Alternatives
Firebase Dynamic Links Alternative
DEPL is a Firebase Dynamic Links alternative for teams that need mobile deep links after Firebase Dynamic Links was shut down. It supports iOS Universal Links, Android App Links, custom subdomains, REST API link creation, social metadata, and click tracking without requiring a mobile SDK.
Use DEPL when you need short mobile deep links like https://yourapp.depl.link/summer-sale.
Create links through a dashboard or REST API.
Route iOS users through Universal Links and Android users through App Links.
Send app-specific JSON parameters to your mobile app through a read API.
Use social metadata for better previews in Slack, KakaoTalk, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and messaging apps.
| Capability | DEPL | Firebase Dynamic Links | Branch | AppsFlyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current availability | Active | Shut down | Active | Active |
| Primary use case | Developer-friendly deep links | Legacy Firebase links | Enterprise deep linking and attribution | Mobile attribution and campaigns |
| SDK required | No SDK required for link creation | Firebase SDK often used | SDK commonly required | SDK commonly required |
| API-first link creation | Yes | Legacy | Yes | Yes |
| Custom subdomains | Yes | Legacy domain model | Yes | Yes |
| Best fit | Startups, indie apps, developer teams | Existing legacy apps only | Enterprise growth teams | Marketing attribution teams |
Why teams replace Firebase Dynamic Links
Firebase Dynamic Links previously handled smart mobile links, install fallback, and app routing. After its shutdown, teams need a replacement that can host link domains, serve iOS and Android verification files, preserve campaign links, and expose link data to the mobile app.
DEPL focuses on the deep linking layer instead of broad attribution. That makes it a fit for teams that want reliable app links, custom subdomains, and a simple API without adopting a heavy marketing SDK.
How DEPL replaces the core workflow
Create a workspace, choose a subdomain, connect iOS and Android app identifiers, then create deep links with app parameters. When a user opens a DEPL link, the platform resolves the workspace, loads the slug, returns social metadata to crawlers, and redirects mobile users to the app or app store fallback.
curl https://depl.link/api/deeplink \
-X POST \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"slug": "summer-sale",
"app_params": {
"screen": "promo",
"promo_id": "summer2026"
},
"social_meta": {
"title": "Summer Sale",
"description": "Open the app to view the offer"
}
}'When DEPL is the right alternative
Use DEPL if your main requirement is mobile deep linking, not full mobile attribution. It is designed for teams that need to generate links from a backend, attach JSON parameters, support Universal Links and App Links, and track basic click performance.
If you need enterprise-grade fraud detection, ad network attribution, and complex campaign ROI reporting, Branch, AppsFlyer, or Adjust may still be relevant. If you need a lightweight replacement for Firebase Dynamic Links, DEPL is the more focused option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DEPL a Firebase Dynamic Links replacement?
Yes. DEPL replaces the core Firebase Dynamic Links workflow: custom mobile links, iOS Universal Links, Android App Links, social previews, REST API creation, and app parameter retrieval.
Does DEPL require a mobile SDK?
No. DEPL is API-first. Your app handles Universal Links or App Links natively, extracts the slug, and calls the DEPL API with a client key to fetch app parameters.
Can DEPL migrate existing Firebase Dynamic Links?
Yes. Existing campaigns can be recreated as DEPL slugs with equivalent app parameters and social metadata. Teams should map old Firebase link paths to new DEPL slugs before traffic is moved.