How to create a social media deep link? 

Let’s keep it simple: Social media deep linking is when a link within a social media platform or ad takes you straight to a specific landing page inside an app/website instead of its homepage.

Think about this. You click on an Instagram story promoting a product, and instead of landing on the app’s main screen, you’re taken directly to that product’s page. That’s a deep link. It saves you time and gets you exactly where you want to go.

Brands use social media deep links in ads, posts, and even bios to make the experience as smooth as possible. It’s basically like giving users a VIP pass to skip the line.

Why use deep linking on social media?

Here’s why deep linking on social media is worth the effort:

• Effortless user journeys: No one wants to hunt for a product after clicking an ad. Social media deep links make the shopping and checkout process seamless.
• Boosted engagement: If you make it easier for users to interact, they’re more likely to click, browse, or buy.
• Higher conversions: Direct access to what users want increases the chances they’ll take action, whether it’s for purchasing, downloading, or signing up.

Also read: A quick guide to deep linking & its benefits

How to deeplink on social media?

Setting up deep links might sound technical, but it’s straightforward when you break it down:

1. Choose your tool: Use an advanced link management platform to create deep links.
2. Define the destination: Decide where the link should take users. For instance, it could be a product page, sign-up screen, or specific content in your app.
3. Set up fallbacks: For users without the app, ensure the link redirects them to a web page or the app store.
4. Add the link to social media: Deep linking on social media has become crucial for digital marketers to drive engagement and streamline user journeys. Here are a few ways (but not limited to) to add a deep link to popular social media platforms:
   • Instagram: Use story swipe-ups or include them in your bio.

Source: Bolt Food

• Facebook: Add the link to CTA (call to action) buttons in posts or ads.

Source: Fossil

• TikTok: Place links in your bio or pair them with video ads.

Source: Doordash

Also read: Call to action for social media: 15 best examples

How to create a social media deep link using Replug?

Below is a step-by-step guide to easily create a social media deep link using Replug:

1. Sign in or create an account: The first step is to sign in to your Replug account or create a new account if you don’t already have one:

2. Create a short link: Shorten your social media link easily by copying and pasting your long URL in the bar under “Quickly Shorten your link”

3. Create a custom or branded URL (optional): You’ll now have a pre-generated Replug short link for your social media URL. If you want to create a custom URL for a more personalized touch, all you need to do is change the URL slug. 

To take things up a notch, you can also create a branded URL if you have connected your custom domain with Replug. 

4. Create a deep link: Now, just toggle the “Deep Linking” button, and you’re done! 

Note: If your link format is not valid for social media deep linking integrations in Replug, you won’t be able to create a deep link.

Here’s what the error message looks like:

Here’s a table for Replug’s deep link social media integrations to make things easier for you:

Social media deep link integrations	Supported deep link formats
Skype	Home, Invite
WeChat	Home
WhatsApp	Home, API, WhatsApp QR, WhatsApp Message
VK	Home, VK Call Join
QQ	Home
Pinterest	Home, Business, Pin
X (Twitter)	Share, Search, Hashtag, Status, Profile
Weibo	Home
Snapchat	Business, Lens, Profile
Facebook Messenger	Messenger. m.me
LinkedIn	Job Post, Profile, Company, Message, Feed
TikTok	Effect, Video, Song, Profile
Instagram	TV, Home, Tag, Personal Profile Camera, Profile
Facebook	Event, Company Event, Group, Company Page Photos, Company Page, Newswire, Page Profile, Profile
Telegram	Join Chat, Messenger, Home
Viber	Home

All these deep link integrations are compatible with iOS and Android.

Best practices for social media deep linking

If you want your deep links to perform well, keep these tips in mind:

• Test your links: Nothing kills trust faster than a broken link. Check that your links work across devices and platforms.
• Make links trustworthy: Use branded URLs (e.g., yourbrand.page/promo) to build credibility.
• Prioritize mobile users: Since most people browse social media on their phones, make sure your links are mobile-friendly.
• Add visual appeal: Pair your links with eye-catching images or videos to grab attention.
• Track performance: Use analytics to see how your links are performing and adjust your strategy if needed.

Related: 11 best practices for URL shortening: How to improve brand impact

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are some things to steer clear of:

• No fallbacks: Always provide an alternative for users without the app. Redirect them to a relevant web page or app store.
• Cluttered posts: Too many links in a single post can confuse your audience. Keep it simple using URL shorteners.
• Skipping link testing: Test your links before posting to avoid frustrating your audience.

Wrap-up: Make the most of deep linking

Deep linking is one of the easiest ways to improve your social media campaigns. It’s all about reducing friction, making life easier for users, and boosting engagement.

Start adding deep links to your posts and ads with Replug to create smoother journeys, stronger connections, and higher conversions. 

The best part? It’s simpler than you think—and your audience will thank you for it!

FAQs on how to create a social media deep link