Preparing Promo Video for Mobile App Listing
A promo video in the listing is not a commercial. The user opened the app page and wants to understand: what is this, how does it work, why do I need it. A corporate edit with stock footage and solemn music answers these questions worse than 20 seconds of real app screen.
Platform Technical Requirements
App Store Preview Video:
- Duration: 15–30 seconds
- Formats: M4V, MP4, MOV
- Resolution: matches screenshots (1290×2796 for iPhone 6.7", 1080×1920 for 5.5")
- Up to 3 videos per device, plays without sound in search
Google Play Promo Video:
- YouTube link (not direct file)
- Duration: recommended 30–120 seconds
- Displays over Feature Graphic in listing
Key difference: Apple accepts direct file, Google Play only YouTube. This affects workflow: for Google Play you need a YouTube channel with monetization configured or ads disabled on the video (competitor ads over promo video are common).
Screen Recording
Quality recording through Xcode (iOS) or Android Studio (Android), not system recorder.
iOS:
# Via QuickTime — connect device, File → New Movie Recording, select iPhone 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 honestly.
Android:
# adb screenrecord
adb shell screenrecord --size 1080x1920 --bit-rate 8000000 /sdcard/demo.mp4
adb pull /sdcard/demo.mp4 .
--bit-rate 8000000 — 8 Mbps sufficient for 1080p. Higher is excessive for final render after editing.
30-Second Video Structure
Working structure that works:
- 0–3 sec: main screen or key moment (not splash, not onboarding)
- 3–20 sec: 3–4 key use scenarios, each 4–5 seconds
- 20–30 sec: call to action or brand
Transitions — simple cuts or fast slide transitions. Cinematic transitions fit games, not utilities.
Subtitles and Text Overlays
Video plays without sound in App Store. Any voiceover is useless as primary information. Need text overlays explaining what's happening. Rule: if removing text makes it unclear what's shown — add it. If it's obvious without text — text is noise.
Editing Tools
- ScreenFlow (macOS) — standard for screencast recording and editing, supports iOS recordings directly
- DaVinci Resolve — free professional option, color grading
- Adobe Premiere — with subscription
- Canva Video — for basic editing without experience
Final export: H.264, 1080p, 30 fps. For App Store additionally convert to M4V if needed.
Common Mistakes
- Start with logo and name — first 3 seconds already lost
- Show onboarding instead of core functionality
- Use unsynchronized audio (plays in listing with sound on iOS)
- Upload video lower quality than screenshots — pixelization on Retina screens
Process
Scenario: key use scenarios, screen sequence.
Screen recording on real device at required resolution.
Editing, text overlays, audio accompaniment (optional).
Export to App Store formats (M4V/MP4) and upload to YouTube for Google Play.
Timeline Estimates
Recording and editing basic promo video (one language, one set) — 1–2 days. With professional transition design and 2–3 language localization — 3–4 days.