The definitive guide to App Store screenshots (sizes, guidelines & more)

When it comes to ranking your app high on the Apple App Store, your app’s ratings and reviews and App Store Optimization (ASO) do the heavy lifting.

However, once users are on your app listing, a few other elements come into play – one of them being app screenshots. Alongside app preview videos, it’s screenshots that help users decide whether to download your app or not.

Studies reveal that, on average, an App Store visitor only spends 10 seconds on an app’s product page and is likely to read only 10% of the content.

This makes screenshots all the more important, as they’re the first thing your target audience sees.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through Apple’s App Store screenshot guidelines and provide you with tips and tricks for creating screenshots that encourage users to hit that Get button.

Let’s get started. 👇

App Store screenshot guidelines

Apple’s guidelines regarding screenshots are pretty straightforward. The first rule is that you should always use screenshots directly from your app. This is to ensure that your screenshots accurately depict your app’s features and functionalities.

Additionally, Apple allows you to upload a minimum of one and a maximum of ten screenshots for your app. It’s highly recommended to use all ten, as it provides you with enough room to showcase your app’s unique selling propositions (USPs).

Lastly, it’s crucial to stick to Apple’s technical specifications, including dimensions and resolutions, which we’ll delve into now. 👇

App Store screenshot dimensions and resolutions

Apple has made it very easy to upload your screenshots. For instance, if your app’s user interface (UI) is the same across multiple device types and sizes, you can simply provide the highest resolution screenshots on the App Store Connect. They'll automatically cascade down to smaller device sizes.

However, if you don’t want to use scaled versions, then you’ll have to do it using Media Manager. In that case, if your screenshots don’t adhere to the App Store’s dimensions and resolutions, then they may be rejected during the app review process.

Apple has provided screenshot sizes for each display size and supported device; deviating from these can result in your app listing being delayed.

iPhone screenshot sizes

The table below shows the screenshot sizes required for different iPhone sizes.

iPad screenshot sizes

The table below shows the screenshot sizes required for different iPad sizes.

Apple Watch screenshot sizes

The table below shows the screenshot sizes required for different Apple Watches.

Apple TV screenshot sizes

The table below shows the screenshot sizes required for Apple TV.

Mac screenshot sizes

The table below shows the screenshot sizes required for Mac.

Apple Vision Pro screenshot sizes

The table below shows the screenshot sizes required for Apple Vision Pro.

App Store aspect ratio and layout requirements

While creating screenshots for the App Store, you may face the dilemma of whether to create portrait or landscape screenshots.

The rule of thumb says it’s always better to stick to‌ portrait orientation. This is because portrait screenshots are much easier to scan and a user can see two screenshots at a time.

However, if your app is going to be used in landscape orientation, like in gaming apps, then it’s better to create horizontal screenshots. The idea is to showcase your app's UI through your screenshots.

Regarding the aspect ratio, all the screenshots you submit to the Apple App Store must adhere strictly to a 16:9 aspect ratio for iPhones and 4:3 for iPads. This aspect ratio guarantees the proper and optimal display of your screenshots on a diverse range of devices and screen sizes.

App Store Screenshot colours and backgrounds

When it comes to choosing the right colours and backgrounds for your App Store screenshots, it’ll mostly come down to your app design.

But it’s important to understand that the colours you use in your app screenshots define the moods and behaviours of your target users. For instance, if you have a finance app, then keep it minimalistic and use a white background. Whereas for a food ordering app, you can be more adventurous.

No matter what your app is, here are some guidelines that’ll help you create visually appealing screenshots 👇

Use high-quality images

Make sure your screenshots are high quality and pixel perfect. Use only high-resolution images that showcase your app's features and user interface in the best possible light.

Choose contrasting colours

Pick colours that contrast well with each other to make your screenshots stand out. Avoid using too many similar colours, as this can create a cluttered and confusing look.

Use a consistent colour scheme

Maintain a consistent colour scheme throughout your screenshots to create a cohesive and professional look. This will make your users recognise your app and easily associate it with your brand.

Avoid using too much text

When it comes to text, less is more. Don’t overload your screenshots with words, as too much text makes screenshots look cluttered. Instead, use concise captions to highlight key features that users can process at a glance.

Use a clean and simple background

Avoid using busy backgrounds. A simple background helps to draw attention to your app's content and makes it easier for users to focus on the features.

Test your screenshots on a different device

Don’t forget to test your screenshots on different devices and orientations to ensure they look great on all screen sizes and resolutions.

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Styles of App Store screenshots

Now there are many ways you can design your screenshots. Let’s take a look at some of the commonly used styles 👇

1 - Feature showcase

In this style, your screenshots will showcase the specific features and functionalities of your app.

However, your users can find this style of screenshots a bit less engaging as they don’t communicate your messaging across and they have to guess what you're trying to show.

