Facebook Ads Insights Tool

Facebook Ads Cost Per App Install Benchmarks

See how your app install costs compare. Explore mobile acquisition cost benchmarks by industry, region, and platform

Cost Per App Install

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Key takeaways

  • Based on $3B in Facebook Ads data, cost per app install shows substantial volatility with an average monthly swing of about $6.50 per install (60.9% MoM on average).
  • The series ranges from a low of 6.20 (October 2024) to a high of 26.21 (June 2025), a 4.2x spread.
  • From October 2024 to September 2025, costs rose from 6.20 to 22.99, a +271% increase.
  • Costs are lower through Q4–Q1, then climb sharply in Q2–Q3, with pronounced spikes in June and September.
  • Because the selection is All industries available and All countries available, the series matches the global baseline exactly and is in line with overall trends.

Scope and context

This analysis looks at cost per app install trends for industry All industries available and target country All countries available compared to the global trend. The analysis is based on $3B worth of advertising data from our dataset, which provides strong directional benchmarks.

Selected trend highlights

  • Overall level:
  • Average: 12.67
  • Median: 11.44
  • High: 26.21 (June 2025)
  • Low: 6.20 (October 2024)
  • Range: 20.02 between high and low
  • Change over time:
  • First to last month: 6.20 (Oct 2024) to 22.99 (Sep 2025), +271% (+16.80)
  • H1 vs. H2: 8.93 average (Oct–Mar) vs. 16.42 (Apr–Sep), an +84% lift in the second half
  • Notable spikes and dips:
  • Early uplift in November 2024 (14.28) followed by a December correction (8.52)
  • Lows around January (6.36) and March (6.87)
  • Sharp surge in June 2025 (26.21), then a July pullback (12.35) and renewed climb into September (22.99)

Seasonality and volatility

  • Seasonal patterns visible in the data:
  • Q4 shows a spike in November, with December moderating.
  • Q1 remains comparatively soft.
  • Q2 accelerates, culminating in the June peak; Q3 stays elevated and ends strong in September.
  • Quarterly averages: Q4 2024 = 9.67; Q1 2025 = 8.20; Q2 2025 = 16.05; Q3 2025 = 16.78.
  • Volatility:
  • Average absolute month-to-month change: $6.50 (60.9%).
  • Largest MoM increase: +151% (June vs. May 2025).
  • Largest MoM decrease: -52.9% (July vs. June 2025).

Comparison to the global baseline

  • Relative position: In line with overall trends.
  • Averages, highs, lows, and volatility are identical to the baseline, as the selection represents All industries available and All countries available (i.e., the global benchmark).
  • The same seasonal signature appears in both series: an initial rise in November, softness in Q1, and a strong Q2–Q3 with a pronounced June spike and elevated September.

Understanding cost per app install benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry All industries available and All countries available helps advertisers make more efficient budget and creative choices.

Understanding the Data

Insights & analysis of Facebook advertising costs

Facebook advertising costs vary based on many factors including industry, target audience, ad placement, and campaign objectives. Different industries see varying ad costs due to market competition, user demographics, and conversion value. Geographic targeting affects ad costs based on market competition and user engagement in different regions. Different campaign objectives lead to varying costs based on how Facebook optimizes for your specific goals. The data shown represents median values across multiple campaigns, and individual results may vary based on ad quality, audience targeting, and campaign optimization.

Why we use median instead of average

We use the median CTR because the underlying distribution of click-through rates is highly skewed, with a small share of campaigns achieving extremely high CTRs. These outliers can inflate a simple average, making it less representative of what most advertisers actually experience. By using the median—which sits at the midpoint of all campaigns—we provide a more rigorous and realistic benchmark that reflects the true underlying data model and helps you set attainable performance expectations.

Key Factors Affecting Facebook Ad Costs

  • Competition within your selected industry and audience demographics
  • Ad quality and relevance score – higher quality ads can lower costs
  • Campaign objective and bid strategy
  • Timing and seasonality – costs often increase during holiday periods
  • Ad placement (News Feed, Instagram, Audience Network, etc.)

Note: This data represents industry median values and benchmarks. Your actual costs may vary based on specific targeting, ad creative quality, and campaign optimization.

Optimize Smarter with Superads

Improve your Facebook ad performance

Instant performance insights – See which ads, audiences, and creatives drive results.

Data-driven creative decisions – Spot patterns to improve ROAS.

Effortless reporting – No spreadsheets, just clear insights.

Get Started for free →

The data behind the benchmarks

All data is sourced from over $3B in Facebook ad spend, collected across thousands of ad accounts that use Superads daily to analyze and improve their campaigns. Every data point is fully anonymized and aggregated—no individual advertiser is ever exposed.

This dataset updates frequently as new ad data flows in. It will only get bigger and better.

What's a good CPI for iOS vs Android in 2025?

iOS CPIs often range from $2 to $5 or more. Android is usually cheaper, between $1 and $3. Your CPI will depend on geo, creative, and optimization goal.

Why is my app install cost higher in some countries?

Some regions like the US, UK, and Canada have higher competition and stricter privacy regulations, which drive up costs. Countries with lower purchasing power typically have cheaper CPIs.

What creatives drive the lowest CPI on Facebook?

Short videos showing app benefits, UGC-style content, and localized messaging tend to perform best. Clear CTAs and fast-paced visuals help lower your CPI.

Should I optimize for installs or in-app actions?

Optimizing for installs gets volume, but optimizing for actions like signups or purchases brings higher quality users. It depends on your goals and how much post-install behavior matters.

How do I lower CPI without tanking app retention or quality?

Align your creative with the app experience, avoid misleading ads, and exclude users who already installed. You can also test lookalike audiences based on high-quality users, not just all installers.