Have you ever clicked a link and landed directly on the exact product, article, or app screen you were looking for or feature you needed?
That’s dynamic linking – a term well-known to developers and marketers, yet something many have probably used without even realizing it.
After integrating dynamic links using the mobile linking platform Branch.io and FlutterFlow into many apps, we’ve seen firsthand the wide range of benefits they offer.
What is Dynamic Linking?
Unlike deep links, which direct users to specific content within an app assuming it is already installed, dynamic links are a more advanced version of deep links.
In simple words, dynamic links use custom URL schemes, to take users directly to specific content or pages within an app, instead of just opening the app’s home screen – basically, they act as shortcuts that take users exactly where they need to go, regardless of whether the app is currently installed on their device.
How Dynamic Links Work?
When a user clicks on a dynamic link – whether it originates from an email, in-app message, SMS, referral program, or QR code – one of two things happens:
App Installed: If the app is already installed on the user’s device, the dynamic link will automatically open the app and take the user directly to the specific content – like a product page, article, user profile, etc. This ensures a quick, smooth experience for returning users, allowing them to reach the relevant information or features without any extra navigation steps.
→ But keep in mind that in the apps we’ve developed, if the user is not authorized, the app will first redirect them to the login page. After successful authentication, it will take them to the intended content, ensuring a seamless and secure flow that protects user data.
→ We created dynamic shareable links for user-to-user sharing of content, allowing them to effortlessly share videos and profiles with their friends. When a user finds a video they enjoy, they can generate a dynamic link that directs their friends straight to that content within the app. If the friend has the app installed, they can access the video without any issues. However, if the friend does not have the app, he will have to download it.
App Not Installed: If the app is not installed, the dynamic link will guide the user to the app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) to download the app. After installation, the dynamic link will automatically redirect the user to the intended content within the app.
→ We created a custom QR code widget with a deferred deep link. When users scan this code, they are first directed to the app store if they don’t already have the app installed. After the installation is complete, the dynamic link automatically takes them to the welcome page, where they can register for a new account.
Why Are Dynamic Links Important?
In short, they are game-changers for app performance, leading users directly to the content they want or the content your marketing and product teams want them to engage with.
We’ve been keeping close tabs and have witnessed the top 4 benefits of dynamic links:
1 Improved User Experience (UX)
Dynamic linking directs users to the exact content or feature they’re looking for, streamlining navigation and making the app experience faster and more intuitive by eliminating unnecessary steps.
For one of our apps, a real-time feedback management platform, dynamic linking was used to simplify the feedback process. Users can scan a QR code, click a request link, or use an email invite to access another user's submission for evaluation. The evaluator can easily open the dynamic link, which takes them directly to the content ready for review. With a voice-to-text interface, providing real-time feedback is simple and efficient.
2 Higher Conversion Rates
By directing users to relevant content, such as a product page or sign-up form, dynamic links simplify the user journey.
And by reducing the number of steps required to complete key actions, dynamic links significantly enhance the user experience and increase the likelihood of conversions, whether through purchases, registrations, or other desired outcomes.
3 Increased User Engagement and Retention
By delivering users directly to targeted sections of your app, such as in-app rewards or loyalty programs, dynamic links encourage immediate interaction.
As users experience consistent value and convenience, they are more likely to stay engaged, leading to increased long-term retention.
4 Enhanced Analytics Tracking
We can also embed dynamic links with UTM parameters and other tracking information, enabling the measurement of engagement, conversions, and more. This capability offers valuable insights that can be used to optimize your marketing strategies.
How We Make Dynamic Links Work in Apps?
Technically, dynamic links use a unique URL structure, backend processing, and front-end configurations.
The Technical Mechanism of Dynamic Linking
→ Backend Mechanism: When a user clicks a link, the backend must interpret the URL and any attached parameters (such as user IDs, product IDs, or specific actions). These parameters contain crucial information that tells the app where to direct the user.
→ Front-end Mechanism: The front end plays a crucial role in interpreting and responding to links. Once the backend captures the link parameters and ensures proper routing, the front-end ensures the user lands on the correct screen or feature seamlessly. This involves minimizing loading times, providing a cohesive navigation flow, and handling any errors gracefully to maintain a smooth user experience.
Our Tech Stack for Setting Up Dynamic Links
We use FlutterFlow for app development because of its flexibility, speed, and seamless integration with dynamic linking features, making it suitable for both iOS and Android apps.
Switching from Firebase Dynamic Links to Branch.io
In our previous projects, we initially utilized Firebase Dynamic Links to create smart URLs that function across platforms. However, as Firebase Dynamic Links is set to shut down on August 25th, 2025, we have transitioned to Branch.io, a mobile linking platform that offers even more advanced capabilities for linking with its robust features like detailed analytics, reliable routing, cross-platform support, and deferred deep linking.
→ In the Branch dashboard, we configure key settings, such as selecting the link domain and setting up configurations for both Android and iOS platforms. We then create custom Flutter code, add metadata, and handle the redirects within that code.
→ After completing the integration, we conduct thorough testing of the dynamic links to ensure they work correctly in different scenarios, such as whether the app is installed or not.
With experts managing the technical side of dynamic linking, your app can effortlessly guide users from anywhere to nearly any part of the app they or you want!
This means more satisfied users, enhanced engagement and retention, and ultimately, higher conversion rates!
