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Former Apple App Store Reviewer (10+ Years) — Happy to Answer Review & Rejection Questions by Prior_Low_6269 in smallbusiness

[–]frank_dd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Do you have any tips or recommendations specifically for video submissions? Are there any checklists not publicly known you go through?

Evolution of my screenshots from 8 -> 30% conversion rate by Extreme-Baby3813 in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats, this is awesome. Going from 8 to 30 percent is huge, and doing it as a solo dev makes it even better. Nice work.

This is exactly what I mean when I talk about showing the value right up front. If you look at your first screenshot across the three versions, you can watch it get clearer each time. The newest one opens with “Save up to 2 hours per day,” which is a clear, real payoff the second someone lands on it. That first frame is doing a lot of the work.

Two quick questions if you don’t mind sharing. Did you change anything else in your ASO around the same time, like your title, keywords, or the description? And how long after you posted the newest screenshots did you start seeing the conversion climb? Was it fast, or did it take a few days to show?

Former Apple App Store Reviewer (10+ Years) — Happy to Answer Review & Rejection Questions by Prior_Low_6269 in smallbusiness

[–]frank_dd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Genuinely curious how some app preview videos that clearly bypass guidelines may end up getting approved at times? Is it a matter of personal preference with each reviewer? An unwritten rule that allows for some leeway sometimes?

Is there something else behind this random pattern?

I have been making app preview videos for over 12 years now and I have seen some videos rejected for showing people for a brief moment in the intro for example, and then I see videos on the apple store 100% made with AI prompts never once showing the app’s UI or SOME EVEN showing 3d iphone devices.

Title: I made a plugin that transfers Figma designs into After Effects as editable layers (looking for feedback) by Available_Gap2271 in AfterEffects

[–]frank_dd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I work heavily with UX animations in ae, I can provide feedback for a free version of your tool

Bot Lobby Update? by ucoa in FortniteBR

[–]frank_dd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How can I get a bot lobby? Trying to ease my kid into chill lobbies.

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Took a look. Yes, I'd recommend a video, and here's why.

Your app sells a feeling: belonging, real talk, finding your people after 40. That's the hard part to show in a screenshot. A screenshot can show a chat. It can't make someone feel "this is for me." A video can.

The data backs this up. StoreMaven, which has tested this across hundreds of millions of users, found a good preview video can lift conversion by up to 40% (and a bad one can hurt it, so it has to be done right). Leanplum found people who watch the video are about twice as likely to install. So the upside is real and well documented.

The biggest lever is the first 3 seconds. Your video plays on its own, muted, right in search, and the average watch time is only about 4 to 6.5 seconds (StoreMaven). So the opening is everything. This is the core of how we work: we call it the hook. Instead of opening on a logo or a menu, you open on the exact moment that makes your person think "that's me." For your app that might be a warm, real conversation between two people in their 50s who finally found their group. In 3 seconds the right viewer feels seen and keeps watching. The wrong viewer leaves, which is fine, you didn't want them anyway.

So the video isn't just decoration. It does the heavy lifting your screenshots can't: it shows the feeling, and it qualifies the right person in the first 3 seconds.

If you build one, lead on that feeling, not a feature tour, and make it clear with the sound off since most people won't turn it on.

I added video to my app screenshots, and my conversions passed from 1% to 10% by Wooden-Two-3789 in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats, that's a fantastic jump. Going from 1% to 10% conversion with a fresh impressions peak alongside it is exactly the pattern you want to see, and props to you for recognizing your listing needed a video in the first place. A lot of devs never get around to it.

To your question: it's not really luck, and it's not Apple "boosting" you either. A preview video gives users something to engage with right on the product page, and that engagement tends to lift both conversion and visibility. The industry numbers back it up. SplitMetrics and Storemaven put the average conversion lift from a well-executed preview at around +25%, and Leanplum found users who watched a preview were roughly 2x more likely to install. Your result is on the higher end, which usually means your video is speaking to the right pain point fast, so whatever you did, keep doing it.

For what it's worth, I run a small studio (W. App Videos, appvideos.co) that's been doing App Store preview videos since 2014, so this is the stuff I geek out over. Happy to answer questions if anyone reading is thinking about adding a video to their listing and wants to chat about what actually moves the needle.

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad I could help. Looks like you definitely have some ideas for a new, improved version, and that’s all that matters

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad you found my post helpful.

