More ads are coming to App Store search results starting in March, Apple shared on an advertising help page. The company first said that it would increase the number of App Store ads last month, and this new rollout of search ads will begin on Tuesday, March 3, according to a developer email viewed by MacRumors.

"Search is the way most people find and download apps on the App Store, with nearly 65 percent of downloads happening directly after a search," Apple says. "To help give advertisers more opportunities to drive downloads from search results, Apple Ads will introduce additional ads across search queries." Up until this point, ads for related apps have appeared at the top of search results, but now they'll also appear "further down in search results," according to Apple.

App Store activity makes up a significant portion of what Apple calls its "services" business. The company makes money on every App Store transaction, whether it's an app download or an in-app purchase, and increasingly, by selling ad space to companies looking to reach users. App Store ads are hardly new, but the number of ads has steadily increased over the years. Apple added ads to the Today tab in 2022 — a space that's already home to editorial curation that doubles as marketing — and in 2025, Bloomberg reported the company planned to bring ads to Apple Maps.

Apple's decision to rebrand its advertising business from Apple Search Ads to Apple Ads in April 2025 was maybe the best indication that the company was interested in expanding the number of places it would help partners try and reach customers. And it makes sense: the company's billions of devices, each pre-installed with default apps, are some of the most valuable real estate it owns.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-will-begin-showing-more-app-store-ads-starting-in-march-192031226.html?src=rss

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It was only 16 months ago that Substack expanded into live video. Since then, it's become a widely adopted medium on the platform, including by its ever-growing list of cable news expats. Now, the company has decided it's ready for a bigger screen. Starting today, you can install a new Substack TV app on Apple TV and Google TV devices.

Substack describes the app's initial launch as focusing on "reliable, high-quality viewing" for the platform's long-form videos. It centers around video posts and livestreams from the creators and publications you follow. There's also a "For You" section that combines those videos with algorithmic recommendations. And you can browse dedicated pages for each channel.

Viewing access aligns with your subscription level. So, if a channel restricts videos to paying subscribers on Substack’s mobile app and website, the same paywall applies here. However, the company says it's working on adding previews of paid content for free subscribers. It also plans to add audio posts, search, improved discovery and separate sections for different shows within a single publication.

At least one of those legacy media expats who moved to Substack is optimistic about the feature. "This is a game-changing moment for the rise of independent media," former CNN anchor Jim Acosta wrote in the announcement post. "Substack has proven that legacy media consumers are not only searching for fresh alternatives; they are finding them."

Based on the comments in Substack’s announcement, some of the platform’s die-hards are less enthusiastic than Acosta. “File this under – thing we didn’t ask for,” Ashli Pollard wrote. “This is not YouTube,” a commenter named Dustin added. “Elevate the written word.” I personally don’t see any harm in another way to watch the videos Substack already hosts. (Its newsletters aren’t going anywhere.) But given how Big Tech companies tend to pivot further toward the most en vogue (and profitable) medium of the day, I can see why purists feel the need to dig in their heels.

Regardless, you can find the Substack TV app by searching for its name in the tvOS App Store or the Apps section on Google and Android TV devices. You can sign in by scanning a QR code with your phone.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/substack-now-has-a-tv-app-195408592.html?src=rss

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Snapchat is updating its parental control features to give parents more detailed information about who their kids are connecting with in the app and which features they use the most. The app's Family Center already gives parents visibility into their child's friend list, but it will now surface contextual details when a new friend is added.

For example, the feature could highlight that the two share mutual friends or have each other's contact info saved in their phones. It could also indicate that they are classmates if both users have joined the same in-app “community.” If the two have no commonalities, then that could be a sign for a parent to "start a productive conversation," Snap says. 

The company has long been criticized for making it too easy for teenagers to talk to strangers. The issue has come up in safety-related lawsuits, including an ongoing case brought by New Mexico's Attorney General. Snap says that adding additional "trust signals" to its parental control features "make it easier for parents to understand new connections and have greater confidence that their teen is chatting with someone they know in real life."

