🚀 Implement App Store Algorithm Updates (June 2025)

[ebowwa]

Context

Apple made significant changes to the App Store ranking algorithm that affect app discovery and rankings. These changes require immediate action to maintain/improve our app's visibility.

Problem

1. New App Boost Removed: Our app will no longer receive automatic ranking boost when published (takes ~13 days to start ranking organically)
2. Screenshots Impact Rankings: Apple now uses OCR/AI to extract text from screenshots as keyword metadata

Required Changes

📸 Screenshot Optimization

• Audit current screenshots for keyword opportunities
• Replace passive phrases with active keywords
  • ❌ "Easy to Use"
  • ✅ "Track Sleep Patterns" / "Monitor Heart Rate" / [specific features]
• Ensure text has high contrast and is machine-readable
• Add relevant keywords to screenshot captions that make sense to users
• Test screenshots across all supported device sizes

🔍 Keyword Strategy

• Research competitor screenshots for keyword ideas
• Identify primary keywords for each core feature
• Map keywords to specific screenshots
• Ensure keywords appear naturally in context

Technical Requirements

• Clear, high-contrast text (for OCR readability)
• Relevant keywords that match app functionality
• Consistent keyword usage across localized versions

Success Metrics

• Improved keyword rankings within 30 days
• Increased organic discovery through search
• Higher conversion rate from screenshot improvements

Resources

• Analysis source: Appfigures Blog
• Screenshot tool option: appscreens.io

Priority

High - These changes directly impact app discovery and downloads

[ebowwa]

how can we integrate this info into this platform? we make AppStore previews for apps in the global markets

[ebowwa]

Thanks for the heads up! Based on the video analysis, here's what we need to prioritize:

Immediate Action Items:

1. Screenshot Text Optimization (Highest Priority)

Since Apple now reads screenshot text for keyword ranking, we should:

• Update our screenshot generator to emphasize keyword-rich captions
• Add templates with pre-optimized text layouts for common app categories
• Ensure all text uses high-contrast, machine-readable fonts

2. Template Updates

Our app-preview-generator should include:

• Keyword suggestion feature based on app category
• OCR-friendly font presets
• Guidelines/warnings about text contrast ratios
• Examples of active vs passive keyword usage

3. Best Practices Documentation

Add a section about:

• The 13-day ranking delay for new apps
• How to strategically place keywords in screenshots
• Examples of good vs bad screenshot text

This aligns perfectly with our tool's purpose - helping developers create optimized app store assets. The algorithm change makes our tool even more valuable since screenshots are now critical for discovery.

Should we create separate issues for each of these implementation areas?