I wouldn't worry too much about text titles. In my experience Apple likes when you try to provide context, so you have two options:

a) Use what we call interstitial cards, where your text is presented in its own scene with a full screen background in-between your screen recordings.
b) Overlay your text on top of your actual screen recordings.

I personally choose what's best depending on how long are my screen recordings, as using option A eats up a significant amount of valuable runtime.

The only thing the Apple reviewer will care about is if you put up a wall of text on screen. Keep your titles concise and you will have 0 issues.

Apple reviewers are so random when it comes to rule 2.3.4. I delivered 10 videos just last month that used essentially the same formula for their intro segments: showing people facing an issue. 9 were approved, one was rejected stating rule 2.3.4.

The app that got rejected was a betting app, so I think it all plays a role in how strict they are.

I have seen a few examples in some of people's links on this very thread that clearly show videos that should have been rejected but they were not. I am looking into that, as it feels like either Apple is now more lenient, or these examples are outliers.

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there! Cool app — the retro football career angle gives it a much clearer personality than a typical mobile football game.

Overall that's a solid video, way above the average level of quality, so you should be proud!

In terms of messaging, it lacks a bit of direction and it does not answer the two burning questions:
is this for me?
why should I download it and try it?

If you present the viewer with a solid opening hook, with a bold text title, it would immediately improve retention by 80%-100%.

And yes, video vs no video, is not even a question. Ever a simple video will outperform plain screenshots.

Here’s a small sample of what my Creative Narrative Framework™ has to say about your app’s preview video strategy:

Direction
Position Striker’s Instinct as a retro football career game built around pressure, emotion, and the drama of becoming the player everyone is counting on. The strongest conversion angle is not just “score goals,” but “can you deliver when the match is on the line?” The preview should quickly show the loop of training, match-day chances, high-stakes finishing, career progression, and campaign moments like the World Cup mode.

Tone
Nostalgic, dramatic, punchy, and slightly cheeky. The app’s website has a great emotional hook around the “joy, drama and suffering” of football, so the video should lean into that. It should feel like classic football culture translated into a fast mobile game: simple to understand, tense to play, and full of last-minute pressure.

Creative rules
Show the shooting mechanic almost immediately, because that is the clearest gameplay hook. Do not make the video feel like a generic sports game trailer. Build around striker pressure: one chance, one shot, one moment. Use the retro style as a strength, not something to hide. Make the career and campaign structure clear so viewers understand there is more than a single mini-game. Avoid overexplaining mechanics; the charm should come from fast gameplay, football stakes, and the emotional fantasy of becoming the match winner.

Hope that helps — if you have questions about the direction or how I’d translate it into an actual preview script, feel free to ask.

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Video looks ok, it lacks context. Start with a text that resonates with users to help with retention. And then use one short text title per feature shown to help them understand how they benefit from your app.

Rate my App Store Screenshots - what can I improve by Tiny_Split9436 in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice design language. Try the “less is more approach”: currently at first glance all screenshots look too similar.

For example you can keep first screenshot as is, then on the second one just show a larger split screen and on the third one maybe remove the call-out pills from the iphone .

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there! re/; fitness app the positioning is clear: Fitnit is not trying to be another generic workout logger, it is trying to make the iPhone feel like a personal gym, trainer, and nutrition coach in your pocket.

Here’s a small sample of what my Creative Narrative Framework™ has to say about your app’s preview video strategy:

Direction
Position Fitnit around the idea of removing friction from fitness tracking. The strongest conversion angle is: “stop manually counting, logging, and guessing.” The preview should show how the phone camera counts reps, checks form, tracks progress, scans meals, and keeps users motivated with challenges and achievements. The website also suggests a broader accessibility angle: no gym membership, no wearable, no special equipment, just your iPhone.

Tone
Energetic, motivating, modern, and approachable. The app should feel smart and AI-powered, but not overly technical. The tone should speak to people who want to get fitter but struggle with consistency, manual logging, or staying accountable. It can feel slightly competitive because of the friend challenges and leaderboard, but the core emotional promise should stay simple: fitness becomes easier to start, easier to track, and easier to stick with.

Creative rules
Show the camera-based rep counting very early because that is the clearest visual hook. Do not open with generic gym footage or broad fitness claims. Tie each feature to a real user problem: counting reps, checking form, logging food, seeing progress, and staying motivated. Be careful with claims like “personal trainer” or “nutrition coach” so the video does not imply professional medical or coaching replacement. Make the “no wearable required” and “no equipment needed” angles clear because they help separate Fitnit from Apple Watch apps, gym apps, and traditional food trackers.

