After launching an app in the stores, competition for user attention is fierce. If screenshots don’t show key scenarios, users leave for competitors. Promo video is the only way to showcase interface dynamics: scrolling, transitions, animations. According to internal tests, video in listings increases install conversion by 30–50%. Such video quickly pays off through user growth at the same traffic. We guarantee that the video meets App Store and Google Play requirements — no moderation rejections.
Platform Technical Requirements
| Platform | Format | Duration | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Store | M4V/MP4/MOV | 15–30 seconds | Matches screenshots (1290×2796 for iPhone 6.7", 1080×1920 for 5.5") |
| Google Play | YouTube | 30–120 seconds | Feature Graphic |
| Platform | Additional |
|---|---|
| App Store | Up to 3 videos per device, no sound in search |
| Google Play | Requires YouTube channel with no ads on the video |
Key difference: Apple accepts a direct file; Google Play only a YouTube link. This affects workflow: for Google Play you need a YouTube channel with monetization disabled or ads off on the clip (competitor ads over promo video are common). According to App Store Review Guidelines, the video must comply with section 4.2 (minimum functionality) and not violate privacy rules.
How to Record Screen without Quality Loss
High-quality recording — via Xcode (iOS) or Android Studio (Android), not the built-in system recorder.
iOS:
# Recording via QuickTime — connect device, File → New Movie Recording, select iPhone as source # Or via xcrun simctl for simulator: xcrun simctl io booted recordVideo --codec=h264 --mask=black output.mp4 Real device is better than simulator. Animations, response speed — simulator doesn’t represent them accurately. We use real iPhones and iPads for recording.
Android:
# adb screenrecord adb shell screenrecord --size 1080x1920 --bit-rate 8000000 /sdcard/demo.mp4 adb pull /sdcard/demo.mp4 . --bit-rate 8000000 — 8 Mbps is enough for 1080p. Higher is excessive for final render after editing.
Why Subtitles Matter More Than Audio
Video plays without sound in App Store. Any voice track is useless as primary information carrier. Text overlays explaining what happens on screen are essential. Rule: if removing the text makes it unclear what’s shown, you need text. If it’s obvious even without text, the text becomes noise. We place subtitles in the lower third with a contrasting sans-serif font.
Structure of a 30-Second Video
Typical structure that works:
- 0–3 sec: main screen or key moment (not splash, not onboarding)
- 3–20 sec: 3–4 key usage scenarios, each 4–5 seconds
- 20–30 sec: call to action or brand
Transitions — simple cuts or fast slide transitions. Cinematic transitions are suitable for games, not utilities. ScreenFlow is better than DaVinci Resolve for screencasts: simpler, faster, supports iOS recording directly.
Editing Tools
- ScreenFlow (macOS) — standard for recording and editing screencasts
- DaVinci Resolve — free professional option, color grading
- Adobe Premiere — if you have a subscription
- Canva Video — for basic editing without experience
Final export: H.264, 1080p, 30 fps. For App Store — additional conversion to M4V if needed.
Common Mistakes We Avoid
- Starting with logo and name — first 3 seconds are lost.
- Showing onboarding instead of core functionality.
- Using unsynchronized audio (plays in listing when sound is enabled on iOS).
- Uploading video at lower resolution than screenshots — pixelation on Retina displays.
- Using built-in screen recorder (it gives 30 fps and artifacts).
What’s Included
- Script: identify key usage scenarios, screen sequence.
- Screen recording on a real device at required resolution.
- Editing, text overlays, audio track (optional).
- Subtitles and export to App Store formats (M4V/MP4) and upload to YouTube for Google Play.
- Localization into 2–3 languages, adaptation for different screen resolutions (if needed).
Technical export details
For App Store we use H.264 High Profile, bitrate 10–15 Mbps, audio AAC 128 kbps (if present). For YouTube — H.264, bitrate 16 Mbps, ensuring smooth playback even on slow connections.Timeline Estimates
Recording and editing a basic promo video (one language, one set) — 1–2 days. With professional transitions and localization into 2–3 languages — 3–4 days. Cost is calculated individually per project.
We have over 7 years of experience in mobile development and over 50 prepared promo videos for App Store and Google Play. We know the requirements of both platforms and avoid rejections at moderation. Contact us to discuss your app. Order a turnkey promo video — we’ll develop a script, record the screen, edit, and adapt for store requirements. Get a project consultation: send us your app link — we’ll analyze and propose a solution.