An App Category is a classification label assigned to a mobile application in app stores like Google Play and the Apple App Store.
It helps organize apps into thematic or functional groups (e.g., Health & Fitness, Education, Games, Productivity) so users can discover them more easily through browsing and search.
Developers must choose a primary category (and optionally a secondary category on iOS) that best represents the app's core purpose and target audience.
How app categories differ between Google Play & Apple App Store?
In the Apple App Store, an app can be listed under a primary category and one optional secondary category. However, on Google Play, an app can only be listed under one category.
There are structural and functional differences in how app categories work across platforms:
Google Play Store
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Developers must choose one application type (App or Game).
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Then select one category (e.g., Tools, Finance, Education).
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Optionally, a secondary tag (e.g., Parenting, Offline) can be added to further define the app.
Apple App Store
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Developers select a primary category (mandatory) and a secondary category (optional).
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Categories are divided into Apps and Games, with subcategories under Games (e.g., Puzzle, Action).
These categorizations affect where the app appears in top charts and featured collections on each platform.
Why is the app category important for ASO?
In App Store Optimization (ASO), selecting the right app category is crucial for:
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Discoverability: App categories influence where and how your app appears in store navigation, top charts, and featured placements.
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Relevance: Being listed in the correct category ensures your app is shown to users actively looking for similar solutions.
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Competition benchmarking: Categories define your competitive landscape, affecting how your app is compared against others.
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Search optimization: Some categories may have more favorable keyword associations or lower competition.
Choosing the wrong category can limit organic visibility and reduce install potential.
How to choose right category for your app?
Developers choose the right category for their app by identifying the primary function or purpose of the app and matching it to the most relevant category that users would likely browse when searching for such an app.
To select the most effective app category for ASO and user acquisition:
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Core functionality: Choose the category that aligns with your app's main purpose.
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Target audience behavior: Consider where your ideal users are most likely to browse.
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Competitive analysis: Evaluate which categories your competitors are in and how saturated they are.
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Ranking potential: Opt for a category where your app can realistically rank higher with fewer installs.
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App store guidelines: Ensure compliance with each platform's category definitions.
Proper alignment between your app's function and its category improves both visibility and user trust.
💡 How to Select the Ideal App Category for iOS & Android
How does the app category affect visibility and rankings?
App categories significantly impact your app's position in:
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Top charts: Apps are ranked within their respective categories based on installs, ratings, and engagement.
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Featured placements: Editorial teams often select apps from specific categories for promotion.
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Search relevance: Some keywords perform better within certain categories due to contextual relevance.
For example, an educational app placed in the "Games" category may underperform due to mismatched user expectations and search intent.
Can you change an app category after publishing?
Yes, developers can change an app's category post-launch via:
However, frequent changes may confuse users or disrupt existing rankings. It's recommended to change categories only when:
1) The app's core functionality has evolved.
2) Initial categorization was incorrect.
3) A better-performing or less competitive category has been identified through ASO research.
What are common mistakes in choosing an app category?
Avoid these errors to maintain ASO effectiveness:
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Misrepresenting the app's function to enter a less competitive category.
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Ignoring user expectations, leading to poor reviews or low retention.
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Failing to analyze competitors, missing out on strategic advantages.
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Neglecting updates when the app evolves beyond its original scope.
Choosing the right category is not just about visibility—it's about aligning with user intent and store algorithms.
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