How many in-app events can I have active at once?

Up to 5 published events at any time and 10 approved events waiting to go live. Plan your event calendar to stay within these limits.

Do in-app events affect my App Store ranking?

Events can increase your app's visibility in search results and browse, which can lead to more downloads and indirectly improve rankings through increased download velocity.

Can I localize in-app event metadata?

Yes. Each event can be localized for every language your app supports, including the event name, descriptions, and card image.

Are in-app events available for all app categories?

Yes, in-app events are available for apps in all categories on the App Store, including games and non-game apps.

Guides/App Store Connect/Creating In-App Events for App Store Visibility

App Store Connect

Creating In-App Events for App Store Visibility

Learn how to create and configure in-app events in App Store Connect. Boost your app's visibility with time-bound events that appear in search results, editorial, and the Today tab.

6 steps

2 min read

Table of Contents

1. Navigate to In-App Events
2. Choose the event type
3. Configure event metadata
4. Set event dates and deep link
5. Configure the event badge
6. Submit for review and promote

Navigate to In-App Events

In App Store Connect, go to your app > App Store tab > In-App Events in the sidebar. Click the + button to create a new event.

Choose the event type

Select the type that best describes your event:

Challenge — A time-limited activity encouraging users to achieve a goal
Competition — Users compete against each other
Live Event — Real-time activities like live streams
Major Update — Significant new features or content
New Season — New content season or themed period
Premiere — First availability of new content
Special Event — Limited-time events that don't fit other categories

Configure event metadata

Fill in the required fields: Event Name (30 chars), Short Description (50 chars), Long Description (120 chars), and an Event Card Image (1920 × 1080 px). Each field should clearly communicate what the event is and why users should participate.

Tip: The event card image appears prominently in the App Store. Invest in a visually compelling design that stands out.

Set event dates and deep link

Configure the Start Date, End Date, and optionally a Publish Date (when the event becomes visible before it starts). Provide a deep link URL that takes users directly to the event content within your app.

Configure the event badge

Choose a badge that appears on your app icon during the event. The badge adds a small visual indicator in search results and browse, drawing attention to your event. Select the badge style that matches your event type.

Submit for review and promote

Submit the event for App Review. Once approved, it appears in App Store search results, your product page, and may be featured in the Today tab or editorial content. Promote the event across your marketing channels to maximize participation. AppDrift's store publishing can help coordinate event launches with metadata updates across all your markets.

Common Errors & Solutions

Event not appearing in search results

Solution: Events only appear in search results within their configured date range. Verify the start date has passed and the end date has not. Also ensure the event passed App Review.

Event card image rejected

Solution: The image must be exactly 1920 x 1080 pixels, in PNG or JPEG format, without text that duplicates the event name (Apple renders the name separately).

Frequently Asked Questions

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