Screenshots & Preview
Screenshots are often the deciding factor in whether someone downloads your app. Make them count.What You Need
Required Screenshots
You need screenshots for each device size you support:| Device | Size (pixels) | Required |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6.7” | 1290 x 2796 | Yes (if supporting Pro Max) |
| iPhone 6.5” | 1284 x 2778 | Yes |
| iPhone 5.5” | 1242 x 2208 | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9” | 2048 x 2732 | Yes (if iPad app) |
| iPad Pro 11” | 1668 x 2388 | Optional |
Screenshot Limits
- Minimum: 3 screenshots per device size
- Maximum: 10 screenshots per device size
- App previews count toward the 10 limit
App Store Connect can automatically scale from larger to smaller sizes. Upload for 6.7” and it can generate 6.5” and 5.5”.
Screenshot Best Practices
Show the App, Not Just Screens
Good: App in use with context Bad: Raw screenshots with no explanationHighlight Key Features
Focus on what makes your app valuable:- Main feature first (most visible in search)
- Supporting features after
- End with credibility (awards, reviews, etc.)
Use Text Overlays
Add brief explanatory text:- Large, readable fonts
- 5 words or fewer per screen
- Consistent style throughout
Examples
First Screenshot: Hero shot of main featureCreating Screenshots
From Simulator
- Run app in Simulator
- Navigate to desired screen
- Press Cmd + S to save screenshot
- Find in designated folder
Set Simulator Size
Match App Store requirements:- 6.7”: iPhone 15 Pro Max
- 6.5”: iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone 15 Plus
- 5.5”: iPhone 8 Plus
Adding Context
Use design tools to enhance:- Add device frames (optional)
- Add text overlays
- Add backgrounds
- Maintain consistent style
App Preview Videos
Optional 15-30 second videos showing your app in action.Specifications
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Length | 15-30 seconds |
| Format | H.264, .mov or .mp4 |
| Frame rate | 30 fps |
| Resolution | Match screenshot size |
| Audio | Optional, max 12 weeks old |
What to Show
Recording Tips
- Use QuickTime Player → File → New Screen Recording
- Record the Simulator in action
- Keep movements smooth and intentional
- Don’t show loading screens or errors
Screenshot Strategies
Strategy 1: Feature Showcase
Each screenshot highlights a different feature:- Main feature
- Secondary feature
- Third feature
- …
Strategy 2: User Journey
Walk through using the app:- Getting started
- Main action
- Result
- Sharing/completion
Strategy 3: Problem → Solution
Show the value proposition:- “Tired of X?”
- “Here’s how we solve it”
- Result
- How easy it was
Design Guidelines
Do
- ✅ Use high contrast text
- ✅ Match your app’s color scheme
- ✅ Be consistent across all screenshots
- ✅ Show real content (not Lorem ipsum)
- ✅ Test readability on small screens
Don’t
- ❌ Use tiny text
- ❌ Overwhelm with too much information
- ❌ Show empty states or errors
- ❌ Include device status bars
- ❌ Use copyrighted content without permission
Localization
If your app supports multiple languages:- Provide screenshots for each language
- Translate text overlays
- Use region-appropriate content
- Consider cultural differences in design
Uploading Screenshots
Screenshot Order
Order matters — especially the first three:| Position | Visibility | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Search results | Your best, most compelling image |
| 2nd | Search results | Second most important feature |
| 3rd | Search results | Third key feature |
| 4th+ | Product page only | Supporting features |
Testing Your Screenshots
Preview in App Store Connect
Use the preview feature to see how screenshots appear in:- Search results
- Product page
- Different device sizes
Check Competitors
Look at top apps in your category:- What style do they use?
- How much text?
- What order?
A/B Testing (after launch)
App Store Connect offers product page optimization:- Test different screenshots
- See which perform better
- Apply winners
Common Mistakes
Raw screenshots with no context
Raw screenshots with no context
Adding text overlays and context significantly increases conversion. A plain screenshot doesn’t sell your app.
Too much text
Too much text
Keep text minimal. If users have to read a paragraph, they’ll scroll past.
Wrong order
Wrong order
Your best screenshot should be first. Don’t bury the best feature.
Inconsistent style
Inconsistent style
Use the same fonts, colors, and layout style throughout for professional appearance.
Tools for Screenshots
Free Options
- Figma — Design screenshots with overlays
- Canva — Templates for app screenshots
- Screenshot from Simulator — Base images
Paid Options
- Sketch — Professional design tool
- Adobe Photoshop — Advanced editing
- AppLaunchpad — Specialized app screenshot tool