Google Play vs App Store Screenshots: What Works on Each Platform

The Mistake Almost Every Developer Makes

"I'll just resize my iOS screenshots for Google Play."

I've made this mistake. You've probably made it too. And it's costing you downloads.

Here's the thing: Android and iOS users aren't just on different devices. They have different behaviors, different expectations, and different decision-making patterns.

After A/B testing 200+ screenshot variations across both platforms, I've learned that what works on one often fails on the other.

The Fundamental Difference

App Store (iOS)

Google Play (Android)

This changes everything.

What Works on the App Store

Focus on Depth, Not Hook

By the time iOS users see your screenshots, they've already tapped on your app. They're looking for confirmation, not attraction.

This means:

Portrait Orientation Dominates

On iOS, portrait screenshots get 3x more visible space than landscape. Unless you have a very good reason (like a game), stick with portrait.

The "Scroll Story" Works

iOS users are more likely to swipe through all screenshots. Design your screenshots as a sequential story:

What Actually Converts on iOS

After testing across 50+ iOS apps:

What Works on Google Play

You Have 2 Seconds

Android users are scrolling search results. Your screenshots appear inline. If you don't grab attention instantly, they're gone.

This means:

Landscape Can Win

Unlike iOS, Google Play shows landscape screenshots larger in search results. For some categories (games, video, productivity), landscape outperforms portrait.

Test both orientations if your app supports landscape.

Feature Graphic Matters

Google Play has a "feature graphic" at the top of your listing. This 1024x500 image is prime real estate that iOS doesn't have.

Use it to:

What Actually Converts on Android

After testing across 50+ Android apps:

Platform-Specific Formatting

App Store (iOS)

Allowed:

Pro tip: Upload for 6.7" display first. iOS will auto-scale for smaller devices.

Google Play (Android)

Required:

Pro tip: Use all 8 slots. Google's algorithm factors in listing completeness.

The A/B Testing Differences

On Google Play

Google Play has built-in A/B testing (Google Play Experiments). Use it.

You can test:

Start with screenshot tests. They typically have the highest impact.

On App Store

Apple doesn't offer native A/B testing. Your options:

It's harder on iOS, but still worth doing.

My Cross-Platform Workflow

Here's how I now create screenshots for both platforms:

Step 1: Start with Core Assets

Create your base screenshots focusing on:

Step 2: iOS-Specific Optimization

Step 3: Android-Specific Optimization

Step 4: Localize Separately

Don't just translate. Cultural expectations differ. What works in the US may not work in Germany or Japan.

Quick Reference: Platform Differences

| Aspect | App Store (iOS) | Google Play (Android) |

|--------|-----------------|----------------------|

| First impression | After tap | In search results |

| Screenshot visibility | Lower in listing | Immediately visible |

| Optimal orientation | Portrait | Test both |

| Feature graphic | No | Yes (required) |

| A/B testing | Limited | Built-in |

| Max screenshots | 10 | 8 |

The Bottom Line

Stop treating Google Play and App Store as the same platform. They're not.

Invest time in understanding the unique behaviors of each user base. Create platform-specific screenshots. Test and iterate.

The apps that win aren't the ones with the best code. They're the ones that communicate value most effectively to each specific audience.

Create platform-optimized screenshots →