How to test Facebook mobile app install ads “Last Mobile Install Reported” field?

Question

I've integreated Facebook SDK, and put the code [FBSettings publishInstall:YOUR_APP_ID]; in, and it worked all right with return value true.

I'm testing it using ad hoc distribution, for some reason the field Last Mobile Install Reported is not showing up. And the Facebook app summary page I got seems to be different to other people.

My question is:

1. Do I need to release the app to Apple store first, then download it via Facebook Ad in order for 'Last Mobile Install Reported' to show up?

2. My guess is that since I installed the app as Ad Hoc to my device, not via Facebook, so that 'Last Mobile Install Reported' didn't work. It is fair enough if that is the case, as I expect Facebook to charge me only when people download and install the app via Facebook Ads. But I'm not sure if my guess is all right or not. Can anyone clarify how facebook mobile app install ads works? I've read through https://developers.facebook.com/docs/tutorials/mobile-app-ads/ already btw.

Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I know I'm a little late to answer this but maybe this will help someone else. I just ran my first ad campaign on fb for my app and tracked installs.

First, the way you test if your app has the fb framework installed correctly and reporting installs is:

Look for the "fb_mobile_activate_app" event to show up in fb in the App Dashboard -> Insights -> App Events -> Overview. It should show up within a minute of the app opening.

1. Your app does not have to be released. I was getting install data from the simulator.
2. FB tracks all opens and if that same user clicked on one of your ads within the last 28 days it counts it as an install.