To make an App Store preview video, plan a 15 to 30 second story of your app's best features, screen record the app on a device or in Simulator, then convert the recording to Apple's exact spec: the accepted resolution (886×1920 for current iPhones), 30 fps or less, H.264, and stereo audio. The free MobileStudio App Store Preview Maker does the conversion and checks every rule before you download.
The short answer
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Plan | Pick 3 to 4 features, in order of importance |
| 2. Record | Screen record on a real device or in Simulator |
| 3. Trim | Keep 15 to 30 seconds |
| 4. Convert | Resize, 30 fps, H.264, stereo AAC |
| 5. Upload | App Store Connect, under Previews and Screenshots |
How do I plan an app preview?
Most people watch the first few seconds, often with sound off, since previews autoplay muted on the product page. So:
- Show the core feature first, in the first 3 to 5 seconds.
- Show 3 or 4 moments, not 10. Each needs a few seconds to land.
- Use real-looking content, not empty screens or lorem ipsum.
- Add short text overlays to explain what's happening. Apple's Guideline 2.3.4 allows narration and text overlays, but the footage itself must be screen captures of the app.
How do I record the app?
- On iPhone or iPad: use Screen Recording in Control Center. Turn on Do Not Disturb first, and set a clean status bar time if you can. See how to screen record on iPhone.
- In Simulator: use the record option, or
xcrun simctl io booted recordVideo preview.mov. Simulator gives perfectly clean status bars. See how to record an app preview with Simulator.
Record a little more than you need, then trim. Move slowly and deliberately; fast taps are hard to follow.
How do I convert the recording to Apple's spec?
- Open the App Store Preview Maker.
- Drop in the recording. It suggests the device size and lists each rule with a pass or fail.
- Choose the device size, for example iPhone 6.9″ to 6.1″ (886×1920).
- Drag the timeline handles to the best 15 to 30 seconds.
- Click Fix issues and export.
The tool resizes to the exact resolution, exports a constant 30 fps in H.264, converts audio to stereo AAC (adding silence if there's none), and then re-checks the finished file against the same rules.
How do I add text or music to a preview?
Add overlays before converting, in iMovie, Clipchamp, or our Add Text to Video tool. Use licensed music only, and remember many viewers will see the preview muted, so text matters more than audio.
How do I upload the preview?
In App Store Connect, open your app's version page, scroll to Previews and Screenshots, pick the device size, and drag the file in. Apple's asset guide covers the details, and our guide to uploading an app preview walks through it. Processing can take up to 24 hours, per Apple's preview specs.
What makes a preview convert better?
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Lead with the main benefit | Start with a logo or splash screen |
| Keep each moment 3 to 6 seconds | Rush through every screen |
| Add one short caption per moment | Fill the screen with text |
| Pick a strong poster frame | Leave the default if it's a loading screen |
More in App Store preview video best practices.
Where MobileStudio fits
The App Store Preview Maker is one of our free tools. For your website, launch posts, and social media, MobileStudio turns the same recordings into polished demos with device frames, zooms, and backgrounds. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Can I make an App Store preview for free?
Yes. Record with your phone or Simulator and convert with the free tool.
How long should an app preview be?
15 to 30 seconds. Most good previews land around 20 to 25.
Can I use footage of people using the app?
No. Previews must be screen captures of the app itself.
Do I need a preview for iPad too?
Only if your app runs on iPad and you want one there.
What's the best size to make?
886×1920 portrait for iPhone apps.
