How to Get Featured on the App Store

Getting your app featured on the App Store can significantly boost downloads and visibility. Here’s a simple guide to help you improve your chances.

The way you present your app on the App Store plays a huge role in getting it featured. Here’s how to improve your app's presentation

• Create compelling app preview videos: Your app preview video is often the first thing users will see. Make it engaging, highlight key features, and keep it under 30 seconds. Show users what makes your app unique.
• Design an eye-catching app icon: Your app icon is like your app’s logo. Make it stand out by keeping it simple, recognizable, and professional. Avoid too much detail.
• Develop high-quality app screenshots and visuals: Good visuals help potential users understand your app’s features and design. Use high-resolution screenshots that highlight the app's most important aspects.
• Optimize your app’s product page: Make sure your app's product page is well-written, clear, and engaging. Use keywords to help people find your app, and update your descriptions to reflect new features.
• Provide artwork for promotions (Optional): Apple sometimes requests additional artwork for App Store promotions, like the "App of the Day." Submitting this artwork can increase your chances of getting selected for special features.

Expanding your app’s reach globally can attract more users and improve your chances of being featured. Here’s what to do:

• Translate your app and App Store pages: By offering your app in multiple languages, you can appeal to a broader audience. Apple values apps that are accessible to different regions.

• Localize your screenshots and app content: Go beyond just translating text. Create localized screenshots and app content that feel native to each market. Start with the most important languages and expand gradually.

By focusing on these aspects, you can increase your chances of getting featured on the App Store. Keep improving your

App Store Optimization helps your app rank higher in search results, making it easier for users to find you. Here's how to improve it:

• Boost Search Rankings: Focus on using relevant keywords in your app’s title, description, and tags. Use keywords that people actually search for.

• Localize for Different Languages: Make your app accessible to a global audience by translating it into multiple languages. Localizing your app’s description and screenshots can make a huge difference in attracting users from different countries.

• Release Timing: Launch your app or updates on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. These are the days when fewer apps are launched, giving you better visibility.

Your app’s quality plays a major role in whether or not it gets featured. Apple values well-designed, innovative apps. Focus on these areas:

• Bug-Free, Smooth Experience: Make sure your app has no crashes or major bugs. Users hate apps that crash, and bad reviews can hurt your chances of being featured. A clean, intuitive design with a smooth user experience (UX) will keep users engaged and satisfied.

• Use Apple’s Latest Features: Integrate Apple’s latest APIs and technologies. For example, use iMessage, Share extensions, or Live Activities. During major OS releases, apps that use new features often get showcased in special categories like “Explore Great New Widgets.”

• Frequent Updates: Keep your app fresh by regularly releasing updates with new features or improvements. Apps that show consistent development often catch Apple’s attention.

• Create Universal Apps: Ensure your app works across multiple Apple devices—iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Apple likes apps that can deliver a consistent experience on all its platforms.

Apple values apps that are inclusive, meaning they’re accessible to everyone, including users with disabilities. Here’s how to make your app more accessible:

• Use Accessibility Features: Incorporate built-in features and APIs for vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive needs. Apple has tools that help you create apps that cater to all users. Check out Apple’s Accessibility Guide for more details.

• High-Quality User Experience for All: Ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can use your app easily. This not only improves your chances of getting featured but also opens your app to a broader audience.

User engagement is one of the most important factors for getting featured. Apple looks at how users interact with your app, and this includes reviews and ratings.

• Respond to User Reviews and Ratings Make it a habit to respond to user reviews, especially the negative ones. It shows you care about your users and are willing to improve the app based on their feedback.

• Aim for a High Number of Positive (4+ Star) Ratings Apps with a 4+ star rating are more likely to get Apple’s attention. Positive ratings show that your users love your app. Make sure your app works smoothly, and listen to your users’ feedback to improve the experience.

Marketing is just as important as building a great app. The more buzz you create around your app, the better your chances of getting noticed.

• Develop a Strong Marketing Strategy: Create a plan that includes social media, app review sites, and collaborations with influencers or bloggers. The more people talk about your app, the better.

• Gain Positive Press Coverage: Positive press coverage can catch Apple’s eye. If your app is getting reviewed by major tech blogs or is featured in popular news outlets, Apple is more likely to notice.

• Build a Solid User Base: A large user base shows that people are interested in your app. Promote your app in multiple ways to get more downloads and increase user engagement.

Building a good relationship with Apple can increase your chances of being featured.

• Participate in Apple Developer Programs: Join programs like the Apple Developer Program or attend events like WWDC. These programs help you stay updated with Apple’s latest tools and technologies.

• Adhere to App Store Guidelines: Follow Apple’s App Store guidelines carefully. Make sure your app is bug-free, user-friendly, and complies with all rules. Apple appreciates apps that align with its quality standards.

• Maintain Communication with Apple's App Review Team: If Apple provides feedback after reviewing your app, act on it. Show that you value their input by making improvements where needed. Good communication can increase your chances of being featured.

Once your app is in great shape, it’s time to submit it to the App Store Editorial Team.

• Fill Out Apple’s Promotion Form: Apple provides a promotion form that you can fill out 6-8 weeks before a major release. This form is your way of letting Apple know about your app’s upcoming updates or new features. You can find the form here.

• Provide Artwork for App Store Promotions: Apple often features apps with eye-catching visuals. When submitting your app for promotion, provide high-quality artwork. This includes app screenshots, icons, and promotional images that stand out.

• Highlight Major Releases: Apple loves apps that introduce new and innovative features. If you are releasing a major update, like adding new app extensions or significant improvements, mention it when submitting your promotion form.

• Show How Your App Impacts Users' Lives: Highlight how your app makes a difference for its users. Whether it’s improving productivity, helping people stay organized, or providing entertainment, Apple is more likely to feature apps that have a positive impact on people’s lives.

1. Know the trend: Apple regularly showcases apps that align with current trends and user preferences. Start by studying the Apps of the Day. Look at how these apps are designed, how they are presented, and what makes them stand out.

• Study Featured Apps: Spend time analyzing apps that are being featured daily. Note their layout, interface, and overall design.
• Analyze Competitors: See what other apps in your category are doing. This will give you an idea of how you can differentiate your app.
• Learn from Success: Take lessons from apps that have successfully been featured. Use their ideas to inspire your creative approach while making sure your app stands out in its own way.

2. Release Your App at the Right Time: The timing of your app’s release plays a big role in getting featured.

• Best Days to Release: Aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday release. Apple’s editorial team makes featuring decisions on Thursdays, and apps released mid-week look fresh and new during their review process.

• Avoid Fridays: Friday releases tend to get lost over the weekend, so it's best to avoid them if you're looking to be featured

3. Understand the Different Types of Featuring: The App Store features apps in several sections:

• Today: This is the main page of the App Store, and it’s the most coveted spot. Apps featured here get the most attention.
• Apps: This section showcases a collection of the best apps. It’s a great place to get noticed if your app shines in its category.
• Games: If you have a game, this is where Apple highlights a selection of the best and most creative ones.

4. Study Featured Apps by Category, Age, and Pricing: Apple features apps across various categories, age groups, and pricing models. See what’s working in your app’s category and use that information to refine your app’s design and marketing.

Your app needs to run smoothly if you want Apple to consider featuring it. Here are two key technical points to keep in mind:

• Perform Load Testing: If your app gets featured, it will experience a surge in users. Make sure your app can handle this sudden increase in traffic. Load testing can help you prepare.

• Keep Crash Rates Low: Apps with high crash rates are rarely considered for featuring. Test your app thoroughly to ensure it runs smoothly on all devices and under various conditions.