When app developers launch or update their apps, they must select a category. You must choose a category on both the App Store and the Play Store, and the proper one can be a possible route for discoverability. Understanding categories is a critical component of any App Store Optimization plan. Choosing the appropriate category can help you gain more exposure. Choosing the wrong one can result in inferior outcomes or rejection from App Stores.
An app category is a sort of internal classification system that simplifies the process for users to discover new apps in both the Apple App and Google Play stores. For example, a user might check the "Finance" category in the Apple App Store to find new financial tools such as personal money managers, mobile banking apps, and tax calculators.
The dynamics of choosing categories in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store differ. Let's dive deep into the processes.
Apple App Store
Your app can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary. The primary category you choose is essential for your app's discoverability on the App Store. This is the category in which the app appears when users browse the App Store or filter search results. It defines placement on the iPhone and iPad App Store's Apps tab or Games tab.
The primary category you choose for Mac programs is the category in which the app appears when users browse the Mac App Store or filter search results. It determines placement in the Mac App Store's Categories tab in macOS 10.14 or later.
Assume you have a social networking app for posting photos. You could select either Photo & Video or Social Networking as your primary category for the App Store. Consider the following factors when deciding which category will best serve your app:
The goal of your app. Your primary category should be the one that best describes your app's core function or topic area.
Where users are naturally looking for apps like yours. Understanding your target audience can assist you in determining the category in which they are most likely to look for your app. Will they classify your software as a social network or a photography app?
Where users are naturally looking for apps like yours. Understanding your target audience can assist you in determining the category in which they are most likely to look for your app. Will they classify your software as a social network or a photography app?
Which categories have apps that are similar to yours? Investigate how similar applications are classified – users may already be aware that they should look in these categories to find this type of app. Ensure that the category you select appropriately matches the central experience of your app.
Special Case for Games: You can select up to two Games subcategories if your application is a game. Users can find your app by searching the App Store's subcategories and the Games subcategory charts. If you're unsure which subcategory is best for your game, look into the different types of games in each before making your choice.
Google Play Store
You can pick a category in the Play Console and add tags to your app or game. Users can search for and find the most suitable apps in the Play Store with the aid of categories and tags. The Google Play app and a browser can be used by users to view apps.
The tags that are most obviously related to your app should be chosen. A new user with the app should readily understand why the tag is essential based on the store listing or first-time in-app experience.
For instance, "Racing" and "Car racing" tags might be used for a multiplayer racing game featuring vintage automobiles because they accurately describe the game. The fact that you may perform stunts does not automatically qualify a game as a stunt driving title, nor should it have tags for other game genres that might draw similar players (such as "Motorcycle racing" or "Truck racing").
The number of tags in your game or app is limited to five. If your app has more than five appropriate tags, we advise selecting the ones most closely related to it.
Influence of App Category on ASO
Competition: If your app can fit into several categories effortlessly, we advise picking one with less competition. Your app will better climb the charts and organically gain new users if you do this. Leading developers pour millions of dollars into marketing their apps each month. If you cannot spend at this level, consider picking a relevant category with fewer "big hitters."
Relevance: Make confident that your selected category is relevant to your app. Two factors make this significant: First, it's against the rules for app store developers to submit their products to unrelated categories. Second, people browsing a particular category are more likely to download an app relevant to what they seek.
