App Store Screenshot Guidelines
Everything you need to know about screenshot sizes, formats, and best practices for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Apple App Store | Google Play Store |
|---|---|---|
| Min screenshots | 1 | 2 |
| Max screenshots | 10 | 8 |
| Formats | JPG or PNG (no alpha) | JPG or PNG (24-bit) |
| Max file size | No official limit | 8 MB each |
| Orientation | Portrait recommended | Portrait or Landscape |
| Device frames | Optional | Not required |
| Feature graphic | Not applicable | 1024×500px (required for featuring) |
Apple App Store
Required Screenshot Sizes
Apple requires screenshots for specific device classes. You must supply at least one device size. To appear on iPad listings without separate iPad screenshots, use 6.9" or 6.7" images — Apple will scale them automatically.
Landscape Orientation
Landscape screenshots are allowed but not the default. Useful for games and video apps. Swap width and height — e.g., 2868×1320px for the 6.9" device.
Requirements
- ✓JPG or PNG format — no alpha channel
- ✓Portrait orientation strongly recommended
- ✓1 to 10 screenshots per device size
- ✓First screenshot is shown in search results
- ✓Device frames are optional (frameless is clean)
Tips for Apple
- !Upload 6.9" screenshots to cover iPhone and iPad in one slot
- !First screenshot is the only one visible in search — make it count
- !Avoid overlapping text or key UI near the notch/Dynamic Island area
- !App Review rejects screenshots that misrepresent your app's functionality
All iPhone Sizes at a Glance
| Display | Portrait (px) | Landscape (px) | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.9"rec | 1320×2868 | 2868×1320 | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| 6.7"rec | 1290×2796 | 2796×1290 | iPhone 15 Pro Max, 16 Plus |
| 6.5" | 1242×2688 | 2688×1242 | iPhone XS Max, 11 Pro Max |
| 5.5" | 1242×2208 | 2208×1242 | iPhone 8 Plus, 7 Plus |
Google Play Store
Phone Screenshots
Google Play accepts both portrait (9:16) and landscape (16:9) screenshots. The short side must be at least 1080px; the long side can be up to 7680px. Unlike Apple, Google does not mandate specific pixel dimensions.
Tablet & Feature Graphic
Separate tablet screenshots help you get featured in the tablet section of the Play Store. The feature graphic is a banner image shown at the top of your listing when your app is promoted.
Requirements
- ✓JPG or PNG (24-bit, no alpha on PNG)
- ✓2 to 8 screenshots required
- ✓Short side minimum 1080px, max 7680px on long side
- ✓Aspect ratio must be 16:9 or 9:16
- ✓Max 8 MB per file
- ✓Feature graphic: exactly 1024×500px, JPG or PNG
Tips for Google Play
- !Upload a feature graphic — it's required for editorial featuring
- !Add tablet screenshots to unlock tablet-specific placements
- !Google may auto-generate a video preview from your screenshots
- !Screenshots with explicit overlaid text perform better in A/B experiments
Best Practices
Lead with your best feature
Your first screenshot is the only one visible in search results on both platforms. It must instantly communicate your app's core value.
Use captions and text overlays
Short, punchy headlines overlaid on screenshots dramatically improve comprehension. Keep them to 3–6 words per screen.
Maintain a consistent style
Use the same color palette, font, and composition across all screenshots. Inconsistency looks unprofessional and breaks the narrative.
Show real UI, not marketing fluff
Users want to know what they're installing. Show actual screens from your app, not abstract illustrations or vague lifestyle photos.
Test on actual devices
Screenshots that look great on a 27" monitor may have illegible text on a 5" phone screen. Always preview your designs at device size.
A/B test your screenshots
Both Apple (via Product Page Optimization) and Google (via Store Listing Experiments) let you test screenshot variants. Use it — conversion can swing 20%+.
Further Reading
Want to see how top apps do it?
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