4.2. Screenshot Trends

Screenshots play a pivotal role in app store listings, with the first screenshot being especially important for driving conversions. Many users decide to install an app based on the impact of the very first image they see. Only 30% of users remain on the app page after the first 3 seconds.

In this section, we break down the main trends for designing screenshots in the finance category.. For finance apps, emphasizing security through your screenshots is essential to establishing user trust.

Incorporating key selling points and trust signals — such as the number of downloads or security features — is an effective strategy to strengthen credibility.

Blue is commonly associated with reliability, confidence, and stability. Using this color can help reinforce trust with potential users.

To build trust with potential users, showcase social proof on your first screenshot. This could include an app store rating, the number of downloads, or a mention in the media. Displaying this information prominently will maximize its impact.

Given the high level of competition in the finance category, using vibrant colors can help your app stand out. Just be sure to balance this with enough contrast to ensure screenshots are easy to read.

Many finance apps are adopting gradients. They can give your screenshots a modern, sleek look, making the interface more visually appealing and helping key elements stand out.

Your screenshots should clearly illustrate how your app streamlines investing, payments, and tracking. Show how your app simplifies financial tasks, reassuring users that it will make their lives easier.

Finance apps can be complex, and captions make it easier for users to understand key features right away. Position captions so they’re visible but don’t cover important parts of the screenshot. Use clear fonts and colors that stand out.

After highlighting your core value proposition, use additional screenshots to showcase extra features. For instance, demonstrate how users can locate unused app subscriptions to avoid overpaying.

Split screenshots, where a single screenshot is “split” or “sliced” into two images, are still popular on the App Store and Google Play. This effect adds intrigue to the app’s page and may guide users to look at the rest of the screenshot pack.  

However, this type of screenshots may also distract users and drive them away from exploring the app. We recommend using a single, clear screenshot in the first position that highlights the app’s value, includes social proof, and presents a strong CTA. Reserve the split screenshot for the second or third position to showcase features in an engaging and visually appealing way, once the user is already intrigued by the app’s primary purpose.

By placing split screenshots strategically and ensuring they complement — not detract from — the overall message, they can enhance the app’s appeal without undermining its clarity or conversion potential.

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