Research library
App Store screenshot headline formulas
Based on 1031 top-chart iOS apps analyzed in August 2026.
Strip the design away and nearly every headline on the App Store top charts follows one of six patterns. Each formula below links to a page with adoption data, guidance on when it works, and real examples from live sets where the corpus has them.
- Benefit statement40% of headlines
A headline that states the outcome the user gets, phrased from the user’s point of view.
Examples: "Never worry about money again", "Smart workouts built just for you"
- Imperative31% of headlines
A headline that opens with a verb and tells the user what to do.
Examples: "Track every subscription", "Make a plan for your spending"
- Feature name20% of headlines
A headline that simply names the feature or screen, sometimes just one or two words.
Examples: "Workouts", "History & Trends", "Automatic Step Counter"
- Stat claim4% of headlines
A headline built around a specific number: catalog size, rank, user count, or measurable result.
Examples: "Discover 500,000+ trails", "The #1 nutrition tracking app"
- Social proof3% of headlines
A headline that borrows credibility: user counts, ratings, awards, press, or expert endorsement.
Examples: "Join over 6 million members", "Apple Watch App of the Year"
- Question1% of headlines
A headline that asks the shopper a question the app answers.
Examples: "Where does your money go?", "Ready to learn a new language?"
Related guides
- Screenshot ideas by category: which formulas dominate your category.
- Layout glossary: the layouts these headlines sit on.
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