Guide
App Store vs Google Play ASO: what is different and what is the same
The goal is identical on both stores — rank for relevant searches and convert visits into installs — but the stores read your listing differently. Treat them as two separate listings, each with its own keywords and tracking.
Updated
Side by side
| App Store | Google Play | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | 30 characters | 30 characters |
| Second line | Subtitle, 30 characters | Short description, 80 characters |
| Hidden keyword field | Yes, 100 characters | No |
| Description indexed for search | No | Yes, up to 4,000 characters |
| Metadata changes | Need a new app version | Can be updated any time |
| Ratings | Can be reset with a new version | Cumulative, recent ratings weighted |
What this means in practice
- On the App Store, spend most of your effort on the title, subtitle and keyword field
- On Google Play, write the full description with your keywords in natural sentences
- Google Play lets you test listing changes faster, so iterate more often there
- Track rankings separately — the same keyword often ranks very differently on each store
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use the same keywords on both stores?
- Start from the same research, but measure each store separately. Popularity, competition and your position differ, so the best list usually diverges.
- Which store is easier to rank on?
- Neither is easier in general; it depends on the category and keywords. Google Play rewards descriptive text, the App Store rewards a tight, non-repeating keyword set.
Related
- Google Play ASOGoogle Play optimization explained: how Play search reads your title, short and full description, plus a keyword, listing and ratings plan to rank higher.
- App Store Optimization guideWhat App Store Optimization is, how App Store search ranking works, and a practical ASO process for iOS apps: keywords, metadata, ratings and conversion.
- Listing optimizationOptimize your App Store and Google Play listing with a six-point diagnosis against competitors, keyword coverage checks and AI rewrites that fit every limit.