The article explores the frequency of metadata updates, differences between apps and games, and localization trends, offering insights and strategies for effective app store optimization.
App Store Optimization (ASO) is an ongoing, dynamic process. App store rankings and trending keywords fluctuate daily, making it crucial for your ASO strategy to be both flexible and agile. Regular updates to your app are necessary to keep pace with the fast-evolving app industry. Fresh and localized metadata is key to enhancing your app's visibility and user engagement.
So, how often should you update your app store metadata? This guide will offer market insights and practical strategies to help you navigate this essential aspect of app management.
You'll dive into the following topics:
Surprisingly, 50% of top iOS apps updated their screenshots more than twice last year. However, nearly 75% did not update their icons at all. Despite the high impact of title keywords on rankings, almost 80% of apps have not revised their titles in the past year.
Games appear to be more proactive than apps in updating their icons. Over 50% of top games on Google Play have refreshed their icons in the past year. Similarly, nearly 50% of top games updated their screenshots more than twice annually on both app stores. However, like apps, 80% of games have not updated their titles in the past year.
๐ก Expert insights:
Frequent updates can showcase new features, events, or seasonal themes, making the game more appealing. However, popular games tend to update their titles less often because these titles have already gained significant recognition and have become a brand in themselves.
Despite this, it's still advisable to periodically review and optimize game titles to incorporate new keywords or reflect updates in different versions, ensuring continued relevance and discoverability.
>>> Gaming App Marketing Solutions
There's a notable difference in how often top apps and games update their metadata on Apple versus Google Play. In the US, top apps and games refresh their metadata more frequently on Google Play. Popular apps and games tend to update their screenshots more often but their icons less frequently than lower-ranking apps.
๐ก Expert insights:
Google Play's algorithm and user interface encourage frequent updates, the platform allows for quicker changes, and user behavior on Google Play responds well to visual updates like screenshots.
Graphics & Design (App Store) and Photography categories (Google Play) update their screenshots most often. Surprisingly, Travel and Food & Drinks apps have fewer screenshot updates.
Notably, the Dating category on Google Play averages 9 screenshot updates annually.
๐ Related reading >>> ASO Solutions for Mature Dating Apps in Google Play Store
Casino and Strategy games see the most screenshot updates. Trivia and Puzzle games update more than twice as often on Google Play compared to iOS. Racing, Music, Word, and Family games update less often on both stores, presenting an opportunity for developers to differentiate by updating more frequently.
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In the past year, Google Play saw more frequent A/B testing for apps and games compared to the App Store. Games conduct A/B tests more frequently than apps, with over 60% of top games testing their screenshots and icons. Interestingly, the percentage of games running A/B tests is higher than those implementing updates, suggesting some tests are not followed by updates.
๐ก Expert insights: Regular A/B testing can provide valuable insights for optimization. Implement successful test results to improve user engagement and app performance.
>>> What is App Localization?
Of the top 1000 apps, 77% in the US App Store have made their apps available in other countries last year, while 99% have done the same on Google Play.
Among these, 59% on the App Store have localized their title, and 89% have localized their long description, indicating many apps maintain brand-specific titles they are hesitant to adapt for international markets.
Most apps localize their title in Germany, followed by Japan, Spain, Mexico, and France on the App Store.
Countries like Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and France also focus on localizing their App Store descriptions more often.
Out of the top 1000 games on the US App Store, 98% are available in other countries. A significant number of games – 60% on Apple and 72% on Google – have localized their titles. Nearly all games on Google Play (almost 100%) have localized their short description, compared to the App Store (67%).
Both platforms see frequent localization of long descriptions, with 87% on Apple and 96% on Google.
Most games localize their title in Japan, followed by Germany, Korea, and France on the App Store. Countries like Spain, Mexico, and Argentina also focus on localizing their App Store descriptions more often. On Google, nearly all countries have games localizing short descriptions the most.
๐ก Expert insights:
Are you hesitant to localize your app due to unfamiliarity with the language and user habits of non-native countries? Don't worry! ASOWorld offers ASO service that provide localization for over 100 regions and countries.
With our expertise, you can ensure your app resonates with local users, enhancing its visibility and engagement across diverse markets. Let us help you break barriers and reach a global audience effortlessly.
Click "Learn More" to drive your apps & games business with ASO World app promotion service now.
App Store Optimization (ASO) is a continuous process requiring frequent updates to stay competitive. Here are some tips to help you achieve just that.
- For the iOS App Store, it's recommended to update your metadata every 4 weeks to maintain keyword ranking stability.
- On Google Play, updates should occur every 6 to 8 weeks due to longer keyword indexation periods.
- Consistency is key - avoid making multiple changes simultaneously, and focus on one change per update to accurately track performance impacts.
-Seasonal events and app launches may necessitate more frequent updates.
>>> For detailed strategies, click here.
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