How Can You Get Your App Featured on the App Store?

In this article, we look at “featuring”, an in-store feature for iOS apps.

Making use of App Store featuring can raise your visibility within the App Store, so be sure to check it out.

What Is Featuring?

The App Store recommends high-quality apps and games from among iOS apps to users. Featured apps and games are chosen based on a variety of factors, but there are no published criteria for being included. Still, it is certain that the app needs to be an excellent one that users love to use.

Featuring appears in a variety of formats across the Today tab, the Games tab and the Apps tab. The content varies: besides new apps and games, it also covers major updates, special in-app events, limited-time content, and content tied to cultural occasions and seasons.

The App Store team selects high-quality apps and features them in the store, but developers can also share information with Apple so that their apps can be considered.

What Apple Considers When Featuring Apps

According to Apple, the following points are important:

• Excellent UI/UX (visuals, usability, functionality and so on)
• Innovation (solving a specific problem users face, or using new technology to deliver an optimal user experience)
• Uniqueness (apps and games that stand apart from the rest, establish a new genre, or take a fresh approach within a conventional category)
• Accessibility (functionality that lets a wide range of users enjoy the app or game)
• Localization (culturally appropriate content, multi-language support and so on)
• The App Store product page (compelling screenshots, app previews, description, ratings and reviews)

For games, the following points are also considered:

• Gameplay design
• Art and animation
• Controls
• Story and character setup (where applicable)
• Replayability (where applicable)
• Sound effects and music
• Technical performance
• Overall value

Since an app needs to be “excellent” in so many respects, getting featured may not be easy. However, as you raise the value of your app and earn higher ratings from users, your chances will naturally grow.

The Impact of Being Featured

There is data showing that average downloads of featured apps increased by about 140% for game apps and about 40% for non-game apps (App Annie).

We encourage you to consider featuring and take on the challenge of submitting a request.

Our Track Record of Increasing Downloads Through ASO Support

We support ASO (App Store Optimization) for a variety of app vendors. Through ASO, we have supported results such as going from unranked to 2nd place in keyword search rankings within one year and cutting CPI by 50%.

We offer a free ASO diagnosis for app vendors. We can also advise on ASO and other app marketing measures (such as Apple Ads), so please feel free to apply.