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Facebook Ads Cost Per App Install Benchmarks for Software Development in Germany

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Cost Per App Install for Software Development in Germany

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Facebook Ads benchmarks: cost-per-app-install

  • The Software Development industry in Germany shows cost-per-app-install consistently below market: average 1.97 versus a global baseline of 10.92 (≈82% lower).
  • Seasonal patterns are evident: a sharp Q4 spike in November 2024, a mid-winter high in February 2025, a summer trough in July, and a rebound in August.
  • Volatility is high. Median month-over-month absolute change is ~70% for Germany versus ~53% globally.
  • From September 2024 to August 2025, Germany rose +207% overall; the global baseline climbed faster at +659%.

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

Germany, Software Development: trend overview

  • Average: 1.97 across Sep 2024–Aug 2025.
  • High/low:
  • High: 4.35 in Feb 2025.
  • Low: 0.47 in Jul 2025.
  • Range: 3.88.
  • First-to-last change: 0.56 in Sep 2024 to 1.72 in Aug 2025 (+207%).
  • Notable movements:
  • Nov 2024 spiked to 3.69 (+319% MoM), then eased to 1.10 in Dec (-70%).
  • Feb 2025 reached the period high 4.35 (+111% vs Jan).
  • Jul 2025 dipped to the period low 0.47 (-77% vs Jun) before rebounding to 1.72 in Aug (+265%).
  • Volatility: median month-to-month absolute change ~70%, indicating large swings marketers should anticipate in budgeting.

Global baseline comparison

  • Average: 10.92 over the same months (Sep 2024–Aug 2025).
  • High/low:
  • High: 26.21 in Jun 2025.
  • Low: 1.98 in Sep 2024.
  • First-to-last change: 1.98 to 15.00 (+659%).
  • Volatility: median month-to-month absolute change ~53%.
  • Relative positioning by month:
  • Germany was below market every month, ranging from -53% (Mar 2025) to -96% (Jul 2025).
  • Particularly large gaps in Jun (-92%) and Jul (-96%), when the global benchmark surged while Germany hit its trough.

Seasonal patterns and timing

  • Q4 pattern:
  • Germany: clear holiday spike in Nov 2024 (3.69), followed by a December correction (1.10).
  • Global: similar Q4 elevation, peaking in Nov (14.28) and moderating in Dec (8.52).
  • Early-year lift:
  • Germany climbed to a high in Feb 2025 (4.35), aligning with broader increases in early Q1–Q2.
  • Mid-year dynamics:
  • Global costs peaked dramatically in Jun 2025 (26.21).
  • Germany bottomed in Jul 2025 (0.47) then bounced in Aug (1.72).

What this means for benchmarking

Across the period, cost-per-app-install in Germany for Software Development remained well below the global baseline while showing stronger intra-year swings. The pattern features a holiday-driven spike in November, a mid-winter high in February, and a summer trough with a swift rebound.

Understanding cost-per-app-install benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry Software Development and Germany 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 Software Development industry, Facebook ad costs can be influenced by seasonal trends and market competition. For campaigns targeting Germany, advertisers should consider local market factors and user behavior. 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.

Germany Advertising Landscape

National Holidays

Jan 1New Year's Day
Apr 18Good Friday
Apr 21Easter Monday
May 1Labour Day
May 29Ascension Day
Jun 9Whit Monday
Oct 3German Unity Day
Dec 25Christmas Day
Dec 26Boxing Day

Key Shopping Season

Late November (Black Friday/Cyber Monday), Christmas shopping (late December), Back-to-school (August/September), Spring promotions (Easter period)

Potential Advertising Impact

Media consumption might rise during Easter, Ascension Day, and Pentecost, especially for travel campaigns. Late November and December bring pronounced spikes in retail advertising. German Unity Day often triggers localized campaigns. Regional holidays may create unique local competition. Sunday/holiday retail restrictions may contract ad inventory.

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.