Google Play ASO

Google Play ASO: rank higher on the Play Store with the right keywords and listing

Google Play search reads more of your listing than the App Store does, which makes keyword placement in the description matter. The basics are the same — relevance, installs, conversion and quality — but the fields work differently.

Updated

How Google Play reads your listing

  • App name: up to 30 characters, the strongest text signal
  • Short description: up to 80 characters, indexed and shown above the fold
  • Full description: up to 4,000 characters, indexed — use your keywords naturally, without stuffing
  • Ratings, reviews, install velocity, retention and technical quality (crashes and ANRs) all influence visibility

A Google Play ASO checklist

  1. Track Play rankings separately

    Your Play ranks differ from your App Store ranks for the same words. Track each store on its own, per country.

  2. Write the short description for search and clicks

    Lead with the main benefit and one or two core keywords.

  3. Structure the full description

    Cover your important keywords in the first paragraphs and in headings-style lines, in natural sentences.

  4. Fix quality signals

    Answer reviews, address crash and ANR spikes, and ask for ratings at the right moment.

  5. Add installs where you are close

    Keyword install campaigns on Google Play are priced from 25¢ per install on Starter.

Frequently asked questions

Does Google Play have a keyword field?
No. Google Play has no hidden keyword field; your keywords need to appear in the title, short description and full description.
Can I track an app on both stores?
Yes. Add each listing; ASOSurge tracks them separately and shows the store on every app.

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