How to Present App Screenshots: A Complete Guide
Your app screenshots can make or break conversions. Learn how to present them effectively for app stores, websites, and marketing.
By Sharon Onyinye
Your app screenshots are often the first thing potential users see. Bad presentation means lost downloads.
Here's how to present app screenshots that convert.
Why Presentation Matters
Users judge apps in seconds. Your screenshots need to:
1. Show what the app does - Instantly communicate value
2. Look professional - Signal quality and trustworthiness
3. Stand out - Compete with millions of other apps
4. Drive action - Make users want to download
Raw screenshots don't do any of these effectively. Proper presentation does.
The App Screenshot Formula
Every great app screenshot has three elements:
1. The Screenshot Itself
Your actual app UI, showing a key feature or benefit.
2. Context (Device Frame)
A device frame that helps users visualize using your app.
3. Enhancement (Background + Text)
Visual elements that make the screenshot pop and communicate value.
How to Present Screenshots for App Stores
Apple App Store
Requirements:- Exact dimensions (varies by device)
- Up to 10 screenshots per device type
- First 3 screenshots show in search results
- Lead with your strongest screenshot
- Show the app in action, not static menus
- Add benefit-focused text overlays
- Use consistent styling across all screenshots
- Test how they look at thumbnail size
- iPhone 6.7": 1290 x 2796 px
- iPhone 6.5": 1284 x 2778 px
- iPad Pro 12.9": 2048 x 2732 px
Google Play Store
Requirements:- 2-8 screenshots required
- Phone: 1080 x 1920 px minimum
- Feature graphic: 1024 x 500 px
- Similar to App Store—show value fast
- Consider Android-specific frames (Pixel, Samsung)
- Feature graphic is crucial—design it carefully
- Less cluttered tends to perform better
How to Present Screenshots on Websites
Landing Page Hero
Your website hero needs to stop scrollers:
Do:- Use your best, most impressive screenshot
- Add a device frame for context
- Include a gradient or brand-colored background
- Make it large enough to see clearly
- Ensure text in the UI is readable
- Show settings screens or empty states
- Use tiny screenshots that require squinting
- Clutter with too many devices
- Let the screenshot compete with headline text
Feature Sections
As users scroll, show specific features:
Structure:- One screenshot per feature
- Clear headline explaining the benefit
- Brief supporting text
- Consistent styling across sections
- Screenshot left, text right (or vice versa)
- Screenshot above, text below
- Full-width screenshot with overlay text
Testimonial Sections
Combine screenshots with social proof:
Approach:- Screenshot showing the relevant feature
- Customer quote about that feature
- Customer name/company for credibility
How to Present Screenshots on Social Media
Twitter/X
What works:- Single screenshot in device frame
- High contrast backgrounds
- Readable at small sizes
- 16:9 aspect ratio (1200 x 675 px)
- Feature launches
- Before/after comparisons
- User testimonials
- Build in public updates
- More professional styling
- Browser/laptop frames for web apps
- Light backgrounds often perform better
- 1200 x 627 px for in-feed display
- Product updates
- Milestone celebrations
- Industry insights with product context
- Bold colors and gradients
- Square (1080 x 1080) or portrait (1080 x 1350)
- Lifestyle-oriented presentation
- Stories for behind-the-scenes
Screenshot Presentation Techniques
Technique 1: Single Device Focus
One device, one message. Simple and effective.
Best for:- Feature announcements
- Social media posts
- Landing page sections
Technique 2: Multi-Device Composition
Show your app across platforms.
Best for:- Landing page heroes
- Showing cross-platform support
- App store feature graphics
Technique 3: Feature Callouts
Highlight specific UI elements with annotations.
Best for:- Documentation
- Feature tours
- Educational content
Technique 4: Before/After
Show transformation or improvement.
Best for:- Demonstrating value
- Social media content
- Case studies
Technique 5: Screenshot Sequences
Multiple screenshots telling a story.
Best for:- App store galleries
- Onboarding explanations
- Feature walkthroughs
Common Presentation Mistakes
Showing Empty States
Don't show "No items yet" or empty dashboards. Show the app with realistic data.
Too Much Information
One message per screenshot. Don't try to show everything.
Inconsistent Styling
All screenshots should feel like they belong together.
Ignoring Mobile Viewers
Most users browse on phones. Test how your screenshots look small.
Outdated Devices
iPhone X frames in 2025 make your app look old.
Low Resolution
Blurry screenshots = amateur product perception.
Related Reading
- How to Create App Store Screenshots That Convert - App Store optimization
- How to Create an iPhone Mockup - iPhone mockup tutorial
- How to Make Your Screenshots Go Viral on Social Media - Social media tips
- 7 Screenshot Mistakes That Make Your Product Look Amateur - Mistakes to avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I present app screenshots professionally?
Add device frames (iPhone, Android) to provide context, use clean backgrounds (gradients or solid colors), and ensure high resolution. Consistent styling across all screenshots creates a professional impression. Consider adding brief text overlays to communicate value.
What is the best way to showcase an app?
Show your app in action with realistic data, not empty states or settings screens. Use device mockups to help users visualize using your app. Lead with your strongest feature and maintain consistent visual styling throughout.
How many screenshots should I include in the App Store?
Apple allows up to 10 screenshots. Use all of them, but prioritize the first 3 since those appear in search results. Lead with your most compelling screenshot and tell a story through the sequence.
Should I add text to app screenshots?
For app stores, yes—brief, benefit-focused text helps communicate value at a glance. For website and social media, it depends on context. If adding text, keep it short (3-5 words) and ensure it's readable at small sizes.
How do I make app screenshots stand out?
Use professional device frames, clean backgrounds that complement your app's colors, and high-resolution exports. Show real value—impressive features, compelling data, or clear benefits. Avoid clutter and focus on one message per screenshot.
Conclusion
Presenting app screenshots effectively is about context, quality, and consistency. Add device frames, use professional backgrounds, and maintain a cohesive style.
Your screenshots are often the first interaction users have with your app. Make that first impression count.