How to publish your app on Google Play and the App Store

TL;DR

Learn essential steps to publish your app on Google Play and the App Store.
Follow our pre-launch checklist for success.
Use our timeline to stay on track for your launch.

What is the app store launch checklist?

The app store launch checklist is a comprehensive list of tasks you need to complete to ensure your app is ready for submission to Google Play and the App Store. This checklist includes optimizing your app store listing, preparing required assets, understanding review guidelines, and more.

Why is app store optimization (ASO) important?

App Store Optimization (ASO) is crucial because it helps improve your app's visibility in the store, leading to more downloads and better user engagement. Effective ASO involves optimizing your app title, keywords, description, and visuals to attract potential users.

What are the requirements for app store listings?

Both Google Play and the App Store have specific requirements for app store listings, including title length, description, keywords, and more. Here is a comparison of the requirements:

Requirement	Google Play	App Store
App Title	Up to 50 characters	Up to 30 characters
Description	Up to 4,000 characters	Up to 4,000 characters
Keywords	Not required	Up to 100 characters
Screenshots	2-8 required	1-10 required
Preview Video	Optional	Required for certain categories
Privacy Policy	Required	Required
Review Time	2-7 days	1-2 weeks
Submission Fee	Free	$99/year

What are the common rejection reasons?

Common rejection reasons include violation of guidelines, incorrect app descriptions, and inadequate privacy policies. Understanding these common pitfalls will help you prepare a compliant submission.

What is the pre-launch checklist for app submission?

Here’s a comprehensive pre-launch checklist to ensure your app is ready for submission:

Optimize your app title and description for ASO.
Create compelling app screenshots and a preview video.
Draft a clear privacy policy and ensure it complies with regulations.
Prepare your app icon with the required size (512x512 pixels for Google Play, 1024x1024 pixels for App Store).
Test your app thoroughly to fix bugs and improve user experience.
Set up release tracks for internal, closed, and open testing.
Gather feedback from beta testers to enhance your app.
Prepare a marketing strategy to promote your app upon launch.
Ensure your app meets both platforms' content guidelines.
Monitor app performance analytics during testing phases.
Finalize your app version number and release notes.
Compile all necessary assets for submission (icons, screenshots, etc.).
Review all app store submission guidelines once again.
Prepare a customer support strategy for post-launch inquiries.
Confirm payment information is set up for app revenue.

What is the week-by-week timeline for launching an app?

Here’s a week-by-week timeline to help you manage your app launch effectively:

Week	Task
1	Finalize app features and design
2	Begin testing and gather beta feedback
3	Optimize app store listing and ASO
4	Prepare assets (screenshots, video)
5	Review privacy policy and guidelines
6	Set up release tracks for testing
7	Launch internal and closed testing
8	Analyze feedback and implement changes
9	Prepare marketing materials and strategy
10	Submit your app to Google Play and App Store
11	Monitor app performance post-launch

How does KMPShip assist in the launch process?

KMPShip simplifies the infrastructure aspect of your app development, allowing you to focus on polishing your app and preparing for launch. With KMPShip, developers can easily manage their Kotlin Multiplatform projects, ensuring a streamlined process from development to deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential steps to publish an app?

The essential steps include optimizing your app store listing, preparing all required assets, conducting thorough testing, and finally, submitting your app to both Google Play and the App Store following their guidelines.

How long does app review take?

App review times vary, but typically, Google Play takes 2-7 days, while the App Store review can take 1-2 weeks.

What is the typical cost of publishing an app?

Publishing on Google Play is free, while the App Store requires an annual fee of $99.

How can I improve my app's visibility?

Improving your app's visibility can be achieved through effective ASO strategies, such as optimizing your app title, description, and using engaging visuals.

What metrics should I monitor post-launch?

Post-launch, you should monitor metrics such as download numbers, user ratings, retention rates, and crash analytics to assess your app's performance.