What Is An Install Referrer?

Have you ever downloaded a mobile app and wondered how you found it?

Perhaps you stumbled upon it in the app store, saw an ad on social media, or a friend may recommend it.

In the world of mobile apps, understanding how users discover your app is crucial to its success. One such strategy is to track app installs through install referrers.

An install referrer is a mechanism that helps to track the source of an app install. It gives an idea about which marketing channels or campaigns led to the installation of an app.

For example, if a user installs an app after clicking on a Facebook ad. Then, the install referrer indicates that the app got installed through a Facebook ad.

Similarly, if a user installs an app after getting emails along with the link. Then the install referrer indicates that the app got installed through an email.

An install referrer is a parameter that apps use to track how users discover and install their apps. This can optimize the campaign marketing strategies and can increase user acquisition.

How does an install referrer work?

When a user clicks on a link or ad for an app, the device sends a request to the app store to download the app. At the same time, the device sends an install referrer to the app, to identify the source of the installation.

So, if the user installs an app from an app store or other download sources, such as a website or ad network.

The download source will provide the app with an install referrer parameter. This parameter consists of information such as the download source.

It also consists of the name of the ad network, campaign name, or website which the app got downloaded from. The app uses this data for determining how its target users discovered the app.

Let’s see an example if you are running an ad campaign on a particular platform. We can use this referrer data to track the installs generated through the campaign.

They can also track the cost per install, user engagement levels, and churn rates by source. This allows us to adjust the strategies according to it for attracting new users.

Why are install referrers Important?

Install referrers are important for several reasons. They provide app developers with valuable information about how users discover their apps.

By tracking install referrer data, they can gain insights into the marketing campaigns. This shows the sources are driving the most engaged users which results in high churn rates.

This information can optimize their marketing strategies and improve user acquisition. For example, if they observe that a specific ad network is driving a more number of installs. Then, they may choose to divide their marketing budget to that network.

They are important for those who rely on paid user acquisition channels, such as ad networks. So, they can ensure that they are getting the most out of their marketing budgets.

But, it’s important to be aware of potential fraud when it comes to referrers. Some use fraudulent tactics to generate fake installs and manipulate install referrer data. This can lead to inaccurate analytics and avoid wasting marketing spend.

What are some of the app stores that offer install referrers?

Install referrer is a parameter that enables tracking the source of app installs. It is typically passed through app store URLs.

Here are some app stores that offer install referrers:

1. Google Play Store

Google Play Store is one of the most popular app stores that offer to install referrers for Android apps.

It provides referrer data through the Google Play Install Referrer API. This can get accessed through the Google Play Developer Console. The API provides details such as the install source, campaign name, and click time.

When a user installs an app, the store sends a message to the app with the install referrer information. The app can then access this information to track the source of the installation.

2. Apple App Store

This type of install referrer is for apps that get distributed through the Apple App Store. They can access this information through the App Store Connect dashboard. This provides details like the download source, version, date, and time of installation.

When a user installs an app, the store sends a postback to the app with the install referrer information. The app can then access this information to track the source of the installation.

3. Amazon Appstore

Amazon Appstore also provides install referrer data through its Attribution API. This API provides data such as the install source, campaign name, and click time.

It also supports attribution tracking for both app installs and in-app purchases. They track the source of app installs to pass parameters through the Amazon Appstore URL.

4. Samsung Galaxy Store

Samsung Galaxy Store is another app store that offers install referrer functionality. Developers can access this data through the Samsung Galaxy Store Seller Portal.

The data provided includes the referrer URL, the app ID, and the time of installation. They can track the source of app installs through the Samsung Galaxy Store URL.

5. Huawei AppGallery

Huawei AppGallery also offers to install referrer data through its Conversion Tracking API.

This API provides details such as the install source, campaign name, and click time. It also supports attribution tracking for both app installs and in-app purchases. They can track the source of app installs through the Huawei AppGallery URL.

FAQs

Ques 1: Is play install referrer API safe?

Ans. Yes, the Play Install Referrer API is safe. These APIs are been provided to install referrer data without compromising user privacy.

Ques 2: What is referrer software?

Ans. It refers to the process of tracking app traffic by recording the URL of the referring webpage or app.

Ques 3: Is it safe to install APK from an unknown source?

Ans. No, it is not safe to install an APK from an unknown source. By installing an APK from unknown sources, you need to be careful. As it could expose your device to malware, viruses, and other security threats.

Ques 4: Is it safe to install from Play Store?

Ans. Yes, it is generally safe to install apps but not completely from the Google Play Store. But, it is still a safer option compared to unofficial sources while downloading the apps.