Feed the stores quickly with screenshots from AppScreens
We release small mobile apps to keep up with App Store trends and evolution. Development on the one side, assets for distribution on the other. For generating and uploading metadata we use our very own App Store Manager, while creating app screenshots is still manual process. Exporting images in Android Emulator or iOS Simulator and then enhance them with an image processing tool.
AppScreens, a service we previously noted for handling app screenshots, has recently come back to our attention. It has developed significantly since we first discovered it, now boasting over 70,000 users worldwide. Therefore, we chose to examine it more closely.
Our test case and our test criteria
One of our apps, “Kids Animal Buddies” (find it here for Android devices and here for iPhones/ iPads), was undergoing an ASO screening. A significant result was creating better, new, localized screenshots, especially for the 6.9-inch version of iPhones.
We try out AppScreens to create and localize the required images.
Essential topics for us are:
- Are there modern templates available?
- Does AppScreens support the latest screen sizes for apps, considering the recent changes made by Apple?
- How user-friendly is the platform? Does it offer a good user experience and simplify our app maintenance process? How quickly can we create the screenshots?
- Is there an integrated translation feature?
- What export formats are supported?
- Is there a direct and reliable upload option, even when working concurrently with our App Store Manager?
- Are the final results visually appealing?
Templating
AppScreens offers a variety of ready-to-use templates from which to choose. Each template can be customized or started from scratch if desired.
Our app targets toddlers, meaning the screens must appeal to both the child and the adult holding the mobile device, especially when the child is browsing stores on their lap.
We start by selecting a template from the library and customizing its design. An AI feature that initially loads app information from the stores to create captions automatically is available. This feature makes our first draft take a few seconds. AppScreens generally allows users to upload app screenshots into mobile device frames. Users can choose different frame styles, add captions, apply backgrounds, and more. These features deliver us great creative freedom.
When we modify a particular screenshot, those changes automatically apply to the same screenshot across all other devices. This approach saves significant time and money while minimizing repetitive tasks.
Screenshot sizes
In general, specific screenshot resolutions are required to roll out an app. Google wants at least the images for mobile and tablet resolution. 2-8 images per resolution.
Apple requires a 6.5-inch or a 6.9-inch resolution, 2-10 images each, and an iPad resolution. AppScreens supports all of that. Even the new 6.9-inch size is available, that’s perfect. Many competitors still don’t have that in place.
User-friendliness
Dealing with App Store Connect and the Google Play Console demands a lot from us users. The structures, constructs, etc., are not all the same. All the regulations, frequent updates, cumbersome processes, and conditions do the rest.
AppScreens cuts a good figure here. It takes a little while to familiarize yourself with it. But then the design is easy to handle. The menus and setting options are easy to access. Uploading the raw images to embed in the styled screenshots is easy and quick. We have a first draft ready in a short time (<1 hour), and further customization takes another hour.
The AppScreens team could improve some minor things in the UX; for example, rearranging the screenshots directly in edit mode would be a slight improvement. Also, a select all languages option on the translation feature would be nice – but that’s complaining at a high level.
Translating the screenshots
Translating screenshot captions is one of the most time-consuming tasks. It involves organizing images, translating the text, applying the translations, adjusting settings like font sizes, and managing countless files for uploading. Given this complexity, we expect support from a service like AppScreens.
So, how effective is it? Surprisingly well. First and foremost, multiple translation engines are available, including an AI-based option. We are pleased with our sample results and have utilized the AI approach.
After styling the English text and applying it to the images, creating versions for other languages is accomplished in no time. The process is straightforward and efficient.
Export and provisioning of the created screenshots
Once the design is complete, we export the images. The download offers different formats within a ZIP archive. We can choose between quality options such as PNG or JPEG. If you opt for this download method, you must import the images manually or using the App Store Manager.
A more streamlined option is to use AppScreens directly. Enter your login credentials for App Store Connect or Google Play Console (see our instructions here), select your app and all the screenshots will be automatically uploaded to the appropriate location. It couldn’t be more convenient!
Conclusion – are we happy with the result?
We are pleased with the results. The process was swift, following a brief training period. We create images for one resolution and receive all necessary resolutions automatically. The upload feature is integrated, which is certainly convenient. We are excited about the automatic translation of all screenshots. It took us approximately 1-2 hours to create and style new screenshots based on our existing in-app images. AppScreens translates into 80 languages and uploads everything to the stores. While the upload does take some time, we can enjoy our coffee during that period.
We plan to conduct A/B testing with the new screenshots to evaluate their effectiveness and understand the impact of our efforts. As for AppScreens is a service we highly recommend and intend to continue using to consistently enhance our apps’ App Store Optimization (ASO).