The update is also adding more granular stats about how exactly teens are spending their time in the app. Family Center's screen time dashboard now includes a breakdown of how much of their time spent in the app is in its messaging, camera, map or shortform video features. It will still be up to parents to decide what, if any, limits they want to put on their teens. But at a time when there's increasing conversation around banning teens from social media entirely, having access to more stats could better help parents understand their kids' relationship with Snapchat.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/snapchat-gives-parents-more-info-on-who-their-kids-are-talking-to-120000077.html?src=rss

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Setapp Mobile will shut down in February, citing Apple’s complex EU terms as developers weigh new fees, link-out rules, and uncertain alternative stores.

The post One of the EU’s Largest Alternative App Stores Is Shutting Down appeared first on TechRepublic.

Setapp Mobile will shut down in February, citing Apple’s complex EU terms as developers weigh new fees, link-out rules, and uncertain alternative stores.

The post One of the EU’s Largest Alternative App Stores Is Shutting Down appeared first on TechRepublic.

Consumers spent more money in mobile apps than games in 2025, driven by AI app adoption.

Global app downloads were down, but consumer spending was up to nearly $156B in 2025.

Launching a new mobile app is exciting, but getting the world to notice it is often the real challenge. With millions of apps competing for attention in crowded marketplaces, even the most innovative idea can struggle without the right publicity. This is where a mobile app press release strategy becomes essential.

A well-crafted mobile app press release is more than just an announcement. It is a powerful, results-driven tool that can secure media coverage, build credibility, and spark user interest. Whether you are a startup founder preparing for your first launch, a marketing professional at an app development company, or part of an enterprise rolling out a new product, having a proven step-by-step approach to app publicity can make the difference between being overlooked and being featured in leading outlets.

In this blog, we will explore how to write, distribute, and amplify a press release for mobile apps that gets noticed. You will also learn key steps for a mobile app launch that ensure your announcement is timed, crafted, and delivered for maximum impact. From creating attention-grabbing headlines to targeting the right journalists, you will discover essential strategies and foolproof tips that top AI development companies use to make their apps stand out in the media.

Understand When and Why to Use a Press Release for Your Mobile App

Not every update or feature of mobile app deserves a press release. To gain meaningful media coverage, you need to identify moments that are truly newsworthy. A mobile app PR strategy works best when your announcement offers clear value, tells a story, or signals growth that captures attention.

Some of the most effective reasons to issue a mobile app launch press release include:

• Announcing a brand-new app launch
• Introducing game-changing features or major updates
• Reaching significant milestones such as download numbers, partnerships, or funding rounds
• Expanding into new markets or geographies
• Winning awards or recognition in your industry

The timing of your announcement is equally important. An app publicity strategy that aligns with your development cycle, product readiness, and market trends will feel more relevant to journalists and audiences. Planning your release around industry events, seasonal opportunities, or consumer demand spikes can create even greater impact.

Before you send anything out, clarify your goals. Are you aiming to drive downloads, boost brand awareness, attract investors, or position your team as industry leaders? Understanding your objectives will help you craft a press release for mobile apps that delivers measurable results.

Pre-Launch Preparation | Laying the Groundwork Before Your App Press Release

A successful mobile app press release strategy starts well before the actual announcement. Careful preparation ensures that when your story reaches journalists and potential users, it looks professional, credible, and worth covering.

Define your core messaging

Your app must have a clear value proposition that sets it apart. Focus on the problem it solves, the unique features it introduces, and the audience it serves. A sharp, results-driven message makes it easier for media outlets to understand why your app matters.

Build a strong media kit

Journalists often decide whether to cover a story based on the quality of supporting materials. Assemble a media kit that includes:

• High-resolution app screenshots and logos
• A short demo video or animated walkthrough
• Background information about your company and founders
• Quotes from key stakeholders
• A fact sheet with technical specifications, milestones, or user statistics

Craft your story angle

Every press release needs a narrative that resonates. Instead of simply announcing a launch, position your app as a breakthrough solution or highlight how it reflects broader industry trends. App development companies and AI development companies often secure better coverage by tying their launches to larger conversations in technology and user experience.

Preparation is the stage where you establish the foundation of credibility. The stronger your assets and story are before launch, the more likely your app will attract powerful media attention once the press release goes live.

How to Write a Press Release for Mobile Apps That Gets Noticed?

