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Introduction

Deep linking enables users to be redirected to specific content within a mobile application when they click on a link. It provides a seamless transition between web and app environments, enhancing user experience and conversion potential. In mobile contexts, a deep link can take users directly to a screen or feature within the app. When a user taps one of these links, the mobile operating system (iOS or Android) launches the app and navigates to the desired content. At Criteo, Offsite Retail Media for App currently supports the following deep linking methods:
  • Universal Links on iOS,
  • App Links on Android.
Important URI schemes are not supported for Offsite Retail Media App integrations. Only Universal Links and App Links are accepted.
Apple introduced Universal Links in iOS 9 to replace custom URI schemes, avoiding conflicts between apps sharing the same scheme and providing secure, web-compatible redirection. Similarly, Android App Links, introduced in Android 6.0, offer an equivalent mechanism on Android. Both systems rely on HTTPS URLs and allow a fallback to the mobile website if the app is not installed. Example: 
https://www.mystore.com/products?id=abc123
If the app is installed, this URL will open directly in the app; otherwise, it will open in the browser.

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Deep Linking in Criteo Ads

Deep linking configuration depends on the type of ad being delivered.

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Dynamic Ads

Dynamic Ads use Criteo’s Product Recommendation Engine to optimize engagement and conversions. Deep links may vary by banner zone:

Zone

Description

Requirement

Logo Zone

Contains advertiser branding (typically top-left). Redirects to the app’s main screen.

Mandatory:Universal/App Link to main screen.

Product Zone

Displays products from the catalog. Redirects to product detail screens.

Mandatory:Product-specific Universal/App Link.

Coupon Zone

Optional area showing discounts or special offers.

Optional:Universal/App Link to main or promotional screen (e.g., category or search page).

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Static Ads

Static Ads have fixed creative content and a single redirection target. Requirement:
  • Mandatory: One Universal Link or App Link that opens the app and navigates to either the main screen or a specific landing page.
This configuration is available in the self-service platform when creating an ad under Web Redirection.

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Video Ads

Requirement:
  • Mandatory: One Universal Link or App Link that opens the app and navigates to either the main screen or a specific landing page.
This configuration is also available in the self-service platform under Web Redirection.

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Setting Up Deep Linking for iOS Apps

To configure Universal Links for iOS:
  1. Add your link’s domain to the app’s Associated Domains in Xcode.
  2. Host an Apple App Site Association (AASA) file on the corresponding domain.
The AASA file:
  • Must be a valid JSON file (no .json extension in the URL).
  • Includes your app’s App ID and the paths that should (or should not) trigger redirection.
Example AASA file: 
{
  "applinks": {
    "details": [
      {
        "appIDs": ["ABCDE12345.com.example.app"],
        "components": [
          { "/": "/buy/*" },
          { "/": "/help/*", "?": { "articleNumber": "????" } }
        ]
      }
    ]
  },
  "webcredentials": {
    "apps": ["ABCDE12345.com.example.app"]
  }
}
For more details, refer to Apple’s Universal Links documentation.

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Setting Up Deep Linking for Android Apps

To configure Android App Links:
  1. In your app’s AndroidManifest.xml, define an intent filter to specify which URLs your app should handle.
  2. Host a Digital Asset Links file (assetlinks.json) on the same domain as the URLs.
The assetlinks.json file must contain:
  • The package name declared in your build.gradle file.
  • The SHA256 fingerprint of your app’s signing certificate.
Generate the fingerprint with: 
keytool -list -v -keystore my-release-key.keystore
Example with the assetlinks.json file: 
[{
  "relation": ["delegate_permission/common.handle_all_urls"],
  "target": {
    "namespace": "android_app",
    "package_name": "com.example",
    "sha256_cert_fingerprints": [
      "14:6D:E9:83:C5:73:06:50:D8:EE:B9:95:2F:34:FC:64:16:A0:83:42:E6:1D:BE:A8:8A:04:96:B2:3F:CF:44:E5"
    ]
  }
}]
For more details, refer to Google’s App Links documentation.

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Summary

Platform

Supported Method

Fallback

Required Configuration

iOS

Universal Links

Mobile Web

AASA file + Associated Domains

Android

App Links

Mobile Web

assetlinks.json + Intent Filter