ASO for Google Play: how it differs from the App Store 

Google Play plays by different rules than Apple. We break down the key differences so you don't optimize both stores the same way.

A mistake is optimizing the App Store and Google Play the same way. The stores are similar but the algorithms differ, and what works in Apple may not work in Google. Here are the main differences.

The description actually affects search

The biggest difference: in Google Play the full description is read by the algorithm, and keywords in it affect ranking. In the App Store the description doesn't affect search at all. So for Google the description is written with natural keyword inclusion, not «for looks».

No separate keyword field

Google Play has no hidden keyword field like Apple. Instead, keywords must live in the title, short description and full description. So the text here works like a mini-SEO article for the store.

Faster reaction and experiments

Google Play usually reacts to changes faster and allows A/B tests of the page right in the console — you can test icons, screenshots and descriptions on real users. In Apple, testing options are more limited.

Takeaway

Building an app for both platforms is good, but the pages must be optimized separately, to each store's rules. At RADOBO we help prepare both so the app rises in the App Store and in Google Play, instead of living by one template.