There are constant debates about the most impactful app store product page elements that help you grow app organically. Some growth hackers do believe that description really matters, some ASO specialists are assured that mobile icons beat all page elements when it comes to significance.
The latter assumption makes a lot of sense for Apple Search Ads and store search results conversion. However, when a user gets on the product page, screenshots tend to catch the best part of attention due to its visual nature and a large proportion of page space.
After all, it’s proven that less than 2% of users tap “read more” button and some ignore app description entirely. It’s not surprising as visual communication has a better influence on people than written one. Thus, app screenshots are responsible for grabbing the attention of potential users and argue them into installing an app.
There’s a considerable part of users whose perception of an app is primarily based on the quality of its screenshots and app reviews. Therefore, your screenshots should answer the following questions:
- Can your app solve a particular problem of users?;
- Is it an app of high quality?;
- Is it worth spending time and money on the app?
Still, nobody will examine your screenshots to answer these questions if they’re not engaging enough. To perfect your screenshots and enhance your ASO efforts, you have to know everything about them from acceptable formats to design tricks. You’ll find all the necessary information in this ultimate guide which will take your screenshots knowledge to a pro level.
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App Store Screenshot Sizes and Requirements
First things first, your screenshots are to meet the technical requirements if you want them to look professional and appealing.
The number of screenshots on each store product page is limited to 10 images on the App Store (due to screenshots limit enhancement). Don’t forget that if you add an app preview to your store page, its cover acts as the first screenshot getting a total number of them to 11. It’s important to remember the ‘Play’ sign in the process of video preview designing.
Here’s app store screenshots size summary for different Apple devices:
iPhones (uploading screenshots in this resolution to the App Store, a device will scale them down to 1080 x 1920):
- iPhone 3+4 (3.5 Inch): 640 x 960
- iPhone 5 (4 Inch): 640 x 1136
- iPhone 6/7/8 (4.7 Inch): 750 x 1334
- iPhone 6/7/8 Plus (5.5 Inch): 1242 x 2208
- iPhone X (5.8-Inch): 1125 x 2436
Other devices:
- iPad (Air and Mini Retina): 1536 x 2048
- iPad Pro (12.9 Inch): 2048 x 2732
- Apple Watch: 312 x 390 pixels (only one orientation is available)
Not so long ago app publishers had to upload screenshots of various sizes matching different iPhone models. It was tedious and boring work, but there was no other way.
However, everything changed last year, now it’s possible to upload screenshots for the screen of iPhone 7 Plus and the system will adjust screenshots to sizes of all other iPhone generations automatically.
What concerns the file format the App Store accepts PNG and JPEG files. It’s vital to upload files of the best possible quality within accepted resolutions, you can check out iTunes Connect Developer Guide for more details. Following these simple requirements, you’ll have no problem submitting your app.
ASO Battle: App Store Screenshots Orientation (Portrait vs Landscape)
Choosing between portrait and landscape screenshots is a common ASO dilemma app marketers face. Some publishers end up submitting horizontal screenshots as vertical ones forgetting about users’ convenience, so it’s not the best option.
In general, it’s recommended to stick to portrait orientation if possible, as such screenshots are easier to scan quickly and a user can see 3 screenshots without further scrolling.
Nevertheless, landscape orientation holds leading positions in the gaming segment. The thing is that gamers are used to horizontal screen orientation and it doesn’t scare them away once encountered on the App Store.
However, this ASO formula doesn’t work for all sort of games.
For instance, Rovio tested portrait screenshots vs landscape ones before launching Angry Birds 2. The results contradicted the gaming industry trend as vertical screenshots won. It turned out that Angry Birds users don’t belong to hardcore gamers group and are not used to horizontal screenshots orientation on app stores. In the process of screenshots optimization with mobile A/B testing, the app got a 13% conversion increase which means millions of additional installs in absolute figures. Thus, the game got 2.5M more new users in just a week after its launch.
Read also: Angry Birds 2 by Rovio: 2.5M more installs in just a week with ASO and A/B testing
Source: splitmetrics.com/blog/angry-birds-2-as-a-case-study-for-aso-and-ab-testing
That’s why it’s essential to A/B test different orientations along with other product page elements despite overall vertical screenshots dominance. Who knows, your app’s conversion might skyrocket thanks to uncommon mixed type which contains both portrait and landscape screenshots.
App Screenshot Colors and Backgrounds
It all depends on your app style. Sure, you’re not restricted to the same color palette used in your app design. However, it’s good to start with it as it’s an easy yet effective way of delivering your app’s spirit. If your app is playful, the screenshots should reflect it, for example, via using vibrant custom colors for every screenshot. Minimalistic nature of an app can be applied to your app screenshots color layout.
