How to Design App Store Screenshots That Drive Downloads

The human brain is wired to process visual content quickly, making images essential in app store optimization (ASO). With users spending just 7 seconds on a product page, app store & google play store screenshots can capture attention and convey messages instantly.

Studies show that users only read 20% of text on a page, but images draw attention and improve retention by up to 89% when combined with text. Screenshots for the app store aren’t just simple images; they’re professionally designed graphics that drive downloads.

This guide will explain how to design effective app screenshots, meet Apple and Google’s requirements, and implement best practices for success.

Why App Store Screenshots Matter for ASO

What, taking a few screenshots and publishing them is insufficient? Not really. These photos should be capable of much more than merely showcasing the app, as they are a crucial component of ASO. These are the main justifications for your concern.

• Key Features: Developers can use these images to emphasize the key components of an application. Users can ascertain whether the app satisfies their needs and preferences quickly by viewing a clear and brief overview of its features.
• First Impression: When a user browses the App Store, they initially see the screenshots. Good, eye-catching graphics have a big influence on how a user perceives an app, which makes them more likely to download it.
• Increased App Store Ratings: The download count and user activity of the app are factors considered by App Store algorithms. Having visually appealing images can help improve the number of downloads, which raises the app’s visibility and ranking in search results and lowers the cost per install (CPI) for both sponsored and organic sources.
• Show How Easy It Is to Use: Screenshots that are well-designed show off the user interface as well as the features available to users. The pictures highlight the aspects that visitors could find interesting to try as well as how simple it is to utilize your application.
• Competitive benefit: Making your app stand out from the millions of others that are accessible in different app stores is essential. Having visually striking screenshots can help the service stand out from the competition and eventually increase downloads.

App Store & Google Play Store Screenshot Requirements

Play Store screenshot size requirements and guidelines

The Android Store has a set of mandatory requirements which you must follow to make your app live. There are also recommended guidelines that are not obligatory, but following them will ensure that your app gets additional exposure throughout the Play Store.

Required guidelines:

The following mobile phone sizes and dimensions must be adhered to by PlayStore:

Minimum of two app screenshots

• JPEG or 24-bit PNG screenshots with no alpha
• 320 px for minimum dimension 
• 3840 px for maximum dimension
• 16:9 or 9:16 aspect ratio
• Max size of 8 MB per screenshot

For a detailed outlook, check out our Complete Guide To Android Screen Resolutions And Sizes and start optimizing screenshots today. 

The maximum dimension of the screenshots cannot exceed twice the minimum dimension. If your maximum dimension is 2000 pixels, for example, you cannot have a screenshot that is 2000 by 500 pixels, only 2000 by 1000 pixels. (Source)

iOS App Screenshot size requirements and guidelines

Display Size	Supported Devices	Screenshot Size (Portrait)	Screenshot Size (Landscape)	Requirement	Screenshot Source
6.7″	iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro Max	1290 x 2796 pixels	2796 x 1290 pixels	Required if your app runs on iPhone and 6.5-inch screenshots aren’t provided	upload screenshots  of 6.7-inch
6.5″	iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR	1284 x 2778 pixels	2778 x 1284 pixels	When using an iPhone app, this is necessary if 6.7-inch screenshots aren’t available.	Default: Scaled 6.7-inch screenshots Alternative: Upload 6.5-inch screenshots
6.1″	iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15, iPhone 14 Pro	1179 x 2556 pixels	2556 x 1179 pixels	Required if app runs on iPhone and 6.5 inch or 6.7-inch screenshots aren’t provided	Default: Scaled 6.5-inch or 6.7-inch screenshots Alternative: Upload 6.1-inch screenshots
5.8″	iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS, iPhone X	1170 x 2532 pixels	2532  x 1170 pixels	Required if app runs on iPhone and 6.5 inch or 6.7-inch screenshots aren’t provided	Default: Scaled 6.5-inch or 6.7-inch screenshots Alternative: Upload 5.8-inch screenshots
5.5″	iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus	1242 x 2208 pixels	2208 x 1242 pixels	Required if app runs on iPhone	Upload 5.5-inch screenshots

Source

Tips for Designing & Optimizing Screenshots for App Store

1. Highlight App’s Unique Features

Showcase unique features in your mobile app screenshots to set it apart from competition is among the best app store screenshots best practices. You can show potential customers why your app is worth their time.

Image Source

In PlayStore images, GoDaddy Studio: Graphic Design effectively showcases its instant video and ability to remove backgrounds in seconds, which may not be available in other graphic design programs. Even if your app doesn’t have GoDaddy Studio’s features, their snapshot selection can teach you anything.

