App Store Icon

I. App Store (Apple)

1. Basic Specifications
   • Size: Must be a 1024×1024 pixel square, with scaled-down versions for different devices (e.g., 180×180 pixels for iPhone home screens, 167×167 pixels for iPad).
   • Format: PNG with RGB color space; no transparency or gradients allowed.

2. Multi-Device Adaptation
   • iPhone/iPad Home Screen: Provide resolutions like 180×180 (3x), 120×120 (2x) for iPhone and 167×167, 152×152 for iPad.
   • Apple Watch: Separate icons ranging from 48×48 to 172×172 pixels.

3. Review & Optimization Tips
   • Brand Consistency: Differentiate primary colors from competitors (e.g., avoid Facebook/Twitter blue).
   • Simplified Design: Ensure core elements remain visible at thumbnail sizes (e.g., Spotify’s soundwave).

II. Google Play (Google)

1. Basic Specifications
   • Size: 512×512 pixel square with no transparency, optimized for different screen densities (e.g., 192×192 pixels for XXXHDPI).
   • Format: 32-bit PNG in sRGB, ≤1024KB.

2. Dynamic Processing Rules
   • Rounded Corners & Shadows: Upload full squares; Google Play adds rounded corners and shadows automatically.
   • Background Fill: Use brand colors to avoid transparency exposing default store backgrounds.

3. Optimization & Compatibility
   • Critical Line Grid: Place core elements (e.g., logos) within the grid for visual consistency across sizes.
   • Legacy Adaptation: Older icons are scaled to 384×384 pixels and white backgrounds.

III. Core Differences Between Platforms

IV. ASO Core Functions

1. First Traffic Filter
   • Icon click-through rate (CTR) directly impacts store traffic efficiency: top icons boost organic downloads by 40%+ (SplitMetrics).
   • Users decide to engage in 0.5 seconds, 6× faster than text (MIT Visual Lab).

2. Brand Recognition Anchor
   • Differentiate via color/graphics (e.g., TikTok’s black-note vs Instagram’s rainbow-camera).
   • Maintain core elements in long-term iterations (e.g., WhatsApp’s chat bubble).

3. Algorithm Signal
   • Apple confirms: High-CTR icons positively impact search rankings.
   • Google Play uses icons to infer app categories (e.g., 3D characters for games, minimal lines for tools).

V. Design Golden Rules

1. Information Density
   • Visibility at 48×48px: Avoid text (e.g., PayPal’s "P" logo, Netflix’s "N" play button).

2. Color Psychology
   • Tools: Blue/green (trust/security).
   • Social: Warm tones (red/orange for engagement).
   • Avoid competitor colors (e.g., Facebook/Twitter blue).

3. Scenic Metaphors
   • Functional apps: Directly illustrate core features (e.g., Uber’s car icon).
   • Content apps: Convey emotion (e.g., Spotify’s soundwave).

VI. Pitfalls to Avoid

• ❌ Overcomplexity: Starbucks’ simplified mermaid logo increased CTR by 28%.
• ❌ Seasonal icons: Causes user confusion and brand keyword drop-offs (e.g., Google’s fixed-color icons).
• ❌ Infringement: Apple prohibits realistic fruit imagery for non-official developers.

VII. Iteration & Testing Methodologies

1. A/B Testing Tools
   • Use StoreMaven/Google Play Experiments to test up to 5 icon variants.
   • Key metrics: 7-day CTR change + reinstall rate after uninstall.

2. Heatmap Analysis
   • Eye-tracking studies show users focus on the top-right 1/3 of icons (prioritize critical elements here).

VIII. Case Studies

• Yellow background + white ghost:
  • ✅ Top 3 recognition in social apps via yellow.
  • ✅ Ghost symbolizes "disappearing messages."
  • ✅ 10-year consistency强化 brand memory.

• Color blocks + magnifying glass:
  • ✅ Multicolor reflects design diversity.
  • ✅ Magnifier highlights "template search."
  • ✅ 2021 redesign boosted organic growth by 19%.

IX. Advanced Strategies

• Games: 3D characters + dynamic effects (e.g., PUBG Mobile updates characters per season).
• Finance: Metallic textures + abstract symbols (e.g., PayPal’s 3D "P").
• Kids: Cartoon avatars + high saturation (e.g., YouTube Kids’ smiley play button).