A Google Play promo video is a YouTube video linked from your store listing. You don't upload a file: you paste the video's YouTube URL into the preview video field in Play Console. The video should be public or unlisted, with ads turned off, and it plays from your listing's feature graphic. Apple's App Store works differently, with uploaded files; for that, use the MobileStudio App Store Preview Maker.
The short answer
| Google Play | Apple App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| How you add it | Paste a YouTube URL | Upload a video file |
| Length | No strict file length rule; keep it short | 15 to 30 seconds |
| Format rules | YouTube handles it | Exact resolution, 30 fps, H.264 |
| Number of videos | One per listing | Up to 3 per size and language |
| Orientation | Landscape works best | Portrait or landscape |
How do I add a promo video to Google Play?
- Upload your video to YouTube, set to Public or Unlisted.
- Turn off monetization (ads) on the video.
- Copy the video's URL, such as
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID. Use the video's own link, not a playlist or channel, and remove extras like timestamps. - In Play Console, go to your app's Store presence > Main store listing.
- Paste the URL into the Video (preview video) field and save.
Google's preview assets guide lists the requirements, and its store listing best practices cover what makes a listing convert.
What are the rules for a Play Store video?
- Public or unlisted on YouTube, and embeddable.
- Ads disabled. Google notes monetization must be off, and copyrighted material can still trigger ads, so use your own or licensed music.
- Not age-restricted.
- The video's own URL, not a playlist or channel link.
How should a Google Play promo video look?
Landscape 16:9 works best, since it plays from the landscape feature graphic. Show the app in action early, keep it short (30 seconds to two minutes), and add captions for muted viewers. Unlike Apple, Google doesn't require screen captures only, so you can include device frames, people, and lifestyle shots.
Can I reuse my App Store preview?
Partly. An App Store preview is portrait and only 15 to 30 seconds of raw app footage. For Google Play, put the same footage into a landscape video, for example with a device frame and captions, and upload it to YouTube. For the App Store version, see how to make an App Store preview video.
How do I turn a portrait recording into a landscape promo?
Place the portrait recording in the middle of a 16:9 frame over a background, in an editor like Clipchamp or iMovie. A device frame around it makes it look intentional; MobileStudio does this automatically. Cropping a portrait recording to 16:9 cuts off most of the app, so don't. See video aspect ratios explained.
Can I use the same video for the App Store?
Not directly. Apple wants an uploaded file at an exact size, 15 to 30 seconds, and only screen captures of the app itself, per Guideline 2.3.4. Make a separate App Store preview from your raw recording with the App Store Preview Maker, and keep the framed, landscape cut for Google Play and YouTube.
Do I need a promo video on Google Play?
It's optional for most apps, but it helps people understand the app before installing. Google notes the video matters more for games, where it's shown in more places. A clear 30-second video is better than none.
Where MobileStudio fits
MobileStudio turns your app's screen recordings into polished landscape or vertical demos with device frames, zooms, and backgrounds, ready for YouTube and your Play listing. It's on Google Play now. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Can I upload a video file to Google Play?
No. Google Play uses a YouTube URL.
What size should a Google Play promo video be?
Landscape 16:9, such as 1920×1080, works best.
Can my Play Store video be unlisted?
Yes. Public or unlisted both work.
Why won't my YouTube video show on Google Play?
Check that ads are off, it isn't age-restricted, and you used the video URL.
How long should a Google Play video be?
Keep it short: 30 seconds to two minutes.
