ASO worth it in 2026? Top charts and featuring

[pinky]

ASO is definitely relevant if you have a big store presence for +5 years.

But for newer apps, less than 2 years old, can you actually make it to the top charts?

App Store Featuring: what are the placements that actually drive installs?

 

[bungabunga]

Hey @pinky ,
ASO is also relevant for new apps, but without marketing measures, it is almost impossible to achieve top rankings.
The only possibility is if you have a small niche in which no competitor is active.

 

[nobsguy]

I think you always have to get your app page ready for all the users that visit your app but in terms of real impact, I think in-app events are the most important ASO variable right now.

Kw optimization is way less effective than 5 years ago. Nowadays, your daily installs and Conversion Rates will determine your organic access and one of these variables really rely on paid campaigns in most of the cases.

 

[MattB]

I think you always have to get your app page ready for all the users that visit your app but in terms of real impact, I think in-app events are the most important ASO variable right now.

Kw optimization is way less effective than 5 years ago. Nowadays, your daily installs and Conversion Rates will determine your organic access and one of these variables really rely on paid campaigns in most of the cases.

Keyword rank great, but there are so many relevant ASO touch points these days
Referral traffic
Organic conversion
Paid conversion
Different ASA placements
Brand search
Conversion rate

I see / talk to so many apps that still, in 2026, still have no concept of good ASO. There is still a lot of head room and customers being left on the table