Source: blog.bufferapp.com/the-science-of-colors-in-marketing-why-is-facebook-blue
Here’re a few ASO tips concerning colors used in screenshots layouts:
- colors shouldn’t contradict the message of your screenshots;
- colors used in app design are more likely to convey what it’s like to use it;
- less is more: don’t turn your screenshots into a hot mess of various colors;
- colors should resonate with your target audience. It’s especially important when you localize your product page.
Soundly elaborated background in its turn can help draw users attention and emphasize app’s usage context clarifying app’s features. It’s also a good idea to research background images your target audience like the most.
Source: itunes.apple.com/us/app/ubereats-uber-for-food-delivery/id1058959277?mt=8
Incipia studied product pages of top 100 free apps in the Apple App Store and got the following results:
- Сustom background turned out to be the most popular one;
- Blurred images in the background are more commonly used than clear ones;
- Colorful backgrounds are popular in such categories as social networking and shopping;
- Blue and white are the prevalent background colors;
- The overwhelming majority of apps used in-app screenshots on the product page (N/A in this graph).
Source: incipia.co/post/app-marketing/app-store-screenshots-study-of-the-top-100-apps
App Store Screenshots Caption and Its Influence on ASO
A distinct ASO trend has emerged lately: app publishers prefer to add a short descriptive text reducing illustrations in size. However, it’s important not to overdo, a caption shouldn’t exceed two lines.
Adding caption makes no sense unless it’s easy-to-read, short, and clear. The truth is app store visitors don’t open full-screen gallery normally, so it’s important to make fonts bold and readable even from product page thumbnails of screenshots. Usage of call-to-actions is encouraged, app’s features are to be emphasized with verbs.
Short action-packed captions were used in the optimization of SongPop2 trivia game. For example, a brief verb-packed caption “LISTEN, GUESS, AND COMPETE” replaced extended “The addictive trivia game featuring real music”. The app obtained 10% better CVR as a result.
Source: splitmetrics.com/blog/songpop-success-story-shorter-captions-bolder-graphics-10-better-cvr
Incipia found out what type of captions prevail in top apps in their study. The majority of apps used a plain white or black text. Captions in screenshots of game apps took a certain shape, box or banner on top or bottom of the image as a rule.
It turned out that keywords don’t make any difference in terms of your ASO efforts, so it doesn’t really matter whether you use them in your captions. In general, apps with some sort of caption had better ranking compared to ones without any text on screenshots.
Source: incipia.co/post/app-marketing/app-store-screenshots-study-of-the-top-100-apps
App Store Screenshots Style
Classic
They basically depicture in-app screenshots without any additional edits, redesigns or improvers.
It’s not the best way to promote a new app. Normally, app store users find it boring and not engaging. However, some publishers make even such straightforward screenshots look appealing and stylish.
Source: itunes.apple.com/us/app/netflix/id363590051?mt=8
Pros:
- easy and quick to create;
- clearly shows the interface of your app.
Cons:
- not very engaging;
- can look messy and indistinct.
How to do it:
Capture your app interface at the most engaging moments
Who can use it:
App developers who need screenshots asap. This type of screenshots is mostly used by game and fitness app publishers as screenshots of these kinds of apps can show instant value.
Solid background and device
The idea is pretty simple: an app publisher chooses a background template, places device in the center, and adds a caption above or under the device.
Mind that background color may vary. Lots of online screenshot builders provide such design, so this sort of layout is quite popular on the app store.
Source: itunes.apple.com/us/app/evernote-stay-organized/id281796108?mt=8
Source: itunes.apple.com/us/app/jibjab/id875561136?mt=8
Pros:
- easy to create;
- highlights app’s features via caption text;
- emphasizes the colors of your app.
Cons:
- technically, it’s forbidden as iTunes Connect Developer Guide says: “Don’t place the screenshot inside an Apple device image”;
- too many apps use this scheme, you won’t stand out;
- doesn’t necessarily clarify app’s interface due to the small size of screenshot inside the screenshot.
How to do it:
There’re plenty of online screenshot builders (AppInstitute, AppLaunchpad, etc.) which have such templates.
Who uses it:
App developers on a tight schedule who don’t have an in-house designer. This style can be used for all store categories.
Blurred Background and Device
It’s similar to the previous one except for the fact that blurred photo is used as the background making an image more integral and stylish. This screenshots type gained popularity among cooking and photo editing app categories.
Source: itunes.apple.com/us/app/berlin-offline-map-maps-in-motion/id730030654?mt=8
Pros:
- easy to create;
- highlights app’s features via caption text;
- brings a more in-depth appeal;
- makes screenshots more stylish.