Tips: Checklist For Publishing IOS Apps

This method works for news and other apps as well as visual apps. Highlighting your app’s unique features can attract consumers and set it apart.

2. Use Large Captions

Users rush through the Application Store to discover an app that meets their wants or solves an issue. Thus, your app’s value must be explicit and digestible. Adding large subtitles to screenshots can help. This lets you exhibit your app’s user interface and highlight essential features in text.

Image Source

However, balance is crucial. Avoid overwhelming users with too much text and utilize huge fonts. Statistics suggest that few users enlarge portrait screenshots, so make sure your captions are scannable on most devices.

Your screenshots should make it easy for people to comprehend and appreciate your app.

3. Showcase Your Brand

Your app’s marketplace page should reassure visitors that they’re in the proper place. Credibility is essential because people may not download an app if they doubt its genuineness.

Displaying your brand’s individuality can help. Use your website’s color palette and typography in screenshots. This instantly sets users at ease and reinforces your brand.

By branding your app screenshots, you can persuade existing users to click “Download” on your App marketplace page.

4. Combine Screenshots for Maximum Impact

By integrating screenshots into one larger image, you may maximize Application Store screenshot space. This method showcases more of your app’s capabilities and produces a visually appealing App marketplace presence, like a landing page. This can distinguish your app.

Image Source

Shopify and other successful applications follow this method. They use screenshots and isometric graphics to look trendy and professional.

You must also use the latest devices in your screenshots. Users may feel disconnected if your app is on an iPhone X but your screenshots are from an iPhone 5. Update screenshots to suit the latest flagship gadgets to look polished and current.

Don’t forget to check the screenshot requirement for app store connect and apple tv separately. 

MockUPhone is great for gadget screenshots. You may instantly generate high-quality screenshots within phone frames to illustrate the latest smartphone versions.

5. Take Advantage of User Reviews

User reviews in app store image might increase downloads like testimonials on landing pages.

User reviews are encouraged in the iOS and Android Stores, so use them wherever possible. Adding favorable media coverage, user testimonials, or app category rankings to your screenshots might boost their effectiveness.

Strava effectively uses this strategy by emphasizing a credible phrase, “The best app for runners in 2018,” This excellent use of screenshot space conveys the app’s worth and builds social proof. It makes Strava’s target audience apparent and underscores its value as a download.

6. Use Benefits-Driven Copy to Engage Users

Design your App’s marketplace page as a landing page. Like a website, you want to promote your app’s benefits and get people to act.

Each screenshot should highlight an app benefit or feature. This helps users rapidly realize your app’s value and differentiation.

Showing the app’s benefits will help consumers recognize and appreciate its features. Engagement and downloads may rise.

7. Use Video Previews

Image Source: Dropbox & Battlegrounds Mobile India

When an app Preview Video is included, install rates increase 25% because consumers prefer product videos to reading about them. The iOS and Google Play product Stores offer this feature to promote your product. The Video Preview is the first impression, so make it good.

Video Preview Guidelines: Apple App Store

• Must be a screen recording
• Video length: 15-30 seconds
• Resolution: 1080×1920 (iPhone S) / 886×1920 (iPhone X) / 1200×1600 (iPad)
• Autoplays in search results

Video Preview Guidelines: Google Play Store

• Google recommends 30-120 seconds. No required length.
• YouTube video, no fixed resolution.

Final Note: Adhering to Guidelines

Make sure your screenshots utilize as much area as possible and adhere to Apple and Google’s guidelines. It’s critical to know the appropriate app store screenshot sizes. Make sure your screenshots are up to date and work with the newest smartphones. Make separate images for Google Play and iOS.

Keep up with the requirements for screenshots:

• App Store Screenshot Dimension
• Google Play Store Requirements

Take screenshots in every available slot. Slots that are left unfilled, though not required, represent lost chances to highlight the advantages of your app. To give potential users an idea of what your app is about, try to submit at least 6 original, high-quality screenshots if you are unable to submit 10. The possibility of downloads rises when your app is clearly understood.

When choosing screenshots, be in mind that the two App Stores have differing screenshot limitations.

Conclusion

Investing your effort to create Screenshots for your application store listing that promote your app to prospective consumers is worthwhile.

These screenshots are the ideal spot to showcase everything from making a preview video to showcasing your 5-star reviews and exclusive app features. In order to assist you in consistently expand both your App Store presence and sales, these screenshots will support your App Store Optimization approach! 

Don’t forget to check out Twinr for a powerful tool to convert your website into a mobile app, helping you enhance your app’s visibility and reach. Connect with our team today to learn more about how Twinr can benefit your app strategy!