Sonar//Blog

App Store Optimization Insights

Data-driven research, practical guides, and strategies for ranking higher on the App Store and Google Play.

[ 122 articles ]·Page 5 of 7//
Apple Search Ads Bidding: CPT, CPA & How to Set Bids
·12 min

Apple Search Ads Bidding: CPT, CPA & How to Set Bids

Learn how Apple Search Ads bidding works — CPT vs CPA goals, how to set competitive bids, and how keyword data prevents overspending on every tap.

apple search adsbidding
App Store character limits: subtitle, keywords
·17 min

App Store character limits: subtitle, keywords

The App Store subtitle limit is 30 characters, title 30, keywords 100, description 4,000. Every iOS and Google Play character limit in one table.

asoapp store optimization
Free ASO Keyword Tools: What They Do & Trust
·13 min

Free ASO Keyword Tools: What They Do & Trust

Not every free ASO keyword tool gives you reliable data. Learn what each tool actually measures, where the numbers break down, and which ones to trust.

aso keyword toolsfree aso tools
ASO Agency, Tool, or DIY? A Cost-Benefit Guide
·16 min

ASO Agency, Tool, or DIY? A Cost-Benefit Guide

Choosing between app store optimization services? This honest framework compares agencies, tools, and DIY ASO — with costs, time, and decision criteria.

asoapp store optimization services
How to name an app: rules, availability, ranking data
·13 min

How to name an app: rules, availability, ranking data

How to name an app you can rank with and own: 63% of top-10 App Store names contain the searched phrase. Plus store, trademark and domain checks.

how to name an appapp title generator
App Store screenshot sizes (iPhone, iPad, Play)
·14 min

App Store screenshot sizes (iPhone, iPad, Play)

Exact App Store screenshot sizes in pixels for every iPhone and iPad display class, plus Google Play specs, formats and upload limits — in one place.

app store screenshotsaso
Play Integrity API verdicts: when to enforce
·11 min

Play Integrity API verdicts: when to enforce

Play Integrity API verdicts explained — basic, device and strong integrity — and when your Android app should enforce the check or skip it.

play integrity apiandroid security
Play Store categories and tags: the full list
·23 min

Play Store categories and tags: the full list

Every Google Play category for apps and games, plus how Play Store tags work — pick the right category and 5 tags for your Android app.

google play asoplay store tags
How Play Store ranking works: factors iOS lacks
·22 min

How Play Store ranking works: factors iOS lacks

How Google Play ranks apps: query match first, then installs, ratings, vitals and backlinks. Plus the seven ranking factors iOS doesn't have.

play store rankingandroid aso
Google Play Pre-Registration: Still Worth It?
·12 min

Google Play Pre-Registration: Still Worth It?

Google Play pre-registration can seed day-one installs that boost early ASO rankings. Here is when it works, when to skip it, and how to maximize impact.

google playpre-registration
Play Console Search Analytics: Read the Data
·11 min

Play Console Search Analytics: Read the Data

Play Console search analytics can mislead you if you read them wrong. Learn what each metric actually measures, where the gaps are, and how to act on the data.

play consolesearch analytics
App Store A/B Testing: PPO and Play Experiments
·20 min

App Store A/B Testing: PPO and Play Experiments

A/B test your store listing with Apple's product page optimization and Google Play experiments: what each can test, the limits, and how to read results.

app store a/b testingproduct page optimization
Android App Bundle vs APK: key AAB differences
·16 min

Android App Bundle vs APK: key AAB differences

AAB vs APK: how an Android App Bundle differs from an APK in size, signing and sideloading — and why Google Play has required AAB since 2021.

android app bundleapk
Google Play Long Description: Keyword Structure
·14 min

Google Play Long Description: Keyword Structure

Learn how to structure your Google Play ASO long description for optimal keyword density — with character limits, placement rules, and real ranking data.

google play asolong description
iOS Universal App: iPad Differentiation Guide
·13 min

iOS Universal App: iPad Differentiation Guide

Learn how to architect an iOS universal app for iPad differentiation. Covers adaptive layouts, split views, ASO metadata, and iPad-specific keyword strategy.

ios universal appipad development
TestFlight Beta Testing for ASO Metadata
·12 min

TestFlight Beta Testing for ASO Metadata

Learn how to use TestFlight beta testing to validate App Store metadata before launch. A step-by-step strategy for titles, subtitles, keywords, and screenshots.

testflightbeta testing
iOS Widget Extensions: Discovery and ASO Impact
·12 min

iOS Widget Extensions: Discovery and ASO Impact

iOS widget extensions create a persistent presence on home screens. Learn how widgets affect App Store discovery, retention signals, and ASO strategy.

ios widget extensionsaso
StoreKit 2 Migration Checklist for iOS Devs
·13 min

StoreKit 2 Migration Checklist for iOS Devs

A step-by-step StoreKit 2 migration checklist covering async/await APIs, server-side changes, receipt removal, testing, and ASO impact for iOS developers.

storekit 2ios development