages, CTAs) and the bandit algorithm will automatically shift traffic to the winner via renderDecisions: true.
📝 Form-Based Simulation — Watch Traffic Shift in Real Time
Each experience has a hidden true conversion rate. Run rounds to see how the bandit algorithm detects the winner and progressively shifts traffic.