Are Your Screenshots Crushing Your Downloads? Live Screenshot Teardown #ASO

In this live stream, Ariel conducts a detailed teardown of app store screenshots submitted by viewers, offering actionable advice on how to improve screenshot design for better downloads. He compares real examples, highlights common mistakes, and shares tools and strategies for effective App Store Optimization (ASO).

Announcing the Giveaway Winners and How to Enter the Next One

Before diving into today’s topic, Ariel announced the winners of the previous live stream’s giveaway. Congratulations to Teleos (apologies if that’s mispronounced!) and Bri Breeze 132—both will receive an Appfigures shirt. If you’re curious about how to win a shirt yourself, it’s simple:

1. Subscribe to the channel.
2. Like the video.
3. Drop “giveaway” and your favorite Appfigures feature in the chat (or in the comments if you’re watching the replay).

This giveaway will run until the next live stream, where two more winners will be selected. If you’re not an Appfigures member yet, now’s a great time to join and explore the features!

Why Screenshots Matter More Than You Think

Today’s focus is on something crucial yet often overlooked: your app’s screenshots. Many developers assume that using the right keywords is enough—users will find the app, and downloads will follow. But that’s just the beginning. Once users land on your app’s page, you need to convince them to download.

Screenshots are your most valuable real estate. They’re big, colorful, and immediately catch the eye. Done right, they persuade users that your app is exactly what they’re looking for. Done wrong, they introduce doubt and can cost you downloads.

Most users don’t read descriptions—screenshots do the heavy lifting. Today, Ariel reviewed screenshots from apps submitted by viewers, using a new Appfigures tool that displays screenshots, videos, and icons side by side for any app. This makes it easy to compare your app with competitors, especially across different localizations or devices.

You don’t need this tool to optimize your screenshots, but understanding what makes a good screenshot—and what your competition is doing—is key. Ariel also shared a free, semi-convenient way to do this at the end of the session.

App Review #1: Squarespace’s Unfold vs. Competitors

First up was Squarespace’s Unfold app, which helps users create Instagram stories and reels. Squarespace uses all 10 screenshot slots—a good practice. But the screenshots focus on telling users what the app does, not showing them. For example, the first screenshot says “Unfold your creativity. Stand out on social,” but doesn’t demonstrate how.

This is a common issue: screenshots that describe features without visually demonstrating them. Users want to see how the app will help them, not just be told about it.

A competitor, “Reels Maker for Instagram,” does a better job. Their screenshots show the UI, filters, templates, and exactly what users can do. While “Reels Maker for Instagram” uses fewer screenshots, it demonstrates features visually, which is much more persuasive. As a result, this lesser-known app gets more downloads than Squarespace’s.

Takeaway: Always show what your app does in your screenshots. If your app’s value is hard to capture in a single image, think creatively about how to present it. Don’t just tell users your app is great—demonstrate it visually.

Promo Code for Competitor Intelligence

Ariel shared a promo code for 30% off the Appfigures Competitor Intelligence tool (valid for 48 hours). This tool lets you compare your app’s screenshots, downloads, and revenue side by side with competitors. Before copying a competitor’s approach, make sure their strategy is actually working by checking their download and revenue numbers.

App Review #2: Thematic Wallpaper Apps—What Works and What Doesn’t

Next, Ariel looked at “Thematic Wall Wallpaper Background” (Statica) and the wallpaper app niche in general. Wallpaper apps are still surprisingly lucrative, but their screenshots often miss the mark.

Statica uses all 10 screenshots, starting with two wallpaper images, then switching to feature explanations like “Daily new wallpapers” and “Smart search.” While leading with beautiful wallpapers can work, it risks alienating users who don’t like those specific images. The solution? Test your screenshot order—try leading with feature explanations, then show wallpapers, and see which sequence performs better. Testing different screenshot sequences can help determine what resonates best with users.

Ariel referenced a previous live stream with an agency that optimized screenshots for major clients like Google, demonstrating that even small changes can significantly boost downloads.

Design Consistency and Premium Feel

Statica’s screenshots have high-quality images, but the font choices feel generic and don’t convey a premium feel. For a premium app, use fonts and colors that match the desired perception—straight lines and dark backgrounds often work well for a premium look.

Clarity and Context

Another issue: users may not know if the app offers only wallpapers or also widgets and ringtones. The first screenshot should clearly state what the app provides, possibly with social proof or accolades.

