Airbridge
Customers
Log InGet Started FreeStart Free
Back to Glossary
D

Deferred deep linking

Definition

Deferred deep linking directs the user to the in-app page after the app is downloaded and launched.

A
Airbridge
May 20, 2024Β·3 min read

What is deferred deep linking?

Deep links help deliver a seamless user journey by directing users straight to a specific in-app page. But what about the users who do not have the app installed? This is where deferred deep linking can come in handy.

Deferred deep linking is deep linking but deferred until the app is downloaded and launched. When a user clicks on a deferred deep link but does not have the app, they will be directed to the App Store to download it. Once the download is complete, and the user launches the app, they will then be sent to the final in-app destination.

Deferred deep links are important because they can cover all scenarios regardless of the user's situation and be a successful user acquisition tool. Without missing out on any user who clicked on the link, deferred deep linking can significantly decrease bounce rates and maximize the possibility of conversion by directing all users to the exact page the campaign intended.

Why is deferred deep linking important

Deferred deep linking can be a perfect mobile marketing strategy to get potential users to download and engage with the app while minimizing the bounce rate. With just a simple click, a deferred deep link will not only guide the potential users to download the app, but also bring them straight to the in-app page they found interesting. This creates a seamless user journey that starts from clicking the ad, completing the app download, and finally, landing on the in-app event or conversion. Because the in-app page that the user will be landing on right after they launch the app is related to the content they found interesting in the ad, they are more likely to be engaged, resulting in lower bounce rates. Deferred deep links can also be tracked with an MMP and deliver valuable user journey data that can bring insight into user acquisition strategy.

How does deferred deep linking work?

A Deferred deep link saves the in-app destination data in the server until the user finishes the app download. When the download is complete, and the user opens the app, the deferred deep link then matches the data with the user ID to take the user to the app page. This whole process seems complicated, but it is quite similar to the logic that is used in an MMP. With an MMP like Airbridge, marketers can set step-by-step details of deferred deep linking scenarios with ease.

‍

Related Blog Posts

  • πŸ‘‰[Deep Link 101] Using Deferred Deep Linking to Direct Users Without the App to a Specific In-App Page
  • πŸ‘‰Deferred Deeplink vs Standard Deep Link: What’s the Difference and Why Standard Isn't Enough in 2026?

Put these concepts into practice

See how Airbridge helps teams implement mobile attribution strategies at scale.

Get Started FreeView Case Studies

Related Glossary Terms

Expand your understanding with related concepts.

A/B Testing

A/B Testing, a cornerstone of performance marketing, is a methodical approach that compares two versions of a webpage or app to determine which one performs better.

Active User

An Active user refers to an individual who interacts with a digital product, such as a website, app, or online platform, within a specific timeframe.

Ad exchange

An ad exchange is a facilitator of buying and selling advertising inventory.

Ad inventory

Ad inventory is the available spaces for ads on a particular platform or medium.

Ad mediation

Ad mediation is a technology that allows multiple ad networks to be managed through a single SDK. Ad mediation platforms streamline the ad delivery process and maximize revenue, CPM, and fill rates for publishers.

Ad monetization

Ad monetization generates revenue from advertising on a website or mobile app.

Airbridge

Stop paying for ads that don't perform. Track ad performance to know exactly what's driving your ROI.

Plans

  • Compare All Plans
  • DeepLink
  • Core
  • Growth
  • Pricing

Features

  • Airbridge AI
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Fraud Protection
  • Web & App Attribution
  • ROAS Measurement
  • iOS & SKAN
  • Deep Linking
  • Data Export
  • Audience Manager

Resources

  • Blog
  • Case Studies
  • Glossary
  • Library
  • Academy
  • User Guide
  • Developer Guide

Company

  • About Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Electronic Payment Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Information Security
  • GDPR
  • System Status

Β© 2026 AB180 Inc. All rights reserved.

AB180 Inc. | Business Registration: 550-88-00196