Cons:
- again, it’s forbidden by Apple;
- barely clarifies app’s interface due to the small size of the screen inside the screenshot.
How to do it:
Free versions of online screenshot builders can help you with the creation of such screenshots.
Who uses it:
App developers on a tight schedule who don’t have a time or desire to create a unique set of screenshots. This style is particularly popular among cooking and photo editing apps.
Tutorials
A set of screenshots in such style normally represents a tutorial on using the app. It’s recommended to use this style if your app encourages a user to interact with their device in a new and unusual manner.
Once you decided to apply such style to your screenshots, make sure all instructions are concise and laconic.
Source: itunes.apple.com/us/app/facetune/id606310581?mt=8
Pros:
- teaches users how to use your app;
- graphically demonstrates the app’s features in action.
Cons:
- some users find it boring especially when you overdo with caption length;
- instructions might be too obvious for users therefore redundant.
How to do it:
Pick features you want to deconstruct carefully. Remember that your instructions are to be as laconic as possible.
Who uses it:
Use this style solely if your app requires a user to interact with their device in a new and unusual way. There’s no need using it when customers already know how to work with this type of apps.
Connected
Sets of ‘connected’ screenshots were extremely popular a couple of years ago. This type presupposes that each screenshot is the beginning of the next one. Indeed, when you do it right, this style can be really engaging and eye-catching. Nevertheless, it’s not that easy to nail it. There’s a threat of making your screenshots confusing and illegible.
Nevertheless, it’s not that easy to nail it. There’s a threat of making your screenshots confusing and illegible.
Source: itunes.apple.com/us/app/etsy-shop-handmade-vintage-creative-goods/id477128284?mt=8
Pros:
- can be really engaging;
- draws attention.
Cons:
- difficult to read;
- requires time;
- requires high-quality designing skills.
How to do it:
It’s better to charge professional designers with this task, as it’s pretty hard to get it right.
Who uses it:
This style can be used for an app in every category, it’s especially popular among video streaming and music apps.
The Splash Screen
The splash screen screenshots look like an ad which demonstrates app’s features and explains its purpose. Visuals used in such screenshots are not part of an app as a rule. The first screenshot usually conveys a principal message of your app.
Such an approach can help your app stand in the crowd of categories crowded with screenshots depicting mobile devices.
Source: itunes.apple.com/ph/app/beat-fever-music-tap-rhythm-game/id1076002270?mt=8
Pros:
- makes an app stand out from the crowd;
- highlights main features;
- looks appealing.
Cons:
- ad vibe may scare users away;
- requires time;
- requires high-quality designing skills.
How to do it:
No screenshot builder will help you with this style, you have to think over all details before getting down to design itself. Charge your in-house or freelance designer with this task.
Who uses it:
Once done right, any app product page can benefit from it. It’s extremely popular to use this style in the first screenshot for gaming apps.
Photography
This style helps app store visitors to see your app in a real-life setting. It’s a great way of showing your potential customers what you’re offering. Yet, there are lots of cases when photo-like surrounding steals the scene from your app. Be careful using this screenshots type.
Pros:
- allows to see an app in a real-life surrounding;
- appealing looks;
- engages users.
Cons:
- photos may overshadow your app;
- requires time;
- requires a thorough analysis of target users’ preferences.
How to do it:
Choose photos that resonate with your potential users and reflects the app’s spirit. Try to integrate photo smoothly into your screenshot.
Who uses it:
If a professional designer is available to you, there are no restrictions concerning this app store screenshots style.
Combinations
As it comes from the title, this style presupposes combination of two or more screenshot types. You can experiment with various layouts. There’s no need to stick to one option. Play around different screenshots styles and find out which variants resonate with your audience.
Source: itunes.apple.com/us/app/scanbot-pro-scanner-app-fax/id1007355333?mt=8
Pros:
- allows to implement most efficient elements of other styles;
- high engagement rate;
- appealing looks;
Cons:
- it’s easy to overdo with elements abundance;
- cons of all style you decide to combine.
How to do it:
Think carefully what styles you want to combine, how they’ll highlight your app’s main features. Don’t be too drawn away with design questions, remember that your main goal is to tell users as much as possible about your app and make them install it.
Who uses it:
This style is applicable to screenshots of any app.
Screenshots ASO Localization for App Store
Many app publishers don’t realize how dangerous it is to underestimate localization impact on the app’s performance. It’s highly important to remember that it’s not enough to merely translate your screenshots captions. Localization is to happen beyond the text. After all, you’re adapting to another culture.
For example, FiftyThree managed to get 33% better conversion localizing their Paper app for the Chinese-speaking market. As a result, the English version of screenshots differs dramatically from the Chinese one. It turned out that multicolored background works way better than a monochrome one on the Asian market.
