App Store Connect
Complete guide to App Store app preview videos. Learn technical requirements, content guidelines, and production tips for creating videos that boost conversion rates.
App preview videos must be 15 to 30 seconds long, encoded in H.264 with AAC audio (or no audio). The resolution must match the target device exactly:
Frame rate should be 30 fps. Maximum file size is 500 MB.
App previews should show the app in use—actual screen recordings with optional text overlays and background music. Focus on your top 3 features: the 30-second limit forces you to be selective. Open with your most compelling feature to hook viewers in the first 5 seconds.
Tip: Capture screen recordings on a real device for the most authentic look. Use QuickTime on Mac connected to an iPhone via USB.
Record clean screen captures showing your app's key workflows. Edit with text overlays that explain each feature briefly (5–8 words per overlay). Add background music that matches your app's tone—upbeat for productivity apps, calm for meditation apps. Avoid voiceover unless it adds significant value.
Choose a poster frame—the static image shown before the video plays. This is critical because most users see the poster frame in search results. Select a frame that clearly shows your app's UI and value proposition. It functions like your video's thumbnail.
In your app's App Store tab, navigate to the relevant device size under App Previews and Screenshots. Upload up to 3 app previews per device size. The first preview appears prominently—make it your strongest. Previews play automatically on Wi-Fi by default.
Each localization can have its own app preview. At minimum, localize the text overlays for your top markets. Record separate previews showing the app in each language's UI for maximum impact. AppDrift's screenshot generator handles the localized screenshot assets that complement your video previews.
Video rejected for showing content outside the app
Solution: App previews must only show the app's actual interface. Remove any footage of hands holding devices, real-world scenes, or marketing graphics not from the app itself.
Video appears stretched or cropped on some devices
Solution: Export at the exact pixel dimensions for the target device. Do not use a single resolution for all devices—each requires a separate export at its native resolution.
Related
Complete reference for App Store screenshot dimensions, formats, and counts for every supported device size. Includes iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV requirements.
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Read guideAutomate this with AppDrift
AppDrift connects to your App Store Connect account to automate metadata publishing, screenshot management, and localization across 40+ languages. Set up once, publish everywhere.