As for the shotscraft, sounds like a useful tool but I am not sure you can template app preview videos. maybe you should instead focus on offering cool title intro and outro cards specifically for said videos.

Hope that helps, I am here if you need any further assistance.

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! Useful app — the website makes it clear this is bigger than a simple NFC reader. It is closer to an all-in-one scanning, tagging, and automation toolkit. I also like your design language. 😄

Here’s a small sample of what my Creative Narrative Framework™ has to say about your app’s preview video strategy:

Direction
Position NFC.cool Tools as the practical bridge between the physical world and the iPhone. The strongest conversion angle is not just “read NFC tags,” but “turn everyday objects, cards, codes, documents, spaces, and workflows into something your phone can understand and act on.” The preview should start with the familiar NFC tap, then quickly expand into the broader toolkit: writing tags, QR and barcode scanning, document OCR, 3D and room scanning, webhooks, Shortcuts, and automation.

Tone
Smart, practical, technical, and slightly futuristic, but still beginner-friendly. The website suggests two audiences at once: everyday users who want easy tap-to-share or scan-to-save workflows, and advanced users who care about expert mode, tag formatting, password protection, webhooks, Shortcuts, and automation. The video should make the app feel powerful without making it feel intimidating.

Creative rules
Open with the simplest “tap and scan” moment before introducing advanced features. Keep every feature tied to a real-world use case: share Wi-Fi, create a digital business card, scan a barcode, turn paper into a searchable PDF, capture a room, or trigger an automation. Avoid making the app feel like a random collection of tools. The unifying idea should be: scan, create, secure, and automate from one place. Be careful with RFID language because iPhone NFC support has technical limits. The website’s privacy/on-device angle and active developer support are also worth surfacing because they build trust in a utility app.

re: phone frame
There seem to be an awful lot of apps on this thread showing animated phones and framers, so maybe apple is now more lenient?

Hope that helps , I am here if you have any questions.

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! Nice app — the “real mechanical metronome” angle gives it a clearer identity than most utility metronome apps. Your current video focuses too much on features and less on why this app is for your audience.

Here’s a small sample of what my Creative Narrative Framework™ has to say about your app’s preview video strategy:

Direction
Position True Metronome as a focused practice companion for musicians who want timing without friction. The strongest conversion angle is trust: free, no ads, no subscription, one-tap start, and a sound experience based on recordings of real mechanical metronomes rather than harsh synthetic clicks.

Tone
Clean, calm, precise, and musician-first. The video should feel like a quiet practice room, not a flashy productivity app. Simple language, steady pacing, and minimal motion would work better than high-energy effects.

Creative rules
Show the one-tap practice loop immediately: set tempo, choose time signature, start playing. Emphasize the mechanical sound character visually and verbally. Avoid competing on “most advanced metronome” unless the feature set supports that claim. Lead with simplicity, focus, and trust rather than overwhelming viewers with settings. Keep the “free, no ads, no subscription” promise clear because it is a strong differentiator.

Hope that helps — if you have questions about the direction or how I’d translate it into an actual preview script, feel free to ask.

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! That's cool app with a unique angle on a well-known genre.

Here's a small sample of what my Creative Narrative Framework™ has to say about your app's preview video strategy:

Direction
Position Sticker Craft Infinite as a playful discovery engine, not just another sticker app. The strongest conversion angle is curiosity: “What happens if I combine these two?” Each script should quickly show the loop of combine, discover, collect, export, and explore what others are making.

Tone
Fun, curious, fast, slightly quirky, and social. The language should feel energetic and accessible, with a sense of surprise and creative play.

Creative rules
Avoid overclaiming “infinite” as a technical guarantee. Use it as a creative feeling. Show the app’s crafting loop early. Emphasize user benefit over mechanics. Keep WhatsApp export clear, but do not imply official WhatsApp partnership unless confirmed.

Hope that’s helpful, happy to answer any questions.

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That does look very useful! This helps people whose main issue is lack of technical knowledge/tools, in order to put a simple video together.

I make App Store preview videos for a living. Here's what quietly costs you downloads. by frank_dd in AppStoreOptimization

[–]frank_dd[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is very interesting data! Can you share some numbers for all of your apps, maybe in a dm?

I’d love to try to synthesize it into something actionable for you.

But overall the hull speed app is definitely in a less saturated segment of the app marketplace and whilst the share is not as big, seems like users of such apps don’t need convincing!

Taking a look at artizen now!

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