Source: splitmetrics.com/blog/paper-by-fiftythree-how-to-get-33-more-installs-with-screenshots-ab-testing/
Devil is in details when it comes to localization. Uber nails details with its product pages for different locales. It seems that the screenshots were just translated but they were truly optimized. On app store versions for the US and Japan, we see various maps, destinations, currencies, etc.
Source: itunes.apple.com/jp/app/uber/id368677368?mt=8
Localizing screenshots you make your app more appealing for representatives of different cultures, thus enlarging your customer bases immensely. So, you’d better take it seriously, it wouldn’t hurt to consult professional translator and ask a native speaker to double-check renewed localized screenshots.
Read also: 10 App Store Screenshots Optimization Tactics
Core ASO Principles for App Store Screenshots
1. First screenshots are to encapsulate the essence of your app
First two screenshots have to be as engaging and informative as possible without hurting the ease of comprehension. App store visitors should get the core message of your app straight away.
If you want to give extra ASO power to your images, choose the most popular feature of your app for the first screenshots based on insights about users’ in-app behavior.
Source: itunes.apple.com
2. Highlight value and benefits not merely features
In fact, it’s better to prioritize benefits over features. Your app can be super innovative and well designed, but nobody will download it unless it solves the problems of users. Your screenshots should convey the value of the app and explain how it makes users lives easier.
Source: itunes.apple.com
3. Use all available screenshots
Sure, not every app store visitor scroll through all screenshot, but when they do it’s sensible to make the most of the store guidelines. Using all 10 screenshots (or at least 5), you communicate more value and cool features your app can boast multiplying chances of ASO success and app download.
Source: itunes.apple.com
If your app got recognition (from being #1 lifestyle app in Honduras to being mentioned in a top-notch media outlet), don’t be shy to empower your ASO with it reflecting these testimonials in your screenshots. It’ll only make your core message more credible and speed up users’ decision-making.
Showing target audience that your app is already popular has incredible psychological power which makes it easier to believe that the app is worth installing. Yet, it goes without saying that it’s hardly a good idea to fake comments and boast imaginary awards.
Source: itunes.apple.com
5. Highlight new features after major updates
Your new feature might be a game-changer and it makes sense to put it on the first screenshot after its release. Don’t ignore Apple updates as well, users should know that your app is compatible with new devices and services. By the way, it has the potential of increasing your chances of being featured by Apple. However, once all these updates are no longer hot news, don’t forget to update your screenshots.
Source: itunes.apple.com
6. Pay attention to details
There’s no place for carelessness when it comes to screenshots design. Many app publishers make the same old ASO mistakes over and over again. For instance, if you plan to put a device on you screenshot make sure that status bars should show a full network icon, full Wi-Fi icon, and full battery icon. Such little things can produce an unfavorable impression on users, so be as diligent as you can.
Source: appshots.io/app-screenshot-guide
7. Constant testing
Trusting your instincts might be good sometimes, but when it comes to ASO it makes way more sense to A/B test all changes before renewing your screenshots on the App Store. At times, results of experiments contradict surefire hypotheses. Furthermore, don’t forget that experimenting is of little use unless you pay attention to mobile A/B testing sample size and statistical significance of your tests.
Even at getting great conversion increase after initial testing, don’t stop. After all, there’s always room for improvement.
Source: splitmetrics.com/blog/designing-screenshots-a-guide-on-how-to-achieve-a-32-conversion-lift/
Bubble Birds 4 managed to get a 32% conversion lift via optimizing screenshots with SplitMetrics. Old creatives were redesigned according to game category major trends: short and catchy captions with most appealing characters and custom background which brings together art overlays, real screenshots, and gameplay elements. These helped the company reduce user acquisition costs considerably.
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Afterword on App Store Screenshots
Sure, your app’s prosperity doesn’t solely rest on your screenshots looks and informativity, but it’s reckless to ignore the considerable ASO and overall impact of this product page element. We live in a world where people tend to ignore extensive texts in favor of visual information especially when we talk about app stores.
The majority of app store visitors know how screenshots of a good app look from prior experience. So, equip oneself with tips and tactics mentioned in this guide and get down to polishing your screenshots as no app store success is possible without it.
Sources:
iTunes Connect Developer Guide. Apple
App Store Screenshots Study of the Top 100 Apps. Incipia
5 Data-Backed Tips to Help Create Killer Screenshots. Tune
7 Ways To A/B Test Your App Page Creatives. Apptamin
App Store Optimization (ASO): App Screenshots That Sell. Apptamin
How To Create Effective App Screenshots For Your App Store Page. Smashing Magazine
How to Design outstanding App Screenshots. TheTool
