The average cost to acquire one app install from your TikTok advertising.
TikTok Cost per App Install = TikTok Ad Spend ÷ TikTok App Installs
| Metric | Definition |
|---|
| TikTok Ad Spend | Total amount spent on TikTok advertising |
| TikTok App Installs | Number of app installs attributed to TikTok ads |
| Metadata | |
|---|
| Type | Currency |
| Data Source | TikTok Ads |
| Aggregation | Ratio |
Example
Your app install campaign spent $2,400 and drove 800 installs this week:
| Ad Group | Spend | Installs | CPI |
|---|
| Lookalike Audience | $1,200 | 480 | $2.50 |
| Interest Targeting | $800 | 240 | $3.33 |
| Retargeting | $400 | 80 | $5.00 |
How It Works
CPI divides your TikTok ad spend by the number of app installs TikTok attributes to your ads. Lower CPI means you’re acquiring users more efficiently. TikTok tracks installs through its SDK integration with your mobile app.
When to Use
| Scenario | Action |
|---|
| Evaluating app campaign efficiency | Compare CPI across ad groups and creatives |
| Setting install targets | Use CPI to forecast budget needed for install goals |
| Benchmarking performance | Compare your CPI to industry averages |
| Optimizing creative | Test new creatives to lower acquisition cost |
| Metric | Relationship |
|---|
| TikTok App Installs | The denominator for CPI |
| TikTok CPA | Cost per purchase (compare to CPI for full-funnel view) |
