Feature Your App on the Apple App Store Home Page: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Featured in the App Store: Benefits For the Application

Note that the application can be displayed in the Today, Apps, and Games tabs.

The advantages of displaying an app on the home page (Today in the image above): 

• visibility increase;
• the number of impressions and installations grows;
• recognition by the Apple team – approval of the technical quality of the application, that builds trust and encourages further installations.

Showcasing on the homepage is a powerful tool for overall growth. This tab is especially useful during product launches or for re-engaging users. 

Editors from the Apple team often help new apps or games, especially from smaller studios, to increase the number of impressions and downloads during the launch phase. It’s also a good opportunity to highlight events and app updates to retain and return users.

How Does an App Get on the Homepage of the Apple App Store?

Getting a position in the recommendations is not an easy task. On the one hand, there is no clear list of criteria for applications, but on the other hand, the RadASO team can identify several factors that significantly increase the chances of being noticed:

• unique and innovative features;
• high-quality design and UX;
• ASO (App Store Optimization);
• strong user reviews and ratings;
• marketing and publicity;
• regular updates;
• localization of the application;
• compliance with Apple’s requirements;
• usage of Apple technologies and capabilities.

How the New iOS 12 Updates Will Affect the Chances of Apps Being Featured

The iOS 12 update has brought noticeable changes to the way apps are found, although the design of the App Store has remained unchanged. Simply put, Apple has begun to promote high-quality, attractive, and user-friendly apps with high ratings, good reviews, and a significant level of technical productivity.

The main iOS 12 updates and their impact on Featured:

• editorial improvements – visual attractiveness, technical productivity, the number and quality of reviews, and high ratings are all important;
• high productivity – preference is given to apps that are optimized for all Apple devices;
• support and updates – the speed of bug fixes, the addition of new features, and the quality of user support are key factors.

Apple's algorithms also provide a personalized lineup on the Today tab, which positively impacts the app’s visibility.

How the Algorithm Update in July 2024 Will Affect the Chances of Getting into Featured

In July 2024, Apple’s algorithm was also updated. Here is a brief analysis of these changes:

• wider editorial criteria;
• high-quality design and UX – increased focus on polished and intuitive design;
• innovation and uniqueness – apps that use the latest Apple technologies and have unique features are prioritized;
• cultural and seasonal relevance – apps related to cultural events or seasons have a better chance of being featured.

Data-driven insights and productivity

1. Advanced analytics – emphasis on user engagement, retention, and app sustainability. Priority is given to applications with high-productivity indicators.

2. Localization and accessibility

• localization – apps that target a diverse audience and have high-quality translations are prioritized more;
• accessibility – features for people with disabilities have become a key factor in the nomination process.

3. Proactive developer engagement

• active pitches – developers should submit attractive app stories to Apple’s editorial team, ideally 6-8 weeks before major updates.

4. Regular and significant updates

• consistent improvements – regular updates with improvements or new features are essential for visibility.

What Criteria Should the Application Meet 

1. The highest level of application design:

• UI/UX – an intuitive design and visually appealing product page will give it an edge;
• productivity – animations should be smooth, the number of errors should be minimal, and the loading time should be as fast as possible.

2. Apple technologies and features

• new iOS features – integrate new features and APIs (ARKit, Siri Shortcuts, widgets, etc.);
• devices – your app needs to support all relevant iPhone and iPad models.

3. ASO

• metadata – the title and subtitle should simply and clearly describe the idea of the app and contain the most popular relevant search terms, and it is important to add unused search terms in the keywords section;
• icon – create a clear and attractive icon;
• screenshots and videos – show your app’s key functionality and unique offer in screenshots and videos.

4. User ratings and reviews

• testimonials – encourage users to leave feedback, especially after they’ve had a positive experience with the app;
• feedback – it is important to respond to user feedback quickly and efficiently to make them feel valued.

5. Marketing

• promote your app – marketing campaigns, social media promotion, and press releases will help you at the pre-launch stage;
• collaboration with influencers – partner with influencers and bloggers to review and promote your app.

6. Updates

• frequent updates – update the app regularly to fix bugs, improve productivity, and introduce new features;
• what's new – a detailed description of what’s new in each new version of the app will help users better understand the update.

7. Localization

• multiple languages – use all available localizations in the regions where you are promoting;
• cultural relevance – it is important that the content on the product page and in the app is relevant to different nationalities and does not discriminate against various cultural characteristics.

8. Compliance with Apple requirements

• App Store regulations – make sure your app meets the viewer guidelines to avoid rejection;
• privacy and security – this is extremely important, especially when it comes to user data.

9. Unique features

• be special – unique functionality will set your app apart from the competitors;
• ‍real solutions – app features should solve the audience’s real problems.

Request for Positioning in Featured - What You Need to Know 

Before submitting, make sure the app is working properly. The Apple Review team determines which tab to place it in.

The “Your Story” section is extremely important during the application process. Apple is not so much interested in the functionality of the app as in how it can improve people’s lives. By the way, Apple has announced that this section will be renamed “Helpful Details” in the future.

Within two weeks, you will receive an email with the subject line “App Store: Promotional artwork request for...”, containing technical requirements for graphic elements. You will have one week to upload them.

How to Fill Out the Form for Positioning in Featured

1. Do not ignore any field. The more information you provide about your team and product, the higher your chances of getting a match. Provide interesting details about the team’s staff, the history of its formation, and the main idea.

2. Pay special attention to the inclusivity field. Be sure to emphasize to the Apple team how you support the ideals of equality and the absence of boundaries for different groups and cultural backgrounds.
3. Don’t forget to highlight what special features the app supports and what Apple technologies you use. Also emphasize the obvious details: optimization of the interface for different devices, integration with Apple Watch, iCloud, etc.

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4. Links fields are an additional opportunity to tell more interesting information about the product. Don’t ignore them! Provide editors with more visual information about the app: presentation materials, banners, social networks, etc.

5. Make sure to share your plans to promote the app: what is your monetization model, what is your LTV, what channels of paid traffic you are already attracting.
6. Add your story. Explain how you came up with the idea to create the app, what urgent problems you were trying to solve for your target audience, and what makes it special. 

‍Note. This field is the most important and significant for editors to give the app the desired featured content. Pay special attention to it!

The App is Added to the Featured - What to Do

While being featured is a significant achievement, there are a few key points to consider:

• track productivity – monitor downloads and user engagement, and quickly fix any errors you find;
• optimize UX – user experience is enhanced by a smooth onboarding process and strong support;
• use marketing – promote your app on social media and through press releases, and encourage users to leave reviews;
• increase retention – engage users through updates and responses to their feedback;
• manage traffic – make sure your servers can handle the increased load, and monitor app productivity;
• increase visibility – use cross-promotions, suggest special offers, and improve your app store presence;
• ‍evaluate and improve – analyze data after you appear in Featured to drive continuous development.