Competitor Analysis: Panels by MKBHD and Wallcraft

Ariel also reviewed Panels by MKBHD, which leans heavily on the creator’s brand but doesn’t clearly communicate the app’s value to users unfamiliar with him. The screenshots use terms like “customized feed” and “featured work,” but don’t explain the benefits from the user’s perspective.

Wallcraft, another competitor, simply showcases a variety of wallpapers in its screenshots. This approach lets users connect with different styles and see the app’s range at a glance.

Key Lesson: Always highlight the benefits to the user, not just features. Test different approaches to see what resonates.

App Review #3: Travel Planner Guide Tripx

Tripx uses only five screenshots, each with generic phrases like “Plan your perfect trip” and “AI assistant,” but doesn’t explain how the app helps. The screenshots lack detail and context—users shouldn’t have to squint to understand what’s being offered.

Suggestions:

• Use all 10 screenshot slots.
• Break out features and benefits clearly.
• Show, don’t just tell—demonstrate how the AI assistant helps, what the packing list does, etc.

Q&A: Fonts, Screenshot Authenticity, and Orientation

Premium Fonts:
Lucas asked where to find premium fonts. Ariel recommends Google Fonts, which are free for commercial use and include many fonts with a premium look. Always check licensing before using any font, and avoid downloading random fonts from the internet to prevent legal issues.

Screenshot Authenticity:
Katherine asked why many screenshots aren’t actual app screenshots. Ariel explained that Apple used to be strict but now allows more flexibility, which is good for marketing. The goal is to communicate the app’s value, not just show the UI.

Portrait vs. Landscape Screenshots:
Leonardo asked whether to use portrait or landscape orientation. Ariel suggests:

• Check what successful competitors are doing.
• Test both orientations to see what works best for your audience.
• Treat screenshots as marketing material—choose the orientation that best showcases your app’s value.

App Review #4: AI Chat GPT Bot Rocket Kit

This app uses seven screenshots. The first screenshot does a good job stating what the app offers (“Solve problems, unlock creativity, achieve more”), but could be clearer about the AI aspect. Ariel recommends caution with using third-party brand names or logos (like ChatGPT) due to potential copyright or trademark issues.

The screenshots mention features like “stunning AI images” and “personal assistance,” but the benefits aren’t clear. Instead of listing features, explain how they help the user—e.g., “Summarize meeting notes instantly” or “Rewrite emails professionally.”

Key Point: Always frame features as user benefits. Show users what they can do with your app, not just what the app has.

App Review #5: Petetti Pet Care Tracker

Petetti uses all 10 screenshots with a friendly, appealing design and colors. However, the screenshots are vague—phrases like “track, monitor, organize” and “unlimited logs” don’t specify what users can actually do.

Suggestions:

• Be specific: What can users track? (e.g., vaccinations, feeding, medication)
• Clarify if the app is for all pets or just cats and dogs.
• Replace generic marketing phrases with concrete benefits.

Ariel noted that while the design might attract downloads, a competitor with clearer messaging could easily win users over.

App Review #6: Posture Back Pain Stand Proud

This Google Play app targets users with back pain. The screenshots start with a relatable image but quickly become confusing—phrases like “choose posture type” and “adjust pain intensity” don’t clearly explain the app’s value. It turns out to be a workout app, but that connection isn’t made clear.

Suggestions:

• Guide users through the journey: explain how specific exercises improve posture and reduce pain.
• Don’t make users guess—be explicit about the app’s benefits and how it works.

Q&A: Games and Final Thoughts

Ariel addressed a question about games, noting that game screenshots are different because the UI itself is often the selling point. He plans to cover games in a future session.

A developer thanked Ariel for feedback, noting they hadn’t realized some connections weren’t obvious. Ariel emphasized that it’s easy to overlook details when you know your app well—always review your screenshots from a new user’s perspective.

Summary and Next Steps

• Show, don’t tell: Visually demonstrate your app’s value.
• Highlight benefits, not just features: Make it clear what users will get.
• Use all 10 screenshots: Maximize your opportunity to persuade.
• Test different approaches: Screenshot sequence, orientation, and messaging can all impact downloads.
• Check competitors: See what works in your niche, but always verify their success before copying.

Ariel will run another live stream next week, picking up where this one left off and including more app reviews. If you start an A/B test now, you may have results to discuss in the next session.

Don’t forget:

• Enter the giveaway by subscribing, liking, and commenting with your favorite Appfigures feature.
• Use the promo code (available for 48 hours) to try the Competitor Intelligence tool.
• Drop any remaining questions in the comments or reach out to Ariel on LinkedIn or Twitter/X.

See you next week!

✨ This transcript was generated and enhanced by AI and may differ from the original video.