What Is a Dynamic Link?
A dynamic link is a public URL that chooses an app, app store, or web destination from the visitor's platform and the Link's routing configuration. LimeLink provides dynamic links for iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter, and browser journeys.
Use this page to understand the concept. To generate one, follow Create a Link.
How Dynamic Links Work
- A person opens one LimeLink short URL.
- LimeLink evaluates the Link's configured Apple, Android, and browser behavior.
- If the matching app is available, the platform can open a configured in-app destination.
- If the app is not installed, the Link can continue to an app store, a custom URL, or a browser destination.
- For an eligible deferred journey, the SDK can retrieve the intended destination after installation and first launch.
A Link belongs to one Project. It has a management name and destination URL, and may include a suffix, platform routing, social preview, UTM parameters, stats association, and app-preview behavior.
Dynamic Link vs Deep Link
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dynamic link | The public routing URL that selects an app, store, or web path |
| Deep link | A URI or URL that identifies specific content, often inside an app |
| Universal Link | An HTTPS link associated with an iOS app |
| App Link | An HTTPS link verified for an Android app |
| Deferred deep link | A destination recovered after an eligible install and first launch |
A dynamic link can route to a deep link, but the terms are not interchangeable. LimeLink is a dynamic link routing service, not an SEO link-exchange network.
Example
Suppose a campaign shares one short URL for a product page:
- an iOS user with the app can open the product in the app;
- an Android user without the app can go to the store and continue through an eligible deferred journey;
- a desktop visitor can open the web destination.
The exact outcome depends on the Link configuration, platform association, installed-app state, and available fallback.
Domains and Plans
- LimeLink default-domain Links remain available on Free.
- Creating a Custom Domain Link requires an ancestry-valid Domain whose lifecycle is Active and an active Pro subscription for that Project.
- Existing Links remain readable when billing becomes inactive.
- Domain, suffix, Application, entitlement, and tenant state are validated again when a Link is saved.
See LimeLink pricing for the current Free and Pro boundary.
Developer Paths
- Use the dashboard generator workflow for manual Link creation.
- Use an app SDK for direct, Universal/App, and deferred deep-link handling.
- Use the public API for trusted server automation.
- Use the MCP server for its six documented agent tools.
- Use Terraform for Projects, Applications, and Custom Domains; Links are read-only Terraform data sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dynamic link?
A dynamic link is a URL that chooses an app, app store, or web destination from the visitor's platform and the Link's routing configuration.
How is a dynamic link different from a deep link?
A deep link is usually the destination inside an app. A dynamic link is the public routing URL that can open that deep link, send an uninstalled user to a store, or use a web fallback.
Do dynamic links work after an app is installed?
Deferred deep links can preserve an eligible destination through installation so the SDK can retrieve it on first launch. Matching is not guaranteed for every journey; follow the current platform guide and test the complete install flow.
Can I create a dynamic link for free?
Yes. A Project can create LimeLink default-domain Links on Free. Pro adds new Custom Domains.
Next Steps
Generate a default-domain URL with Create a Link, then inspect its configuration and metrics in Link Detail.