If you're seeing an app preview rejected message, it's almost always one of eight things: the wrong resolution, a length outside 15 to 30 seconds, a frame rate above 30 fps, an unsupported codec such as HEVC, a missing or mono audio track, a file over 500 MB, or footage that isn't a screen capture of your app. Upload errors come from App Store Connect; content problems come from App Review. The free MobileStudio App Store Preview Maker fixes the technical seven in one export.
The 8 common reasons and fixes
| # | Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wrong dimensions | Resize to the accepted size, such as 886×1920 |
| 2 | Shorter than 15 s | Record a longer demo, or slow down with Speed Up Video |
| 3 | Longer than 30 s | Trim to 30 seconds or less |
| 4 | Above 30 fps | Export at a constant 30 fps |
| 5 | HEVC or other codec | Encode as H.264 |
| 6 | Missing or mono audio | Add a stereo AAC track, silent if needed |
| 7 | Over 500 MB | Encode at Apple's recommended bitrate |
| 8 | Footage isn't the app | Use only screen captures, per Guideline 2.3.4 |
The technical rules come from Apple's app preview specifications.
Why does App Store Connect say my dimensions are wrong?
You uploaded the device's screen resolution, such as 1179×2556, instead of Apple's accepted preview size, which is 886×1920 for current iPhones. It's the single most common upload error. The list of sizes is in app preview video size.
Why is my 30-second preview "too long"?
The file's duration is slightly over 30 seconds. Audio tracks can run a fraction of a second past the video, which pushes the container length to 30.08 seconds or so. Trim a little under 30, or export with the preview maker, which stops just short of 30 seconds for exactly this reason.
Why is my frame rate rejected?
iPhone screen recordings are often 60 fps or variable. Apple allows at most 30 fps. Re-export at a constant 30 fps; the preview maker does this automatically.
Why is my codec rejected?
iPhones record HEVC by default, and App Store previews accept H.264 (or ProRes 422 HQ in .mov). Convert to H.264. More on the formats in HEVC vs H.264.
Why does audio cause problems?
Apple expects stereo audio: AAC at 256 kbps and 44.1 or 48 kHz for H.264 previews. Recordings with the mic off have no audio track, and some have mono audio. The preview maker adds a silent stereo track or converts mono to stereo.
Why did App Review reject my preview?
Usually the content. Apple's Guideline 2.3.4 says previews may only use video screen captures of the app itself, with optional narration and video or text overlays. Reviewers flag:
- Footage of people, hands, or physical devices.
- Screens from other apps or the home screen.
- Features the app doesn't have.
- Content not suitable for the app's age rating.
How do I fix every technical issue at once?
- Open the App Store Preview Maker and drop in the recording.
- Choose the device size. The checklist shows what fails.
- Trim to 15 to 30 seconds on the timeline.
- Click Fix issues and export. The tool re-checks the result.
- Upload it; see how to upload an app preview.
Apple's asset management guide covers where to re-upload.
Where MobileStudio fits
The App Store Preview Maker is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns your app's recordings into polished demo videos for your website and launch. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Why won't App Store Connect accept my video?
Usually the dimensions, length, frame rate, or codec don't match Apple's spec.
Can an app preview show a phone in someone's hand?
No. Previews must be screen captures of the app.
Is a silent app preview allowed?
Yes, but include a stereo audio track, even if it's silent.
How do I fix a 60 fps preview?
Re-export at a constant 30 fps.
Why is my preview stuck processing?
Processing can take up to 24 hours. That's not a rejection.
