Deep Link Strategy for AI Test Labs
Screenshots may go viral anywhere, so every link has to know where to land people. This strategy covers URL patterns, UTMs, and graceful fallbacks for QR codes, SMS, in-app banners, and creator bios.
Design a canonical URL schema
Every lab gets a slug (/toxic/, /villainstory/, etc.). Deep links append optional query params: ?client_id= for device continuity, &share_id= for attribution, and &state= for prefilled form data. Document these params in your internal wiki so collaborators do not invent new ones mid-campaign. Consistency keeps analytics clean and prevents caching bugs.
Map QR codes to redirectors
We never embed raw lab URLs inside QR codes. Instead, each code points to /r/{campaign}, a lightweight redirect endpoint that logs scans before sending users to the latest destination. When we need to reroute traffic (e.g., lab retired, new theme launched) we simply update the redirect table instead of reprinting posters or merchandise.
Use platform-aware fallbacks
Deep links should detect device context. If someone opens a link inside Instagram in-app browser, disable clipboard-dependent flows and display instructions ( ap the share icon, then Open in Browser ?. For SMS, add &utm_medium=sms and prefetch the lab assets so the page feels instant on slow data. Desktop visitors get a different hero message encouraging them to screenshot and post within 60 seconds.
Prefill form state responsibly
Some campaigns pass keywords into the lab (e.g., &prompt=office+villain). Always sanitize these inputs server-side and mark them as uggested ?so the user can edit before running. Prefilling increases conversion, but you do not want to run prompts you cannot moderate.
Connect deep links to the credit ledger
If a link includes &bonus=3, the backend redeems it when the client ID first loads the page. We cap bonuses per campaign and log redemptions with timestamps, so fraud checks can spot abuse. This mechanic pairs well with creator codes: can Ally QR for +3 credits. ?It boosts creator morale because they see immediate value delivered to fans.
Test the journey with real devices
Emulators lie. When we prepare a launch, we scan the QR with iOS and Android, tap the link inside Discord, Slack, and email, and save the link to Notes to mimic re-open flows. This surfaces issues like hidden cookies, misfiring UTMs, or autoplay restrictions on the loading animation. Document the test matrix in the launch checklist so nobody forgets smaller surfaces like Pinterest or Telegram.
Measure deep link health
Log every redirect with: source campaign, user agent, referrer (if any), and resulting lab slug. Export to a dashboard to watch for spikes in 404s or expired campaigns. For offline assets, correlate scan spikes with share IDs to learn which posters, stickers, or merch drops actually drive runs.
Maintain a sunset policy
Old QR codes live forever, so create a policy for what happens when someone scans a sunsetted campaign. We usually redirect to /blog/ or a ab archive ?page explaining the retired experience plus a CTA to try the latest drop. This respectful hand-off keeps fans happy even when their favorite lab is gone.