Imagine a world where following links on your device is a breeze. You click on a link, and instead of dealing with a confusing app-selection dialog, you’re taken directly to the content you want within the app. That’s the power of deep links!
As a developer, you can set up these links to seamlessly connect users to specific content in your app, even if they don’t have it installed. By associating HTTP URLs with your website, Android app links eliminate unnecessary steps and ensure a smooth user experience.
Say goodbye to frustration and hello to effortless app access. Just click and enjoy the content you love!
What are the different types of Android links?
Understanding the different types of links is crucial before implementing app links in your app. There are three main types: deep links, web links, and Android App Links.
- Deep links:
Deep links are URIs that directly take users to a specific part of your app. By adding intent filters to your app’s activities, you can guide users to the relevant content. That’s what is shown in the code snippet below:
<activity
android:name=”.MyMapActivity”
android:exported=”true”
…>
<intent-filter>
<action android:name=”android.intent.action.VIEW” />
<category android:name=”android.intent.category.DEFAULT” />
<category android:name=”android.intent.category.BROWSABLE” />
<data android:scheme=”geo” />
</intent-filter>
</activity>
Users may see a disambiguation dialog when they click a deep link. In this dialog, the user can choose which app, including yours, can handle the given deep link. As shown in the image below, the user is asked whether to open a map link in Maps or Chrome after clicking a map link.
Also read: How to Create a Deep Link for a Seamless User Experience?
- Web Links:
Web links are deep links that use HTTP or HTTPS schemes. On Android 12 and higher, web links always open in a web browser. A disambiguation dialog might appear on older Android versions if multiple apps can handle the link.
The following code snippet shows an example of a web link filter:
<intent-filter>
<action android:name=”android.intent.action.VIEW” />
<category android:name=”android.intent.category.DEFAULT” />
<category android:name=”android.intent.category.BROWSABLE” />
<data android:scheme=”http” />
<data android:host=”myownpersonaldomain.com” />
</intent-filter>
Also read: How to share Videos using Deep Links?
- Android app links:
Android app links, available on Android 6.0 and above, are web links with the autoVerify attribute. They allow your app to be the default handler for a specific type of link. When users click an Android app link, your app opens directly without showing the disambiguation dialog.
Android app links offer several benefits, including security and specificity, a seamless user experience, support for Android instant apps, and the ability to engage users from Google search.
The following code snippet shows an example of an Android app link filter:
<intent-filter android:autoVerify=”true”>
<action android:name=”android.intent.action.VIEW” />
<category android:name=”android.intent.category.DEFAULT” />
<category android:name=”android.intent.category.BROWSABLE” />
<data android:scheme=”http” />
<data android:scheme=”https” />
<data android:host=”myownpersonaldomain.com” />
</intent-filter>
By understanding these link types, you can leverage Android app links effectively and enhance the user experience within your app.
Also read: How to share youtube playlist using deep links?
Replug deep links: what are they?
Deep links in Replug offer a seamless way to direct users to specific locations within apps, enhancing user experience and saving valuable time. With Replug deep links, you can effortlessly navigate users to desired in-app destinations, whether it’s a particular live stream, video, profile, or any other relevant content.
For example, by enabling deep links on a shortened YouTube link, users will be directed straight to the desired video or live stream within the YouTube app when they click on it. If the app is not installed on the user’s device, they will be directed to a web preview of the destination URL, ensuring a smooth transition between app and web experiences.
Replug supports deep links for up to 70 applications across various categories, including social media, e-commerce, music, video, and productivity. This wide range of supported apps enables you to leverage deep links for different purposes, catering to diverse user preferences and maximizing engagement.
By leveraging Replug’s deep link feature, you can streamline app navigation, provide a seamless in-app experience, and effectively engage users within the applications they love.
Use deep links for seamless navigation
Trigger more clicks, conversions & app installations with fully customizable deep links.
Learn More!
How to create deep links using Replug?
Unlock the power of deep linking in Replug with just four simple steps:
Step 1: Log in to the Replug application and click the “Replug Links” tab under the “manage” section.
Step 2: Click on the “New Link” button to start creating a new link.
Also read: What is a URL Slug and How to Optimize It?
Step 3: In the link creation process, you’ll find the toggle for Deep Links.
If the destination URL is eligible for deep linking, you will see an indication confirming its compatibility.
If the destination URL cannot be used as a deep link, you will see a corresponding indication.
Note: It’s important to note that deep links work specifically with Shortener Campaigns and supported URLs.
Step 4: Once you have set up the link and adjusted the Deep Links toggle, simply click on the “Save Link” button at the bottom to save your changes.
By following these three steps, you can leverage the deep links feature in Replug, enhancing the user experience and seamlessly directing users to specific in-app destinations.
Start utilizing deep links in Replug and optimize your link management process today.
Also read: Track Your Success: How to Create a Tracking Link?
FAQs
What are deep links and how do they work?
Deep links are URLs that direct users to specific content within a mobile app instead of a website or store. They work by utilizing unique URI schemes or app-specific URLs to open the app directly to a specific screen or location.
What is the difference between deep links and regular links?
Regular links typically direct users to websites, while deep links take users directly to specific content within mobile apps. Deep links bypass the app’s home screen and provide a more seamless and targeted user experience.
How can deep links benefit user experience?
Deep links eliminate the need for users to navigate through an app to find the desired content. They provide a frictionless experience by taking users directly to the relevant screen or feature they intended to access, saving time and effort.
Which platforms and apps support deep linking?
Deep linking is supported by major platforms like Android and iOS. Many popular apps across various categories, such as social media, e-commerce, music, video, and productivity, also offer deep linking capabilities.
Can deep links be used for both Android and iOS apps?
Yes, deep links can be utilized for both Android and iOS apps. Each platform has its own mechanisms for implementing and handling deep links, but the concept remains the same.
How do deep links improve app discoverability?
Deep links can improve app discoverability by allowing users to access specific app content through external sources such as search engines or other apps. This enables users to find and engage with app content more easily, leading to increased visibility and potential user acquisition.
Are there any limitations or restrictions when using deep links?
There can be limitations and restrictions when using deep links, depending on the platform and app. Some apps may require specific configurations or permissions to support deep linking, and certain platforms may have limitations on how deep links can be generated and accessed.
