If you’re wondering what app.link is, you may have come across an app.link in the wild, similar to the right-hand image.
App.link is an example of a deep link, which is a link that takes you to specific content in a mobile app to improve your experience. Companies use app.link to bring you directly to their app if you have it installed. If you don’t have the app, app.link routes you to the App Store to install. After you install and open the app, your place is automatically saved so you can continue to view your previous content without disruption.
When you see app.link, you are seeing a deep link helping you get from wherever you are (on the mobile web, texting a friend, clicking on an email link) to an app.
App.link and deep links in general can be found on the mobile and desktop web, in social media, in ads, emails, SMS, and more.
When you see app.link, you are simply being rerouted to the app for a better experience! Mobile apps often load faster, are easier to use, and have more functionality than their mobile web counterparts. This makes your browsing, watching, shopping, viewing, or reading experience a lot easier.
Here’s a breakdown of app.link’s components:
When you see a screen like this on your iPhone after clicking a link on the mobile web, email, ad, etc, you can choose to view that same content within the app, or go to the app’s homepage.
If you choose to see the same content in the app, the link is copied to your iPhone Clipboard and you’re brought to the in-app content if you have the app installed. You can see this in action here:
Brands that use app.link for deep linking never rent or sell your personal information. Rather, you’re given freedom of choice in what to do next in your user journey. You can also choose to opt out of seeing app.link at all — learn more here.
Branch creates deep links for companies to provide a great user experience for you. Branch powers links for more than 3 billion monthly users worldwide, and Branch’s links are used by brands like Adobe, BuzzFeed, Yelp, and many more.
