TikTok DeepLinks let you send users straight from your ad to an in-app product page – no browser, no friction. This simple change can boost conversions, cut bounce rates, and improve your TikTok ad performance fast. In this guide, Mega Digital will show you how TikTok DeepLinks work, why they outperform normal links, and how to set them up step by step.
Quick Summary
- TikTok DeepLink is a special link that redirects users from a TikTok ad directly to an in-app product page (e.g., Shopee or Lazada), skipping the browser entirely.
- DeepLinks help reduce drop-off, shorten the buyer journey, and significantly improve conversion rates.
- TikTok DeepLink is best for Video Shopping Ads, Spark Ads, Dynamic Showcase Ads, and app install campaigns with post-install targeting.
- How to set up? Insert deep link URLs in TikTok Ads Manager, configure fallback URLs, test across devices, and measure performance via TikTok Pixel or Events API.
What is DeepLink TikTok?
Deep link TikTok is an ad type that uses embedded links to send users straight to the in-app location, mostly seen with product pages in e-commerce stores. This method saves customers a lot of time while providing them with a seamless shopping experience, reducing bounce rates, and maximizing ad performance.
Example: shopeevn://home?navRoute=eyJwYXRoc
We may often encounter three types of links on TikTok, which are:
| Type | What It Does | Best Use Case | TikTok Ad Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Link | Opens a web page in the browser, even if the app is installed | Driving traffic to your homepage or website | Yes, but lower engagement |
| Universal Link | Tries to open the app if installed; falls back to browser if not | When you want a flexible app/web experience | Yes, limited control |
| DeepLink | Directly opens a specific in-app screen (e.g., product page in Shopee) | Shopping ads, in-app redirection for better UX | Highly recommended for eCommerce |
>>> Read more: TikTok Auction Ads: A Complete Setup Guide and 6 Winning Tips
Why should you DeepLink TikTok?
For sellers who want to attract TikTok users to their e-commerce sites, the DeepLink ad is the perfect solution to lead customers straight to product pages on your landing pages or website. With its advantage, DeepLink TikTok can:
- Shorten the buying journey of users with e-commerce sites.
- Improve customer engagement and retention rates.
- Boost your marketing, target the right customers, and upsell, improving ROI.
How DeepLink TikTok Ads Work?
As mentioned above, the DeepLink TikTok ad operation is straightforward.
What you need to set up DeepLink on TikTok?
To set up a TikTok advertising campaign that uses a Deep link, you will need the following:
- Whitelist account: Deeplink Ad is only accessible to those who own a whitelist ad account and use other functions like display cards, gift codes, etc. Advertisers should contact TikTok Agency – Mega Digital for the use of the agency accounts that have been whitelisted.
- Deep link: You can get this link by requesting with your agency partner or the e-commerce platforms.
- Video Ads: Content that is engaging and interesting can attract viewers’ attention to the new product. It would be best if you considered some of the best TikTok ad examples to find ideas for your ad creatives.
How to set up DeepLink TikTok?
The process of setting up Deep Link TikTok ads is straightforward. You need to follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Get the deep link for the platform where you want to lead your customers. You can order from agency partners or directly contact e-commerce customer service.
Step 2: Add the deep link on ad creatives. You start setting ad campaigns like usual till the Text & Link part. Then, you can paste the deep link right after the URL.
TikTok DeepLink Best Practices for Conversion
Setting up DeepLinks in your TikTok Ads is a powerful way to improve performance, but to see real results, it’s important to do it right. Below, Mega Digital will list some practical tips to help you make the most of DeepLinks and turn more views into conversions.
1. Link directly to the product page, not your homepage
First, make sure you’re linking to the exact product featured in your ad. Sending users to a generic homepage or category page adds unnecessary friction. Instead, if your ad showcases a discounted air fryer, your DeepLink should take them straight to that product’s detail page inside Shopee, Lazada, or your app.
For example, if you’re advertising a ₫199k non-stick frying pan on Shopee, your DeepLink should take the user straight to that product’s detail page inside the Shopee app, not to your storefront or kitchenware category. This reduces friction and increases the chance of conversion.
2. Make sure your ad creative matches the landing page
Next, make sure your message stays consistent. If your video promotes a “Flash sale – 50% off today,” then the landing page must reflect that exact deal. Any disconnect between the ad and what users see after clicking can cause drop-off.
You can think of it this way: you’re building a promise in your creative. The DeepLink should fulfill it immediately.
3. Set a fallback URL for users without the app
Here’s where many advertisers slip up. DeepLinks only work if the user already has the app installed. So, what happens if they don’t? Without a fallback URL, the journey breaks.
To avoid that, always add a fallback that opens the product’s mobile web version or directs users to the App Store or Google Play. For instance, if you’re deep linking into the Lazada app, set a fallback that loads the same product page in Lazada’s mobile browser version.
4. Test your DeepLinks across both Android and iOS
DeepLink behavior can differ by platform. What works well on Android may open incorrectly or not at all on iOS, especially if Universal Links or permissions aren’t configured properly.
Before going live, we highly recommend testing every DeepLink on both systems and across multiple devices if possible. Use your own phone, a colleague’s, or even emulators to catch issues early. A broken link can waste thousands in ad spend.
5. Track conversions using TikTok Pixel or Events API
Finally, don’t just measure clicks; also track what matters most. Use TikTok Pixel to capture web-based events like add-to-cart or purchase on fallback pages. If you’re deep linking into an app, set up TikTok Events API or connect with a mobile measurement partner like AppsFlyer or Adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about deeplink TikTok
No extra tools are needed, but you do need access to TikTok Ads Manager. If you’re linking into your own mobile app, make sure the app supports deep linking and is properly configured (e.g., Universal Links for iOS or App Links for Android).
Yes, and you should. If you’re linking to a web page, use TikTok Pixel to track post-click actions. For app journeys, consider using a Mobile Measurement Partner (MMP) like AppsFlyer or Adjust to capture in-app events like installs, purchases, or signups.
You can add a DeepLink in TikTok Ads Manager when setting up your ad’s destination URL. Make sure your app supports deep linking and test the link on both iOS and Android devices before launching.
Yes. DeepLinks drive users directly to the in-app page (like a specific product), while normal links often open a browser, which adds friction. DeepLinks tend to have higher engagement and conversion rates, especially for e-commerce.
Yes, Spark Ads support DeepLinks. When boosting organic posts or creator content, just ensure the link in the CTA (like “Shop Now”) is a DeepLink that lands users directly on the product page in-app.
Final Word
With the development of e-commerce platforms, DeepLink TikTok ads will be highly suitable for businesses and brands that want to direct TikTok audiences to other pages in their biosystems. However, to run DeepLink ads, you must own a TikTok agency account that has been whitelisted by TikTok Agency – Mega Digital!
Contact us to get your TikTok Agency account right away!
>>> Read more: TikTok Carousel Ads: Showcase all your products visually
