After reviewing thousands of App Store listings, these are the mistakes we see killing downloads — over and over.
1. Feature-Dumping Instead of Selling
❌ "Calendar sync, cloud backup, team sharing, widgets, Apple Watch, dark mode"
✅ Pick your top 3 benefits, give each one a screenshot. Quality over quantity.
2. Leading With the Wrong Screenshot
Your first screenshot is 10x more important than the rest. It shows in search results. If it doesn't communicate your core value in under 1 second, you've lost them.
See our guide on creating screenshots that convert.
3. Text That's Too Small
Screenshots display at roughly 50% size in search results. If you can't read your headline at 50% zoom, neither can users. Minimum 48px font at 1320×2868 resolution.
4. Inconsistent Design
Different fonts, colors, and layouts across screenshots = amateur. Pick one design system and stick with it. Choose your palette deliberately.
5. No Device Mockup
Screenshots with device frames convert better than flat images. Users want to see the app in context.
6. Wrong Sizes
Submitting 1242×2208 (old 5.5") when Apple now requires 1320×2868 (6.9"). This gets your update rejected and wastes days.
7. Not Localizing
English-only screenshots in Japan, Korea, or Brazil? You're leaving 65% of App Store revenue on the table. Localization guide here.
8. Ignoring the First Three Seconds
60% of users never scroll past the first 2–3 screenshots. Everything after is bonus. Front-load ruthlessly.
9. No Social Proof
If you have good ratings, show them. "★★★★★ 50K+ Reviews" on your last screenshot adds trust at the decision point.
10. Using Stock Photos Instead of Real UI
Apple can reject screenshots that don't accurately represent the app. And users feel deceived when the app doesn't match the listing.
11. Never Testing
Shipping screenshots once and forgetting them. A/B testing can improve conversion by 20–40% — for zero additional ad spend.
Fix All 11 in 5 Minutes
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