Use feature showcase screenshots as placeholders so you can get your app listing live as soon as possible. Then, you can update your listing with more sophisticated screenshots.

Pros

• Easy to create
• Shows all the features

Cons

• Less engaging

2 - Lifestyle screenshots

In this style, your screenshots depict real-life situations where your app might be used.

For instance, if you have a fitness app, then you can show people exercising or track their progress.

This way, your users can visualise how your app solves their problems and how it'll fit into their lives.

Pros

• Demonstrates use cases
• Enhanced engagement

Cons

• Can be challenging to create

3 - Connected

In this widely popular style, you use multiple screenshots in a sequence to show a journey.

If done correctly, this is very eye-catching. If not, they can be very complex, leaving your users confused. This is why you need careful planning and good designers to get it right.

Pros

• Easier to showcase a workflow
• Visually appealing

Cons

• Requires careful planning
• Can be confusing

4 - Background and device

This style is similar to the feature showcase style but with a solid colour or a blurred background behind the device frame.

This style is used to overcome the downsides of the more basic feature screenshot. This way, you can add a touch of colour or a sense of depth to your screenshots while maintaining a clean look.

By using ‌the background and device style, you create consistent and aesthetic screenshots.

Pros

• Easy to create
• Focus on app features and functionalities

Cons

• Not very engaging

5 - Hybrid

In this style, you can combine design elements from multiple styles of screenshots. For instance, for a fitness app, you can use a solid colour background and device in front but use lifestyle images of people using your app.

Ultimately, the idea of creating hybrid screenshots is to create as engaging screenshots as you possibly can.

Pros

• Flexibility to incorporate any element
• Highly engaging

Cons

• Very complex to design
• Can show inconsistencies in the design

App Store screenshot examples

OpiGo

OpiGo is India’s new-age social platform where users can experience a gamified way of sharing stock ideas with friends.

In the app, you can make stock buddies, interact with experts and learn to invest in the right way.

Lesser

Lesser is Saudi Arabia’s first recycling app. The platform doesn’t just make it easy for individuals to play their part in a zero-waste future; it also creates an incentive for them to recycle through a gamified reward scheme.

YLanes

YLanes is a conversation app where you can be your true self and connect with those who ‘get you’. The platform serves as a safe, non-judgemental space, designed to enable meaningful conversations.

My Hooxy

My Hooxy is a smart oximeter solution that helps you take care of your wellbeing.

Using the app, you can measure your oxygen saturation and heart rate easily in real time. Also, the app helps you control and improve your abdominal breathing.

App Store screenshot best practices and tips

If you’re looking to make perfect screenshots and enhance your ASO efforts, then follow these best practices 👇

1 - Show your USP in the first 2 screenshots

Whether it’s an innovative feature or an exceptional user experience, make sure you start strong by communicating your USP in the first two screenshots. This is because the first two screenshots are always visible to users.

This is why you need to think ahead of time to make sure they’re effective in getting your message across.

2 - Provide context for your screenshots

Your potential users should be able to understand what they're looking at in your screenshots. You can do this by providing context for your screenshots by including relevant text and images.

For example, imagine you're showing a screenshot of your app's home screen. Instead of leaving users guessing, include text that explains what they’re seeing. This way, your users know what to expect from your app.

3 - Use only 4-7 words of text per screen

Yes, it’s important to provide context for your screenshots. However, lengthy text in screenshots is the easiest way to clutter your screenshots and overwhelm your users.

The shorter the text, the more appealing your screenshots become.

In any case, don’t use more than 10 words per screenshot.

Instead, use small and punchy one-liners to highlight your USP. For instance, the YLanes app uses “Connect with those who ‘Get You’,” to highlight its USP.

4 - Make them fun

Add personality to your screenshots to make them fun and attractive. You can do this by throwing in some vibrant colours and playful graphics.

Making your screenshots look unique and fun is inviting to users, which gives your app one more reason to be downloaded.

5 - Tell a story

Use your screenshots to narrate a story. You can do this by creating a flow that progresses logically from one screenshot to the next.

This illustrates the journey users will experience in your app and, at the same time, demonstrates the value of your app along the way.

6 - Checkout your competition

The easiest way to create great screenshots is by analysing what your competition is doing. Check out the screenshots of your competition to identify what works and what doesn’t in terms of design and messaging.

Use this information to make your own screenshots and find ways to make your app stand out from the competition.

Conclusion

Creating screenshots for the Apple App Store isn’t a complicated process.

However, if you want to create compelling screenshots that increase your conversion rates, you need to plan them ahead of time.

Builder.ai helps you do this. When you build your app with us, our designer works with you to create your screenshots, calling out key messages and ensuring that they’re consistent with your brand.

Hit the banner below and create your app today 👇

Want to start your app project with us?

Book a demo

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