What is TTFB by App Referrer
TTFB by App Referrer shows how different referring applications affect Time to First Byte (TTFB) — the time it takes for your server to begin sending a response after the request.
This lens helps you understand which external apps may be contributing to slower server responses — whether due to redirect chains, tracking logic, or cookie handling specific to app-driven traffic.
Only app referrers that were active and measurable during the selected period are shown.
Why it matters: If users land on your site from an app and face a delayed server response, they may bounce before the content even starts loading.
Healthy TTFB by App Referrer sample
Should you worry
In a healthy view, TTFB remains fast regardless of where traffic comes from. Even when users land from complex app environments, your server responds quickly and starts the page rendering process promptly.
This is often the result of:
Proper caching and redirect handling.
No blocking logic tied to referrer or user agent detection.
Optimized edge response for mobile and in-app origins.
Unhealthy TTFB by App Referrer sample
If TTFB is slow for certain app referrers, it’s often because:
Redirect chains or referral-based personalization are slowing down the response.
The server treats some app traffic differently and introduces processing delays.
Consent scripts or cookie-setting logic is triggered early and blocks TTFB.
The request is being routed inefficiently or bypasses CDN edge layers.
Apps that often cause these issues include:
Facebook and Instagram (referrer-based tracking).
Messaging apps opening links in stripped-down in-app browsers.
Mobile partner apps with custom tracking or query strings.
Resolving unhealthy TTFB by App Referrer
Go-to action plan to resolve an unhealthy TTFB by App Referrer:
Ask Uxi to analyze your TTFB by App Referrer values and suggest improvements.
Use Filters to isolate high-traffic apps with slow response times.
Simulate TTFB of the suspected lens to see if fixing it will resolve the TTFB by App Referrer. If yes, this is where the resolution focus should be.
Use an automated optimization tool like Navigation AI to improve your TTFB by App Referrer values.
Once you’ve improved TTFB, set an alert to be the first to know if it starts worsening again.
Try it yourself
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