Bitly deep linking
What Bitly links can do, what its free plan covers and what to check before you choose it.
A link shortener and QR platform whose Mobile Deep Links feature, on Premium and Enterprise, opens your app through Universal Links and App Links on a custom domain.
What can Bitly links do?
From Bitly's own pages, read on 2 Nov 2026.
Free or entry plan Paid plan Yes, plan not stated Partly Not published No
| Install attribution | NoClick and scan analytics onlyBT1 |
|---|---|
| Deferred deep links | Not publishedNot stated |
| Universal Links and App Links | Paid planOn a custom domain, Premium and upBT1BT2 |
| Custom link domain | Paid planCustom branded links from GrowthBT1 |
| QR codes | Free or entry plan2 QR codes a month on FreeBT1 |
| Web-to-app | Not publishedNot stated |
| Free plan | 5 links and 2 QR codes a month |
| Paid price | Mobile deep links from Premium, $199 a month billed annuallyBT1 |
Field notes
- Free covers 5 short links and 2 QR codes a month; Core is $10 a month (annual only), Growth $29 and Premium $199 a month, billed annually.
- Links on your own domain start on Growth.
- Mobile Deep Links are listed on Premium and Enterprise only.
- Bitly's help centre describes deep linking set up on a custom domain with Universal Links and App Links.
- Bitly's pricing page does not mention deferred deep linking or install attribution.
Who it suits
Best for: Teams already using Bitly for branded short links and QR codes.
- Deep links need the Premium plan.
- Deferred deep linking is not stated on the pages we read.
Questions
Can Bitly links open my app?
Yes, on Premium and Enterprise. Bitly's Mobile Deep Links point links at your mobile app, set up on a custom domain with Universal Links and App Links.
Does Bitly do deferred deep linking?
Bitly's pricing and help pages we read do not say. If users who install first must still land on the right screen, ask Bitly to confirm or choose a tool that documents deferred deep linking.
What is a deep linking tool?
A deep linking tool creates links that open a specific screen inside a mobile app instead of the home screen or a web page. Good tools also handle users without the app, sending them to the store and then to the right screen after install.
What is deferred deep linking?
Deferred deep linking keeps the link's destination through an app install. A user who taps a link without the app goes to the store, installs, opens the app and still lands on the screen the link promised.
Do I need an MMP to deep link?
No. Link tools such as Dub, Bitly or Short.io can open an installed app. You need an MMP when you also want to know which ad, creator or campaign drove each install, because MMPs tie the link click to the install and to in-app events.
What replaced Firebase Dynamic Links?
Nothing from Google. Firebase Dynamic Links shut down on 25 August 2025 and its links now return HTTP 404. Teams moved to MMPs with built-in linking, such as Linkrunner, Adjust, AppsFlyer, Branch or Singular, or to link tools such as Dub or Bitly.
Sources
Other platforms
- MMP with links
AdjustAn MMP whose plans all include direct and deferred deep linking; the advanced TrueLink product, your own link domain and smart banners are paid packages or add-ons. - MMP with links
AirbridgeAn MMP whose $40-a-month Core plan bundles deferred deep links, custom domains, QR codes and a web-to-app banner with attribution, after a 30-day trial. - MMP with links
AppsFlyerAn MMP whose OneLink links are split across four deep linking tiers: the free Zero tier keeps short links, QR codes and routing, while deferred deep linking, branded domains and smart banners sit on custom-priced tiers. - MMP with links
BranchAn MMP with deep linking at its core; its Basics, Essentials and Enterprise plans publish no prices, and Basics is a trial. - Link toolDubA link management platform with branded short links, QR codes and, from the $27 Pro plan, deep links with deferred deep linking on iOS and Android.
- MMP with links
KochavaAn MMP whose free plan includes SmartLinks with QR codes every month; Universal Links and App Links support starts on the $500-a-month Foundation plan. - MMP with links
LinkrunnerAn MMP that unifies deep linking and attribution: every link is dynamic and deferred by default, with branded links on custom domains, QR codes and web-to-app flows, and every feature is on the free plan. - Link toolOneLink.toAn app store redirect and QR service, unrelated to AppsFlyer's OneLink, whose paid plans add Android deferred deep linking and an open-in-app option.
- Link toolShort.ioA branded link shortener with a generous free plan on your own domains; its Team plan adds mobile deep links that open the app if installed and the browser if not.
- MMP with links
SingularAn MMP whose free plan includes deep linking up to 15k paid conversions; Singular Links support deferred deep links, branded domains, QR codes and smart banners. - Link toolURLgeniusAn SDK-free app linking service that opens apps through URL schemes, including apps you don't own, priced per click, with deferred journeys and banners on its Custom plan.