What is a Deferred Deep Link?

A Deferred Deep Link is a type of deep link that allows users to navigate to specific content within your app, even if the app is not installed at the time they click the link. When users click on a deferred deep link:

1. If the app isn't installed, the user is directed to the Google Play Store (or App Store) to download the app.
2. Once the app is installed and launched for the first time, the original deep link data is retrieved, and the user is redirected to the specific content or screen they intended to view.

This is particularly useful in:

• Marketing campaigns (e.g., sharing product links or promotions).
• Referral programs (e.g., sending invites with custom data).
• Onboarding flows (e.g., guiding users to specific content post-install).

How Does Deferred Deep Linking Work?

1. User clicks the deferred deep link (e.g., https://example.app.link/somepage).
2. If the app is not installed, the link redirects to the Play Store.
3. After installation, the app retrieves the deferred deep link using a mechanism such as:
4. The app then navigates the user to the correct destination screen based on the link data.

Benefits of Deferred Deep Linking

1. Seamless User Experience: Users get directed to the relevant content automatically.
2. Increased Conversions: Helps in marketing campaigns where users install the app to see specific promotions or offers.
3. Personalization: Allows deep links to include custom data for a personalized user journey.

Popular Solutions for Deferred Deep Linking

Several platforms and libraries simplify the process of implementing deferred deep linking in Android applications. Here are some of the most widely used solutions:

1. Firebase Dynamic Links

Firebase Dynamic Links is a powerful, Google-backed solution for both regular and deferred deep linking.

Key Features:

• Deferred Deep Linking: Redirects users to the Play Store if the app isn't installed and retrieves the deep link after installation.
• Cross-Platform: Works seamlessly on Android, iOS, and web.
• Customization: Allows custom URL parameters and personalized experiences.
• Analytics: Built-in analytics to track link performance.
• Free to Use: Comes with Firebase’s free tier.

Website:

Firebase Dynamic Links

2. Branch.io

Branch.io is a comprehensive third-party solution for deep linking, deferred deep linking, and mobile growth.

Key Features:

• Deferred Deep Linking: Handles app installations and deep link retrieval seamlessly.
• Attribution Tracking: Provides detailed analytics and attribution for marketing campaigns.
• Personalization: Supports custom data for personalized user journeys.
• Cross-Platform: Supports Android, iOS, and web.
• Referral Programs: Built-in support for referral and invite systems.

Website:

Branch.io

3. Adjust

Adjust is primarily known for mobile attribution and analytics but also supports deferred deep linking.

Key Features:

• Deferred Deep Linking: Handles redirection and deep linking post-install.
• Attribution Analytics: Detailed insights into campaign performance.
• Fraud Prevention: Advanced fraud detection for marketing campaigns.
• Integration: Supports integration with other marketing and analytics tools.

Website:

Adjust

4. AppsFlyer

AppsFlyer is a popular mobile attribution platform that also supports deep linking and deferred deep linking.

Key Features:

• Deferred Deep Linking: Seamless redirection and retrieval of deep links.
• Attribution Tracking: In-depth campaign analytics and performance metrics.
• OneLink: A unified deep linking feature for Android and iOS.
• Fraud Protection: Advanced fraud prevention features.

Website:

AppsFlyer

5. Kochava

Kochava is an enterprise-level solution for mobile attribution, analytics, and deep linking.

Key Features:

• Deferred Deep Linking: Handles deferred links for new users installing the app.
• Attribution: Accurate tracking of marketing campaign performance.
• Deep Linking API: Provides a customizable deep linking solution.
• Privacy and Security: Strong focus on data privacy and security compliance.

Website:

Kochava

6. Singular

Singular combines attribution and analytics with deep linking capabilities.

Key Features:

• Deferred Deep Linking: Seamlessly routes users after app installation.
• Marketing Analytics: Holistic view of marketing performance.
• Deep Linking API: For customized deep linking implementations.
• Cross-Platform: Supports Android, iOS, and web.

Website:

Singular

7. URLgenius

URLgenius focuses on simplifying deep linking for app marketing.

Key Features:

• Deferred Deep Linking: Routes users to app stores and retrieves link data post-installation.
• Simple Setup: No SDK required for basic functionality.
• Cross-Platform: Supports Android, iOS, and web.
• QR Code Support: Generates QR codes for links.

Website:

URLgenius

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