Google Play Store Feature Graphic: Definition, Placement, and Best Practices

When it comes to app store optimization, every single page element matters, be it something as attention-grabbing as preview video and screenshots or something more subtle like a long description. No store page aspect should be neglected and today we will dwell on feature graphic within Google Play Store.

What is Feature Graphic (Google Play Store)?

Feature Graphic is a promo feature from Google that showcases the app’s essence via visual means. However, mind that the Google app store feature graphic isn’t displayed if you get to a Play Store listing via a desktop browser.

Before the 2018 redesign of the Google Play Store, the Android app feature graphic was the first thing potential customers saw opening your app product page. Now it’s no longer placed at the top of the store listing but serves as a cover image of a preview video with a characteristic ‘Play’ badge placed on the top (naturally, providing you have such a promo video).

Nevertheless, the Android feature graphic remains one of the most important assets to convey the app’s essence and has the power to draw new users. That’s why you must provide it before finalizing and publishing your Google store listing.

Usage of Feature Graphic (Google Play) 

Here is the list of places where Google app store feature graphic can be displayed:

• a poster of an app video preview (if you have one);
• in the “Recommended” section of the store;
• in the Ads section if you run Play Store ad campaigns.

To upload your feature graphic you should go to your store listing (Graphic Assets section to be precise) within the Google Play Console. Don’t forget it has to comply with store requirements:

• Image format: JPEG or 24-bit PNG (no alpha).
• Dimensions: 1024px by 500px.
• avoid placing text or important visual elements near the borders of an asset (so-called cutoff zones).
• Copy should be reduced to the app title and a few descriptive words.
• Large font sizes are preferable.
• Localize text and images for various storefronts.
• Never use third-party logos or characters without permission.
• Avoid imagery of Android devices.
• Don’t use any Google Play Store badge or icon in your design.
• Content featuring ranking, testimonials, awards, promo information, etc. is non-preferred.

Best Practices for Feature Graphic in Google Play

Whether you create it yourself or resort to the help of a specialized Android feature graphic generator, there are a few general tips to keep in mind designing this app store element.

1. Avoid typical ad-style images and text redundancy. Keep in mind that users will grand your creation with only a few seconds of their attention so make it understandable at a glimpse.

2. Showcase your value proposition and central features of your Android application. After all, highlighting them is the primary goal of any feature graphic.

3. Don’t shy away from featuring your logo. It’s one of the bricks to build your brand recognition. That said, be mindful of logo placement. It should be clearly visible but shouldn’t intervene in the perception of the main imagery and artwork.

4. Remember that quality localization goes beyond straightforward translation from one language to another. Do your research on the characteristics and preferences of users from different countries to secure your app store listing from cross-cultural misunderstanding.

5. Be careful with temporalizing. Even though adjusting your feature graphic for each special seasonal occasion (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, etc.) might be quite effective, these time-bound visuals need to be interchanged in a timely manner. 

6. Don’t forget that if you have a preview video on your app page, a feature graphic will be used as its poster. So when you design your feature image, it’s vital to keep in mind the potential placement of a ‘Play’ button in the center. Don’t let this button block the most important visual elements.

7. Do your best not to reproduce your first screenshot within your feature graphic. You should tempt users to scroll deeper, and information duplication we’ll be an unlikely incentive and an attention grabber.   

8. Being one of the most important visual assets on your store product page, feature graphic should be thoroughly A/B tested before uploading. SplitMetrics Optimize is one of the best tools to help you do it and make the most of your organic traffic flow.

Sticking to what Google Play Store requires and our advice, you’ll be able to design high-performing feature graphic. Let common sense and taste be your focus, and success is guaranteed.