Guide to Creating Effective App Screenshots and Preview Videos

Created by Glen Barnes, Modified on Fri, 19 Jul at 2:57 AM by Natalie Nguyen

Creating appealing and properly sized screenshots is crucial for effectively showcasing your mobile app on Google Play and the App Store. These screenshots are often the first visual impression potential users get of your app, so they need to be visually compelling and informative. In this guide, we'll provide you with recommended screenshot sizes and preview video requirements and best practices for both platforms.


Note: At STQRY, we will prepare your app screenshots for app submissions. However, if you'd like to provide your custom designs, please follow the guidelines below.



1. Screenshots for Google Play Store

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Phone Screenshots

Standard Screenshots: You can upload between 2 to 8 phone screenshots in either PNG or JPEG format. Each screenshot should range from 320 pixels to 3,840 pixels on each side, with a recommended 16:9 or 9:16 aspect ratio.


Tablet Screenshots

7-inch Tablet Screenshots: These are similar to phone screenshots but optimized for tablets. The same size and format guidelines apply.

10-inch Tablet Screenshots:Like phone screenshots, these are optimized for larger tablets. The same size and format guidelines apply.


For more details, you can refer to Google's Screenshot specifications.


2. Screenshots for App Store

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iPhone Screenshots


iPhone 5.5" (portrait): Each screenshot should be 1242 x 2208 pixels, and you can include up to 10 screenshots.


iPhone 6.5" (portrait): Each screenshot should be 1284 x 2778 pixels, and you can include up to 10 screenshots.

iPad Screenshots


iPad Pro (2nd Gen) 12.9" (portrait):Each screenshot should be 1668 x 2224 pixels, and you can include up to 10 screenshots.


iPad Pro (3rd Gen) 12.9" (portrait): Each screenshot should be 2048 x 2732 pixels, and you can include up to 10 screenshots.


For more details, you can refer to Apple's Screenshot specifications.


3. Preview Videos

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While not mandatory, preview videos can effectively showcase your app's capabilities, user experience, and overall appeal to potential users. They are an excellent tool for improving your app's visibility and desirability.


Google Play


Your preview video is displayed before your screenshots on your app's Google Play listing.


Provide a YouTube URL for your video. Ensure it's a full YouTube video link, not a playlist or shortened link.


Create localized videos for users in different markets.


Apple App Store


Your preview video is displayed before your screenshots on your app's Apple Store listing.


Create previews that match the device sizes specified for screenshots.


Keep each preview between 15 and 30 seconds in length.


Previews will be shown in all countries where your app is available.



Additional Tips

  • You only need one set of screenshots for tablets and iPads.
  • Screenshots should showcase the actual in-app experience, emphasizing core features and content. For example, you should use screenshots captured on an iPad device for your iPad-specific screenshots, even if you're using custom screenshots.

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  • Stylized screenshots with UI across multiple images are allowed but prioritize UI in the first three screenshots.
  • Use taglines sparingly; they should not occupy more than 20% of the image.
  • Avoid content suggesting performance, rankings, awards, testimonials, prices, or promotions. For example, do not use words like “Best,” “#1,” “Top,” “New,” “Discount,” “Sale,” or “Million Downloads.”  
  • Don't include call-to-action phrases like "Download now."
  • Avoid cluttered screenshots with tiny fonts or distracting backgrounds.
  • Avoid time-sensitive content that could quickly become outdated.
  • Localize graphics and branding text for different markets and languages. For example, you should not mention Google Play on the screenshots on Apple Store and vice versa.
  • Edit excess elements in the notification bar before submission (remove service providers or notifications).

If you ever find yourself needing additional assistance or have questions along the way, don't hesitate to contact our dedicated support team at support@stqry.com. Best of luck with your app-building journey!

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