Deferred Deep Linking

What deferred deep linking means

Normally, a deep link only works when the app is already installed. If it’s not, the user gets stuck at the app store and, after installation, the app doesn’t remember where the user was supposed to go.

Deferred deep linking solves this.
It “remembers” the intended destination and passes that context through the install process.

How it works

1. The user clicks a link in an ad, email, social post or affiliate link.

2. The link contains information about the campaign and the target in-app page.

3. Because the app is not installed, the user is sent to the app store.

4. After installation and the first launch, the attribution system matches the install with the original click.

5. The app receives the saved context and opens the exact screen the user was meant to see.

Why it’s useful

• Higher conversion rates: users go straight to what they came for.

• Better user experience: eliminates unnecessary navigation after install.

• More accurate attribution: campaign performance is tracked across the install gap.

• Stronger personalization: you can tailor first-time app experiences.

Real-world examples

• A sportsbook ad promoting a specific match market > user installs the app > lands directly on that match page.

• A casino bonus link > after installation, the user lands directly on the bonus claim screen.

• An e-commerce product ad > post-install, the user opens the exact product page.