CPI (Cost Per Install)
CPI is a commission model where an affiliate earns a fixed payment each time a referred user installs a mobile app, commonly used in casino and sportsbook promotions.
What it means in practice
CPI (Cost Per Install) is a performance-based pricing model where an affiliate earns a fixed payout each time a user they referred installs a mobile application. Unlike CPA (Cost Per Acquisition), which typically requires a deeper action such as a deposit or purchase, CPI rewards the install event itself. This makes it a top-of-funnel acquisition metric focused on app distribution rather than monetization.
For operators running mobile casino or sportsbook apps, CPI campaigns help drive initial install volume. However, install volume alone does not guarantee revenue. Operators often layer qualification rules on top of CPI to filter low-quality installs — for example, requiring the user to open the app at least once or complete registration. Without these safeguards, CPI campaigns can attract bot traffic or incentivized installs that never convert to depositing players.
CPI rates vary significantly by geography and vertical. Tier-1 markets (UK, US, Australia) command higher CPI rates than emerging markets. Many operators combine CPI with post-install events tracked via S2S tracking to measure downstream quality. When comparing acquisition models, CPI sits between CPM (awareness) and CPA (conversion), offering a middle ground focused on engagement intent.
How CPI (Cost Per Install) works across industries
See how cpi (cost per install) is applied in the verticals Track360 supports, from qualification logic and payout structure to the operational context behind each model.
How Track360 handles this
Track360 supports install-based event tracking alongside deeper conversion events. Operators can configure CPI as a qualifying event within their commission structures, combining it with post-install qualification rules to ensure affiliates are rewarded for installs that lead to real engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cpi (cost per install), how it works in affiliate programs, and where it shows up across Track360's supported verticals.
CPI stands for Cost Per Install. It is a commission model where an affiliate earns a fixed payment when a referred user installs a mobile application. It is commonly used in mobile gaming, casino, and sportsbook app promotion.
Related Terms
CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)
CPA is a commission model where an affiliate earns a fixed payment for each qualifying action, such as a deposit, registration, or purchase, that a referred user completes.
CPM (Cost Per Mille)
CPM is a pricing model where advertisers pay a fixed rate per 1,000 ad impressions served, regardless of clicks or conversions generated.
CPL (Cost Per Lead)
A commission model where an affiliate earns a fixed payment for each qualified lead they generate, typically defined as a registration, form submission, or account opening that meets specified criteria.
Conversion Rate
The percentage of clicks or visitors that complete a desired action, such as making a first deposit, opening an account, or purchasing a trading challenge.
Bot Traffic
Bot traffic is automated, non-human traffic generated by software scripts or botnets that interacts with affiliate links and conversion funnels, inflating metrics and distorting attribution data.
Qualification Rules
Qualification rules are the conditions a referred customer must meet before the affiliate earns a commission, such as minimum deposit amounts, wagering requirements, or identity verification.
S2S Tracking (Server-to-Server)
S2S tracking records affiliate conversions server-to-server, bypassing the browser. Unaffected by ad blockers or cookie restrictions.
CPA vs CPM
CPA pays per conversion action (deposit, purchase). CPM pays per thousand impressions. CPA ties cost to results; CPM ties cost to exposure regardless of conversions.
Continue Learning
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