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Facebook Ads Cost Per App Install Benchmarks for Entertainment

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Cost Per App Install for Entertainment

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Key takeaways

  • This analysis looks at cost-per-app-install trends for industry Entertainment 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.
  • Overall level: the Entertainment selection averaged $9.21 per app install, slightly below the global baseline’s $9.30 (about 1% lower), indicating costs broadly in line with overall trends.
  • Volatility: selected data was more volatile than the baseline (average month-to-month absolute change 68% vs. 64%; coefficient of variation 43% vs. 31%).
  • Seasonality: the selection spiked in December and again in April, with a clear Q1 dip; the baseline peaked in November, reflecting typical holiday-season pressure and a spring rebound.

Selected time series overview

  • Period covered: Oct 2024 to Apr 2025.
  • Average: $9.21.
  • High/low: highest in Apr 2025 at $15.27; lowest in Feb 2025 at $3.96. Range of $11.30.
  • Trend: from the first to the last month, costs rose 119% (Oct 2024 at $6.98 to Apr 2025 at $15.27).
  • Notable movements:
  • Oct to Nov: modest +2.6%.
  • Nov to Dec: sharp +97%, lifting to $14.13 in December.
  • Dec to Feb: two-month slide to the trough in February (−58% then −33%).
  • Feb to Apr: strong rebound (+180% Feb→Mar; +38% Mar→Apr).

This pattern shows a pronounced Q4 spike, a Q1 bottoming in February, and a brisk spring recovery.

Comparison to the global baseline

For the overlapping period (Oct 2024–Apr 2025):

  • Baseline average: $9.30; high $14.28 (Nov 2024); low $6.20 (Oct 2024); range $8.09.
  • Baseline rose 86% from Oct 2024 ($6.20) to Apr 2025 ($11.51).

Month-by-month relative positioning of the Entertainment selection vs. baseline:

  • Oct 2024: +12.7% above market.
  • Nov 2024: −49.9% below market (baseline spiked to its seasonal high).
  • Dec 2024: +65.7% above market (selection’s holiday peak).
  • Jan 2025: −7.3% below market.
  • Feb 2025: −65.1% below market (selection’s trough vs. elevated baseline).
  • Mar 2025: +61.4% above market.
  • Apr 2025: +32.6% above market.

Across these seven months, the selection ran above the global trend in 4 of 7 months, but with wider swings (range $11.30 vs. baseline $8.09). The selection’s volatility profile (CV 43%) materially exceeded the baseline (31%), underscoring larger amplitude around the same seasonal curve.

Seasonality and timing

  • Holiday period: both series reflect higher Q4 pressure; the baseline peaks in November while the Entertainment selection peaks in December.
  • Q1 softness: the selection dips markedly in January–February, bottoming in February; the baseline also eases in December–January before rebounding in February–April.
  • Broader global context: beyond April, the baseline shows elevated mid-year costs, including a June high ($26.21) and a September lift ($22.99), suggesting the global market often tightens into mid-year and early Q3.

Understanding cost-per-app-install benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry Entertainment 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. In the Entertainment industry, Facebook ad costs can be influenced by seasonal trends and market competition. 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.

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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.