Your App Store screenshots are often the first thing potential users see after your app icon. In fact, research shows that users spend just 3-6 seconds deciding whether to download an app, and screenshots play a crucial role in that decision. This guide will help you create screenshots that convert.
What's New in 2025
With the release of iPhone 16, Apple has updated screenshot requirements:
- 6.9" display is now the mandatory screenshot size for iPhone
- 13" iPad screenshots are required for iPad submissions
- WWDC24 announced upcoming changes that will simplify requirements to just one set of screenshots
Pro Tip: Use our Screenshot Generator to automatically create screenshots for all required sizes from a single design.
Apple's Technical Requirements
Before diving into design, make sure you meet these requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| File Format | Flattened JPEG or PNG |
| Color Space | RGB, 72 dpi |
| Transparency | Not allowed |
| Max Screenshots | 10 per localization |
iPhone Screenshot Sizes
- 6.9" (iPhone 16 Pro Max): 1320 × 2868 px
- 6.7" (iPhone 15 Pro Max): 1290 × 2796 px
- 6.5" (iPhone 14 Plus): 1284 × 2778 px
- 5.5" (iPhone 8 Plus): 1242 × 2208 px
iPad Screenshot Sizes
- 13" (iPad Pro): 2064 × 2752 px
- 12.9" (iPad Pro): 2048 × 2732 px
- 11" (iPad Pro): 1668 × 2388 px
The First Screenshot Rule
Your first 2-3 screenshots appear in search results and are the most critical. Here's how to optimize them:
1. Lead with Your Core Value
Don't start with a generic "Welcome" or login screen. Show your app's primary benefit immediately. Ask yourself:
- What problem does my app solve?
- What's the #1 reason users download my app?
- What visual best represents success with my app?
2. Keep Text Minimal
The best practice is 5 words or fewer per screenshot. Users are scanning, not reading. Make your text:
- Large and legible
- High contrast against background
- Benefit-focused, not feature-focused
❌ Bad: "Advanced Task Management with Cloud Sync"
✅ Good: "Stay Organized"
3. Show the App in Action
Don't use static mockups or placeholder content. Show:
- Real UI with realistic data
- Actual features being used
- Results users can expect
Design Trends for 2025
Based on top-performing apps, here are the current trends:
Minimalist + Bold Text
Clean backgrounds with striking typography that quickly communicates value. This trend favors:
- Single-color or gradient backgrounds
- Large, bold headlines
- Minimal UI distraction
Social Proof Integration
Including ratings, awards, or testimonials directly in screenshots:
- "4.9 ★ with 50K+ reviews"
- "#1 in Productivity"
- Featured user testimonials
Dark Mode Showcase
With dark mode being widely adopted, consider:
- Creating separate dark mode screenshot sets
- Showing dark mode as a feature highlight
- Testing which mode converts better for your audience
Storytelling Through Screenshots
Arrange your screenshots to tell a story:
- Hook: Start with the primary benefit
- Features: Show 3-4 key features in action
- Social Proof: Include ratings or testimonials
- Closing: End with a clear call-to-action
Localization Matters
Localizing screenshots can significantly improve conversion rates in different markets:
- Translate all text overlays
- Consider cultural differences in imagery
- Use locale-specific social proof when available
- Test localized versions with A/B testing
A/B Testing Your Screenshots
Never assume your first design is optimal. Use tools like:
- App Store Connect Analytics for conversion data
- SplitMetrics or StoreMaven for A/B testing
- Firebase Remote Config to test different creative approaches
Track these metrics:
- Impression to page view rate
- Page view to download rate
- First screenshot scroll rate
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the same screenshots for all device sizes - Optimize for each form factor
- Too much text - Keep it scannable
- Low contrast - Ensure readability on small screens
- Outdated UI - Update screenshots with each major release
- Missing localization - At minimum, localize for your top markets
Quick Checklist
- First screenshot shows core value proposition
- Text is 5 words or fewer per screenshot
- High-resolution images (no pixelation)
- Proper dimensions for all required devices
- Dark mode version (if applicable)
- Localized for top markets
- A/B tested variations
- Updated with latest app UI
Tools to Help
Create professional App Store screenshots quickly with these tools:
- Screenshot Generator - Our free tool for creating device frames and backgrounds
- Marketing Kit - Generate promotional materials for social media
- App Launch Checklist - Complete pre-launch checklist