Facebook Ads Insights Tool

Facebook Ads Cost Per App Install Benchmarks for Media

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

Cost Per App Install for Media

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Key takeaways

  • Based on $3B of Facebook Ads data, cost-per-app-install (CPI) for Media across all countries available sits far above the global trend overall: the seven-month average is 164.53 vs. a global baseline of 9.85 (≈16.7x higher).
  • Extremely volatile month-to-month: average absolute change ≈402% across observed months, with swings from +117.8% to +2056% and drops of −95% to −98%.
  • Clear Q4/Q1 lift: costs jump from October into November and peak in January, then normalize sharply in February.
  • End-to-end decline: from 133.05 in October 2024 to 6.96 in July 2025 (−94.8%).
  • Relative positioning vs. global: above market in five of seven observed months; notably below global in February (−36.9%) and July (−43.7%).

Scope and context

This analysis looks at cost-per-app-install trends for industry Media 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.

Media CPI highlights (selected data)

  • Period covered (with data points): Oct 2024 to Jul 2025.
  • Average CPI: 164.53 across seven observed months.
  • High: 411.04 in January 2025.
  • Low: 6.96 in July 2025.
  • Notable spikes/dips:
  • Q4/Q1 surge: 133.05 in October → 289.75 in November → 411.04 in January.
  • Sharp correction: down to 7.17 in February.
  • Mid-spring stabilization: 154.56 in March and 149.18 in April.
  • Mid-year trough: 6.96 in July.
  • Month-to-month changes (sequential, where data exists): +117.8%, +41.9%, −98.3%, +2056%, −3.5%, −95.3%.
  • Range: 404.08 (from 6.96 to 411.04).
  • First-to-last change: −94.8% (Oct 2024 → Jul 2025).

Comparison to global baseline

  • Baseline average over the same months: 9.85.
  • Baseline high/low (same months): 14.28 in November 2024; 6.20 in October 2024.
  • Baseline volatility (avg absolute month-to-month change): ≈63%, much lower than Media’s ≈402%.
  • Relative positioning by month:
  • Above market: Oct (≈21.5x), Nov (≈20.3x), Jan (≈64.6x), Mar (≈22.5x), Apr (≈13.0x).
  • Below market: Feb (−36.9% vs. baseline), Jul (−43.7% vs. baseline).
  • Trend vs. baseline from start to end of period: baseline rises from 6.20 (Oct) to 12.35 (Jul), +99.4%, while Media’s CPI falls −94.8% over the same start/end months.

Seasonal signals

  • The dataset shows a pronounced Q4/holiday and early Q1 lift for Media CPI, peaking in January, consistent with seasonal demand pressure.
  • Costs then normalize sharply in February, with a secondary mid-spring plateau (March–April) and a low in July.
  • The global baseline also shows elevated costs in November and generally firmer levels into mid-year, but with far less amplitude.

Understanding cost-per-app-install benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry Media 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 Media 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.