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Deferred deep linking is a way of taking users seamlessly to specific content in an app they don’t yet have. After clicking on a promotional link, users are guided to the relevant app store to download the app – which then opens at exactly the right spot.
In today’s multichannel world, app marketers have the opportunity to reach out to users wherever they are. You can promote your app on websites, via social media channels, in text messages, and even with no screens in sight — through a QR code.
The secret is to ensure a smooth journey from the source to your app. Any friction along the way risks losing users, who may get distracted, confused, or simply frustrated.
The solution lies in deep linking. Similar to a website URL, a deep link takes a user to exactly the right destination within your app. So there’s nothing for them to navigate, and no chance of them getting lost.
Deep linking is great for re-engaging existing users: think of those cart abandonment messages that take you right to your filled basket to complete your purchase.
But what about user acquisition campaigns, where you’re trying to reach people who don’t have your app installed? How can you get these potential users through your digital door?
That’s where deferred deep linking comes in. This route makes an additional stop-off at the app store, so the user can easily download your app. But once they open it, there’s no wasted time finding their way around — they’ll find themselves in the exact spot they were looking for. And you just earned yourself a new app user.
Deferred deep linking is a powerful tool in user acquisition campaigns, and has more benefits besides. Let’s take a quick look:
Deferred deep links are a surefire way to boost app installs. They enable you to reach a wide range of potential users across multiple channels, and showcase your app experience to them. What’s more, when users click on your ad, it’s a good sign that they’re already engaged and likely to be of high value.
Put simply, deferred deep links mean smooth user journeys. Because who has the time to feel their way around an unfamiliar app? When you invest in creating these personalized, contextual, and frictionless customer experiences, expect to see your ROX (return on experience) rocket.
As well as acquiring new users, deferred deep linking can help you win back those who’ve stopped using your app — or even uninstalled it. This is your chance to show them what they’re missing, and make coming back simple and straightforward.
We’ve seen how deferred deep linking works from a user perspective: Click on a link, land on the app store, and open your shiny new app in the perfect spot. But what’s going on behind the scenes?
It’s all driven by something called a deep linking engine: typically a web platform and an SDK added to your app. When a user clicks on your link, the engine can tell whether or not they have the app installed. Depending on the result, it sends them on one of two user journeys:
A good technology provider or mobile measurement partner will offer deferred deep linking as part of their service, and take care of the tech side for you.
Let’s take a look at some of the practical ways marketers are using deferred deep linking in campaigns.
Referrals are big business in the gaming app world: a game sounds way more fun if a friend recommends it. Offer existing players an incentive (like an in-game freebie) in exchange for sending a referral link to a friend. When that friend clicks, your deferred deep link makes it easy to install the app and start playing right away.
Let’s say you’re a grocery brand showcasing a new recipe. You might demo this being made on your social channels, with a deferred deep link that takes users right to a shopping cart filled with the perfect ingredients. For your print and outdoor campaigns, you can do the same by showing a tempting photo with a QR code as the link.
In some sectors, like finance, customers may be comfortable with existing communication channels and see no need for an app. By placing QR codes with deferred deep links in print or web material, you can provide a hassle-free route into your app where customers will find exactly what they need.
A similar approach can work in media, seamlessly shifting users from your website to your app to help boost revenue.
We’re often told customers are turning their backs on physical stores in favor of convenient online shopping. But you can have the best of both worlds. By placing QR codes next to items in your physical store, you can guide users to detailed features and reviews in your app, enabling them to make real-life purchases with confidence.
Google’s announcement to deprecate Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) by August 25th, 2025, has prompted concern for those who rely on FDL for deep linking and deferred deep linking in their user journeys. FDLs have been a crucial tool in reducing user friction by directing them to specific in-app content, even facilitating installations when the app isn’t yet installed on a user’s device. Despite their ease of use, FDLs still have some limitations such as an inability to manage links in bulk, lack of support for email integrations, and key web-to-app features.
As the deprecation deadline approaches, the importance of finding an efficient alternative solution becomes paramount to avoid service disruption and maintain smooth user experiences. Companies must consider migrating to versatile and robust linking solutions that can provide seamless journeys and advanced features that FDL currently lacks.
Deferred deep linking takes users directly to specific content within an app after installation, which they were prompted to download by clicking on a promotional link. It enhances user acquisition by providing a seamless journey ensuring high user engagement and app installs.
Deferred deep linking streamlines the user journey to boost app installs, improve the return on experience (ROX), and facilitate re-engagement with users who may have stopped using or uninstalled the app.
Yes, deferred deep linking can persuade customers to migrate from traditional communication channels to apps and enhance in-store experiences by instantly providing detailed features and reviews through in-app content.
After August 25, 2025, Google deprecated all of their Firebase Dynamic Links. The impact is that links served by FDL have stop working, and customers are unable to create new links or edit them.
Yes, it’s very simple. Follow this article for the step-by-step migration process. Migration time will depend on factors like the volume of links and whether a developer is required.
