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

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Cost Per App Install for Software Development in Netherlands

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Facebook Ads cost per app install benchmarks: Software Development in the Netherlands vs global

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

Main takeaways

  • Average level: Netherlands Software Development averages 3.34 per install, about 65% below the global baseline (9.53) across the same months.
  • Highs and lows: Netherlands peaks at 7.59 (Mar 2025) and bottoms at 0.77 (Jul 2025). The global series peaks at 15.00 (Aug 2025) and starts at 1.98 (Sep 2024).
  • Trend direction: From Sep 2024 to Aug 2025, Netherlands declines 60%, while the global baseline rises 658%.
  • Volatility: Month‑to‑month absolute changes average ~70% in Netherlands vs ~64% globally—both highly volatile, with the Netherlands slightly more so.
  • Relative position: Netherlands sits below market in 9 of 11 matched months; it is above market only in Sep 2024 and Mar 2025.
  • Seasonality: The global trend shows a clear Q4 lift (notably Nov), then additional strength into late summer. Netherlands shows a deep December dip and a mid‑summer trough, with late‑winter peaks instead.

Netherlands Software Development: time‑series highlights

  • Average: 3.34 per install across Sep 2024–Aug 2025 (11 months observed).
  • High/low: High at 7.59 in Mar 2025; low at 0.77 in Jul 2025; range of 6.82.
  • Directional change: From 2.60 in Sep 2024 to 1.03 in Aug 2025 (−60%).
  • Volatility: Large swings, with notable spikes and dips:
  • Spikes: +160% from Jan→Feb 2025; +112% from Apr→May 2025.
  • Dips: −65% from Nov→Dec 2024; −67% from Mar→Apr 2025; −86% from May→Jul 2025.
  • Notable pattern: Costs climb from autumn into early winter, plunge in December, surge again in Feb–Mar, then reset lower by summer.

Comparison to the global baseline

  • Average gap: Netherlands at 3.34 vs global 9.53 (−65% vs market).
  • Peak comparison: Netherlands hits its high in Mar 2025 (7.59), slightly above the global level that month (6.87, +10%). Most other months trail the baseline:
  • Examples: Dec 2024 (1.10 vs 8.52, −87%); Feb 2025 (7.20 vs 11.36, −37%); Jul 2025 (0.77 vs 12.35, −94%); Aug 2025 (1.03 vs 15.00, −93%).
  • Volatility: Average absolute month‑to‑month change ~70% (Netherlands) vs ~64% (global). Both series experience sharp Q1/Q2 reversals and large summer moves.
  • Seasonal contrasts:
  • Global: Strong Q4 spike (especially Nov), resilience into late summer (Aug high).
  • Netherlands: Pronounced December dip; late‑winter peak (Feb–Mar); lowest costs mid‑summer (Jul–Aug).

What this means for benchmarking

  • Netherlands Software Development cost per app install is generally below average and more volatile than the global market, with peaks skewed toward late winter and troughs in midsummer, while the global pattern shows stronger Q4 and late‑summer costs.

Understanding cost per app install benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry Software Development and Netherlands 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 Netherlands, 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.

Netherlands Advertising Landscape

National Holidays

Jan 1New Year's Day
Apr 18Good Friday
Apr 20Easter Sunday
Apr 21Easter Monday
Apr 26King's Day
May 5Liberation Day
May 29Ascension Day
Jun 8Pentecost Sunday
Jun 9Pentecost Monday
Dec 25Christmas Day
Dec 26Boxing Day

Key Shopping Season

Late November–early December (Black Friday/Cyber Monday), December (Christmas and Boxing Day sales), Spring holidays (April–June tourism)

Potential Advertising Impact

CPM and CPC might rise during spring holiday cluster when travel and leisure ads see elevated engagement. Liberation Day (May 5) is mandatory national holiday—ad inventory might shrink. Ad competition increases in late December for holiday promotions. Few summer holidays mean more consistent campaign performance through summer.

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.