If you’re involved in developing apps, then you know all too well how important it is to have great app icons, app store artwork, and screenshots. Attractive app store images can play a critical role in a user’s decision to download your app. But with so many different app stores, it can get very confusing trying to figure out which app store needs which file types and sizes. Here’s a handy guide to help you produce amazing app store images, icons, screenshots and other artwork for Apple, Android, Amazon, and Roku Devices.
App Store Image Guidelines
App store design specifications vary by device. Here are some helpful links to all of the major app stores and the file requirements, image guidelines and design opportunities for each platform.
Why Your App Store Images, Especially The App Icon, Matter So Much
Every good app needs a stunning and memorable app icon. Of course, your screenshots are important, but nothing matters more than your app icon. Your icon is the first opportunity that you have to communicate with a user. Your icon needs to stand out both in the app store and on a user’s device. This helps make sure your app not only gets downloaded but used on a regular basis.
Icons For Apple Devices: watchOS, tvOS, and iOS
- watchOS Design Guidelines: Apple’s watchOS gives designers the opportunity to build themes, apps, and interface essentials for the Apple Watch. Just make sure that you embrace simplicity and follow Apple’s carefully structured design themes.
- tvOS Design Guidelines: Unlike other Apple platforms, the tvOS for the Apple TV provides additional opportunities for creativity including large images and layered images.
- iOS Design Guidelines: Out of all of your different pieces of artwork for Apple devices, spend the most time perfecting your iOS designs. With close to 2 billion iPhones sold since its 2007 debut, you’ll have a very large audience that spends a lot of time on their smartphones.
Icons For Amazon Devices: Amazon Tablets, Phones, and Fire TV
- Amazon Fire TV Design Guidelines: Amazon Fire TV apps have 16:9 ratio icons that only feature a logo and a solid or simple gradient background.
- Amazon Tablet And Phone Design Guidelines: App icons for Amazon’s tablet and phone products need to be in a square ratio. They should also feature the same simple background color and design.
Icons For Google Android Devices: Android Phone, Android Wearables, Android TV, Android For Cars, Android Things, Chrome OS
Android High-Res Icon Design Guidelines:
- High-Res Icons: The Google Play Store lets developers submit a “High-Res Icon” 32-bit PNG with an alpha channel for your app.
- Adaptive Icons: tarting with Android OS 8.0, app developers can create 2 layered image icons called Adaptive icons.
- Edge-To-Edge Design: Google prefers that you design your icons to be edge to edge without borders or frames. The Google Play Store dynamically handles masking of images depending on how they are being viewed.
App Icons For Roku Devices
- Roku Design Guidelines: Out of all of the app stores, Roku will be the most limiting. Why? Roku does an incredible job of supporting older hardware. As a result, your designs and interactivity will be limited. Your Roku artwork should be the most simple and basic out of all of your app artwork. Just make sure you pay attention to Roku’s “Safe Zones” when working on your designs.
App Store Screenshot Guidelines
With millions of apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon App Store, and Roku Channel Store, app developers should do everything possible to make their app stand out. In addition to your icons, another key component is your screenshots.
What Imagery Should You Feature In Your App Screenshots?
Your screenshots need to highlight the essence and main benefits of your app. Think of it this way, what’s your app’s main value proposition for the user and how are conveying that value in your screenshots? You screenshots need to visually communicate your app’s purpose. Also, don’t forget to add a Dark Mode screenshot of your app that supports that feature on the Apple platform.
- Apple’s App Store Screenshot Guidelines: Here’s a link to all of the specific Apple screenshot sizes that you will need to create for your app.
- Amazon: Amazon lets you add 3-10 screenshots with your app.
- Roku Channel Store Screenshot Guidelines: You can upload several app screenshots to the Roku Channel Store with your app. Screenshots should be 1920×1080 and show the interface of your app. You can find more details about Roku Channel Store screenshots here.
- Google Play Store Screenshot Guidelines: Google has a lot of options when it comes to screenshots.
- 8 Screenshots Per Device: Developers can submit up to 8 different screenshots for each Android device type that your app is compatible with. For example, 8 for Android TV and another 8 for Android For Cars.
- Dark Theme: Similar to Apple’s “Dark Mode”, Android supports “Dark Theme” images. Add at least one if your app supports a dark theme.
- YouTube Video: Google also allows you to add a YouTube video to your app listing in the Google Play Store. Make sure you take advantage of this opportunity.
NERD NOTE: To take a screenshot on Roku, first put your Roku into developer mode. Then open a new browser window and type in your Roku IP address. You will then be prompted for your dev username and password. Once you have access, go to Utilities and press the screenshot button.
The Value Of Creating Great App Store Images
It might take some extra effort, but don’t neglect the app store design process. Of course, creating a great app is important, but your app store icon, screenshots, and artwork might be your first and last chance to communicate with a potential user. When it comes to your app store images, don’t delegate this responsibility to a junior member of your app development team. Good luck!
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