What are Android App Links?

Android App Links are links used in Android devices that allow mobile apps to create URLs that directly open a specific location or webpage within the app. Simply put, Android App Links are deep links that are only used on Android OS. These links help to improve the user experience by eliminating the need for users to open a browser and then be redirected to the app. App Links also provide a way for apps to deep link into other apps, allowing for more efficient navigation between apps. This feature allows users to directly access the desired location or webpage within an app, providing a more seamless experience.

Why are Android App Links important?

Android App Links can benefit mobile marketers because they let the users be directed to a specific page within the app. This can improve the user experience by eliminating the effort of manual navigation and allowing them to access the desired location within the app directly.

Another benefit of Android App Links is that they can provide a way for apps to deep link into other apps. Seamless navigation between apps can increase app engagement by making it easier for users to access the content or features the users are looking for.

Additionally, Android App Links are important for mobile marketers because they are a useful tool to drive conversions. By using Android App Links to deep link into specific pages or sections of an app, marketers can direct users to specific call-to-action (CTA) pages or purchase pages. This can increase the chances that users will take the desired action, such as completing a purchase or signing up for a service.

Furthermore, Android App Links can be used to re-engage users who have downloaded an app but have not been active for a while. By sending them a link to a specific content or feature, marketers can encourage them to open the app again and become more engaged.

How do Android App Links work?

The technical implementation of Android App Links involves several steps:

1. App linking: The developer needs to declare the linkable activities in their app's manifest file. This tells the Android system which activities can handle the incoming links.
2. Link creation: The developer creates a link using a specific format that includes the package name of the app and the desired location or webpage within the app.
3. Link verification: The developer can verify that the link will work correctly by testing it on a device or emulator.
4. Link distribution: The developer can distribute the link through various channels, such as email, social media, or their website.
5. Link handling: When a user clicks on the link, the Android system checks to see if the app is installed. If it is, the link opens in the app. If it's not, the user is taken to the Play Store to download it.
6. Deep linking: Once the app is open, the link directs the user to the specific location or webpage within the app, allowing for deep linking between apps.

Android App Links use the HTTP/HTTPS protocol, so it's important to use the correct format and structure for the link. Also, developers can use the Digital Asset Links Protocol to verify that the app is authorized to handle the link.

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