App store screenshot sizes and how to make them stand out
People who see your app in a store decide within seconds whether to install it. What they look at is not your description but your icon and screenshots. That is why screenshots should work like small ad posters, not plain screen captures. This guide covers only what you actually need when preparing them, from sizes to layout.
1. Get the sizes right first
Each store accepts specific sizes. Policies change from time to time, so make a habit of checking each console's guidance right before you upload. As of 2026, these are the sizes most people use.
| Store | Device | Portrait size (px) |
|---|---|---|
| App Store | iPhone 6.9" | 1320×2868 or 1290×2796 |
| App Store | iPhone 6.5" | 1242×2688 |
| App Store | iPad 13" | 2064×2752 or 2048×2732 |
| Google Play | Phone | 9:16 ratio recommended, such as 1080×1920 |
On the App Store, a single set at the largest iPhone size is scaled down for smaller screens. On Google Play, the long side must not be more than twice the short side, and uploading at least four screenshots helps them show up well on the install page. Neither store accepts transparent backgrounds, so prepare PNG or JPG files with a fully filled background.
2. The first two images do most of the work
Search results usually show only the first two or three screenshots. Use the first one to say what your app does in one sentence, and the second to show the feature you are proudest of. A line about what the user gets, like "Tidy up in 5 minutes a day", reads better than a list of features.
3. Keep captions short and big
- One sentence per image, no more than two lines. On a phone, a screenshot can look as small as a thumbnail.
- A font size of about 6% of the image width works well. If it is too small, nobody will read it.
- Use the same font, position and background family on every image so they look like one set and build trust.
4. Capture real usage
Instead of empty or settings screens, capture screens filled with content. Adding sample data so the app looks well used makes the result far more appealing. Clean up messy battery or notification icons in the status bar before capturing. Using real device photos or other companies' logos as frames can cause rights issues, so a simple rounded frame is enough.
5. Match your icon and colors
If your screenshot background matches the main color of your app icon, the whole store page feels like one brand. If you do not have an icon yet, a tool that generates every size from a single image makes it easy.
6. Final checks before uploading
- Very large files can fail to upload. If needed, reduce the file size while keeping the quality.
- Do not include fake reviews, exaggerated ranking badges or other apps' names. These are common reasons for rejection.
- If you plan to localize, save captions per language before baking them into images.
Screenshots are not a one-time task. They are something to revise with each update while comparing how people respond. Once you settle on a design template, you can make a fresh set for the next version in minutes just by swapping the captures.