App category

What is the application category

App category is a classification of mobile applications based on their functions, uses, audiences, etc. In various app stores, numerous apps are categorized into different categories so that users can find and discover the apps they need more efficiently. Common app categories include game, social, tool, education, news information, life service, etc.

Use Cases

App Store Showcase

The app store organizes and displays apps based on their categories. For example, the Apple App Store has different recommended areas on its homepage, such as "Today's Games" and "Popular Social Apps." Users can quickly locate relevant apps based on their interests. In the search function, users can also narrow down the search scope by specifying a category to find the target app more accurately.

👉 Click to see how Apple App Store chooses categories

Developer releases app

When submitting an app to the App Store, developers need to choose the right category for their app. This not only helps the app be displayed in the correct category, but also allows developers to promote and optimize their app more effectively based on that category. For example, a fitness app choosing the "Health & Fitness" category will be easier for users interested in fitness to find.

Advertising placement

In the mobile Internet advertising industry, application categories are an important basis for advertising placement. Advertisers can choose specific categories of applications for advertising placement based on the interests and behaviors of their target audience. For example, cosmetics advertisements targeting young female users can be placed in beauty and fashion category applications to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the advertisement.

Relationship with ASO (App Store Optimization)

Affecting search rankings

Choosing the right app category is important for your app's search ranking. The app store's search algorithm takes into account how relevant an app is to its category. If your app is correctly categorized, it has a better chance of ranking higher in search results within that category.

Optimize app exposure

The competition level varies among different categories. Developers can analyze the competition situation of each category and choose a relatively less competitive but still matching category with the target audience of the application, so as to increase the exposure opportunity of the application. For example, some emerging sub-category fields have relatively small competition, and developers' applications are easier to stand out in these categories.

Improve user conversion rate

Accurate app categories can help users better understand the functions and uses of apps, thereby increasing the conversion rate of user downloads and usage. When users browse apps under a certain category, they have certain expectations for the apps in that category. If the actual functions of the app match its category, users are more likely to download and use the app.

Key points for choosing an app category

When choosing an app category, developers need to consider many factors.

Make sure the category you choose matches your app's core functionality and target audience, so that your app is shown to the right group of users.
Pay attention to the intersection between categories. Some applications may have multiple functions and belong to multiple categories. Developers can choose multiple related categories for submission to expand the exposure of the application.
Developers also need to pay attention to the category updates and adjustments of the app store, and adjust the category of the app in time to adapt to the changes in the market.

In short, app categories play a crucial role in the mobile internet advertising industry and ASO. Whether it is developers or advertisers, they need to fully understand and utilize the characteristics of app categories to improve the promotion effect and user experience of apps.