Build your deep link
The app screen or path to open
Campaign Parameters (UTM)
Custom Parameters
Generated Deep Link
Your deep link will appear hereWhat is a deep link?
A deep link is a URL that opens a specific location within a mobile app instead of just launching the app at its home screen. When a user taps a deep link on their phone and your app is installed, the app opens directly to the intended content or screen, creating a seamless experience.
Without deep links (regular web link)
- 1.User clicks link on mobile
- 2.Website opens in mobile browser
- 3.User manually downloads app (if not installed)
- 4.User searches for content again in app
With deep links
- 1.User clicks deep link on mobile
- 2.App opens if installed (or user is directed to app store)
- 3.App opens directly to the specific content
- 4.Seamless, frictionless user experience
Deep links are essential for marketing, social sharing, email campaigns, and any situation where you want users to land on specific app content. They significantly improve user experience and conversion rates by reducing friction in the user journey.
Deep link URL structure
Deep links follow a consistent URL format that allows apps to route users to the correct screen. Here's how they're structured:
Basic Structure
scheme://host/path?parameter=value&other=valueExample: E-commerce Product Page
myapp://products/12345?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=saleExample: Social Media Post
myapp://feed/post/abc123?utm_source=instagramExample: With Multiple Parameters
myapp://checkout?item_id=456&referral=friend123&utm_source=referralScheme
Custom protocol like myapp://. Must be configured in app settings (iOS URL Schemes, Android Intent Filters).
Host
Identifies the app or section. Example: products, checkout, profile.
Path
Specifies the resource or content ID. Example: /12345 for product ID, /user/john for username.
Query Parameters
Additional data and campaign tracking. Example: utm_source=email&utm_campaign=summer_sale.
Deferred vs. standard deep links
Understanding the difference between standard and deferred deep links helps you choose the right approach for your use case:
| Aspect | Standard Deep Link | Deferred Deep Link |
|---|---|---|
| App Required | Must be installed | Works even if not installed |
| Install Flow | Direct navigation to app screen | Redirect to store → open to screen after install |
| User Context | Preserved if app is open | Preserved across install |
| Best For | Social sharing, existing users | Email, uninstalled users, acquisitions |
| Complexity | Simple to implement | Requires backend infrastructure |
Use Standard Deep Links When
- +Most of your users have the app installed
- +You're sharing content within the app itself
- +You need quick implementation without backend
- +You're not worried about new user onboarding
Use Deferred Deep Links When
- +You're acquiring new users via email or ads
- +Users may not have your app installed yet
- +You need to preserve context across install
- +You're sending verification or password reset links
Ready to use deep links at scale?
Save your deep link configurations, track performance, and manage deferred links with Redirectly:
Frequently asked questions
What is a deep link?
A deep link is a URL that directs users to a specific location within a mobile app. Unlike regular links that go to websites, deep links open content or screens directly inside an installed app, creating a seamless user experience.
What is the difference between standard and deferred deep links?
Standard deep links work only if the app is already installed. Deferred deep links store the intended destination and redirect users to install the app first, then open to the correct screen after installation is complete.
Can I add UTM parameters to deep links?
Yes. This generator allows you to add utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign, utm_term, and utm_content parameters to track campaign performance for deep linked traffic.
What are fallback URLs?
Fallback URLs direct users to alternative destinations when they cannot open the deep link. For example, if a user doesn't have your app installed, they can be sent to the App Store, Play Store, or your website.
How do I test if a deep link works?
Use the Redirectly Deep Link Tester tool to validate your deep links. It will show you the parsed URL components, detected platform, and simulate what happens when the link is opened on different devices.