Teams zero-install link unfurling before app search
Use zero-install link unfurling to let shared links advertise the app before the user ever visits the Teams app store.
Why this can grow a startup
Teams link sharing can be an acquisition surface, not just a content surface. Microsoft's link-unfurling docs say zero-install unfurling lets your app preview shared links even before the user discovers or installs the app. That changes the order of operations. Instead of asking for installation before the user has seen any payload, the shared URL itself can carry the first useful preview. The preview teaches the job, signals relevance, and gives the install a reason to exist.
Company example
Microsoft says zero-install link unfurling can preview shared links before a user discovers or installs the app, using the `composeExtensions/anonymousQueryLink` request.
Source and metric
Source: Microsoft Learn: Add Link Unfurling to App Manifest
Microsoft documents pre-install previews for shared links and names the anonymous invoke path used for zero-install unfurling.
When to use it
Use this when Product-led Growth, Acquisition, Onboarding is relevant to teams apps, link unfurling, pre-install proof and you can run a bounded test with a medium budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
Founder checklist
- Read Microsoft Learn: Add Link Unfurling to App Manifest and identify what is directly supported.
- Choose one channel context: Product-led Growth, Acquisition, Onboarding.
- Define the test around Microsoft documents pre-install previews for shared links and names the anonymous invoke path used for zero-install unfurling..
- Set an owner, evidence window, and stop condition before launch.
Explore the context
Apply this with an operator
Choose product surfaces that compound distribution without hiding weak activation or retention.