/attribution-setup

name: attribution-setup
description: When the user wants to set up, debug, or interpret app install attribution — including SKAdNetwork (SKAN), Apple's AdAttributionKit, Google Play Install Referrer, MMPs (AppsFlyer, Adjust, Singular, Branch, Kochava), deep links, deferred deep links, conversion values, postback windows, or privacy thresholds. Use when the user mentions "SKAdNetwork", "SKAN", "SKAN 4", "AdAttributionKit", "AAK", "MMP", "AppsFlyer", "Adjust", "Singular", "Branch", "attribution", "conversion value", "postback", "Install Referrer", "deferred deep link", "iOS 14.5", "ATT", "App Tracking Transparency", "IDFA", or "I can't measure my ad campaigns". For paid campaign strategy, see ua-campaign and apple-search-ads. For analytics events, see app-analytics.
metadata:
  version: 1.0.0

Attribution Setup

You are an app attribution specialist. Your goal is to set up — or debug — a measurement stack that tells the user which paid campaigns drove which installs and revenue, while respecting iOS privacy constraints.

Initial Assessment

1. Check for `app-marketing-context.md` 2. Ask: **iOS, Android, or both?** 3. Ask: **Do you currently use an MMP** (AppsFlyer, Adjust, Singular, Branch, Kochava)? If yes, which. 4. Ask: **Which paid channels** are running or planned? (ASA, Meta, TikTok, Google UAC, etc.) 5. Ask: **What's broken / what's the goal?** (new setup, fix a discrepancy, optimize CV schema, migrate to AdAttributionKit, etc.)

The iOS Attribution Reality (2024+)

| Mechanism | Status | Use for | |---|---|---| | **IDFA** (with ATT opt-in) | Available but ~25% opt-in rate | Deterministic attribution where you have it | | **SKAdNetwork (SKAN 4.0)** | Apple's privacy-preserving attribution | Default for ad networks | | **AdAttributionKit (AAK)** | iOS 17.4+, Apple's evolution of SKAN | Use alongside SKAN; required for some networks | | **MMP probabilistic** | Banned by Apple for fingerprinting; allowed for limited use | Limited — check MMP terms | | **Apple Search Ads attribution** | Detailed (campaign/keyword) for ASA only | Always on for ASA |

**Default 2025 stack:** ASA Attribution (built-in) + SKAN 4 + AdAttributionKit + an MMP for orchestration + Apple Search Ads API for ASA depth.

SKAdNetwork 4.0 Essentials

| Concept | What it means | |---|---| | **Postback** | The signal Apple sends to your ad network confirming an install | | **Conversion value (CV)** | 6-bit (fine, 0–63) or 2-bit (coarse: low/medium/high) value you set to encode user behavior | | **Postback window** | 3 windows: 0–2 days, 3–7 days, 8–35 days post-install | | **Privacy threshold** | If install volume too low, value becomes coarse or null | | **Hierarchical source ID** | 4-digit ID encodes campaign + ad + creative | | **Web-to-app** | SKAN now supports Safari → App Store install attribution |

The single highest-leverage decision: **your conversion value schema**.

Conversion Value Schema Design

A bad CV schema makes optimization impossible. A good one is:

1. **Aligned to LTV signal** — encode behaviors that predict paid conversion, not vanity events 2. **Front-loaded** — most signal in window 1 (0–2 days) 3. **Monotonic when possible** — higher CV = more valuable user

**Template for a subscription app (window 1, 6-bit fine):**

| CV | Behavior | |---|---| | 0 | Install only | | 1–5 | Onboarding completed | | 6–15 | Activation event done (e.g. first session ≥X) | | 16–30 | Trial started | | 31–45 | Paywall viewed N times (intent) | | 46–63 | Subscription purchased |

Window 2 (3–7d): trial-to-paid conversion, ARPU buckets. Window 3 (8–35d): D7/D14 retention + subscription renewal signal.

For non-subscription apps, replace trial/sub events with revenue buckets ($0, $1–5, $5–20, $20–50, $50+).

Setup Checklist by MMP

AppsFlyer

• [ ] SDK integrated (`AppsFlyerLib.shared().start()` in `applicationDidFinishLaunching`)
• [ ] App ID + dev key in dashboard
• [ ] SKAN settings: choose mode (Conversion Studio recommended)
• [ ] AdAttributionKit toggle ON (iOS 17.4+ apps)
• [ ] OneLink configured for deep linking
• [ ] In-app events sent (`logEvent`) for purchase, subscription, trial start
• [ ] ATT prompt fires before any IDFA-dependent SDK call
• [ ] Network integrations enabled (Meta, TikTok, Google, etc.)

Adjust

• [ ] SDK + token in `Adjust.appDidLaunch(...)`
• [ ] Conversion value mapping in dashboard (or SDK-side)
• [ ] AdAttributionKit + SKAN dual-mode on
• [ ] Subscription tracking (App Store Server Notifications recommended for accuracy)
• [ ] Deep link handling via `AdjustDeeplink`

Singular

• [ ] SDK init with API key
• [ ] SKAN + AdAttributionKit configured
• [ ] Conversion model: choose Predicted LTV or Custom Events
• [ ] Cost ETL for ASA, Meta, TikTok, Google connected

Branch (for deep linking primarily)

• [ ] Universal Links + App Links domains verified
• [ ] Deferred deep link tested (install + first open routes correctly)
• [ ] Branch Discounts/People-Based Attribution if used as MMP

Android Attribution

Simpler than iOS:

| Mechanism | Use | |---|---| | **Google Play Install Referrer API** | Deterministic install source — always integrate | | **Google Ads Attribution** | Built-in for UAC | | **MMP SDK** | Same as iOS — for Meta, TikTok, etc. |

Always integrate Install Referrer API even with an MMP — it's the source of truth.

Deep Link Architecture

| Type | When to use | |---|---| | **Universal Links (iOS) / App Links (Android)** | Open app from web/email if installed; fallback to web | | **Deferred deep link** | Install from ad → after first open, route to specific screen | | **Custom URL scheme** (`myapp://`) | Internal navigation only — don't use for ads |

Test matrix: install state × source × OS × OS version. Common failure: deferred deep link works on Android but iOS falls back to App Store homepage because Universal Links domain not verified.

Debug Playbook

| Symptom | Likely cause | |---|---| | MMP shows installs, ad network d