A successful press release for mobile apps is not just about sharing information. It is about presenting your app as a story that is powerful, newsworthy, and easy for journalists to pick up. The structure, tone, and flow of your announcement directly influence whether it gets published or ignored.

Craft a results-driven headline

Your headline is the first impression and the most critical part of your mobile app press release strategy. It should be clear, concise, and instantly communicate the value of your app. For example:

• Weak: “XYZ Company announces new mobile app launch”
• Strong: “Leading fintech startup unveils AI-powered app that helps users save 30 percent more each month”

A strong headline uses power words like leading, proven, or breakthrough to grab attention and instantly show why your story matters.

Write an engaging opening paragraph

The opening paragraph should cover the essentials: who is launching the app, what the app does, when it is available, where it can be accessed, and why it is unique. Journalists and readers often decide within a few seconds whether to continue, so your lead needs to deliver maximum impact in minimum words.

Example: “Award-winning company XYZ today announced the launch of ABC, a game-changing mobile app designed to simplify personal finance management. Available now on iOS and Android, ABC combines AI-driven insights with a user-friendly design to help individuals save smarter and manage budgets with proven efficiency.”

Build compelling body content

The body of your app launch press release provides depth and detail. This is where you expand on features, highlight user benefits, and share supporting statistics. Include:

• A clear description of core features and unique selling points
• Quotes from founders or key executives to humanize the message
• Data points such as beta testing results, number of pre-registrations, or industry insights
• Visual elements like screenshots or video links (often hosted in a media kit)

For enterprises and AI development companies, emphasize how your app connects to industry trends or solves problems at scale. For startups, highlight the innovation, agility, and the problem-solving story behind your app.

Conclude with boilerplate and contact details

Every press release for a mobile application should end with a boilerplate that describes your company in a short, consistent format. This builds credibility and helps journalists quickly understand your background. Always include updated media contact details so that press representatives can easily follow up.

Style and tone that work

Keep your press release professional, clear, and trusted. Avoid hype and exaggeration, but use power words like essential, effective, and results-driven to give energy to your content. Write in third person and keep sentences crisp. Journalists appreciate accuracy and clarity over marketing jargon.

A high-impact mobile app PR strategy not only informs but also inspires action. When crafted strategically, it positions your app as a leading innovation and strengthens your visibility in a competitive market.

Smart Distribution and Outreach for Mobile App Launch Press Releases

Even the most compelling press release for mobile apps will fall flat without a strong distribution plan. Getting your announcement in front of the right journalists, influencers, and media outlets is what turns your Mobile app launch press release into real coverage.

Build a targeted media list

The foundation of any successful mobile app PR strategy is relevance. Instead of blasting your press release to hundreds of random contacts, focus on building a curated list of journalists and outlets that cover technology, startups, and your specific app category. For example, if your app is in fintech, target business and finance reporters. If it is in health and wellness, look at lifestyle and medical publications.

For startup, this targeted approach ensures your story lands in front of people who actually influence your audience. AI development companies can also gain credibility by appearing in innovation-focused outlets and tech industry publications.

Choose the right mobile app distribution channels

There are two main approaches to distributing a mobile app press release:

1. Direct outreach – Sending personalized emails to journalists, bloggers, and influencers. This is more work but often delivers stronger, trusted relationships and higher chances of coverage.
2. Newswire services – Platforms like PR Newswire, Business Wire, or PRWeb can distribute your release widely. While this increases visibility, results can be less targeted unless combined with direct outreach.

A proven, results-driven strategy is to use both. Start with direct outreach to your priority journalists, then follow up with a broader distribution through a press release service.

Personalize your PR pitch

Journalists are more likely to cover your mobile app if you show that you understand their work. When emailing your press release, personalize the subject line and opening sentence. Mention a recent article they wrote or explain why your app is relevant to their readers. This level of personalization demonstrates professionalism and increases trust.

Example subject line: “New AI-powered mobile app helping Gen Z save money – story idea for your fintech coverage.”

Timing matters

The timing of your app publicity strategy can impact whether your story is noticed. Avoid sending press releases late on Fridays or during major global events when newsrooms are overloaded. Mid-week mornings often work best. If your app ties into seasonal demand, holidays, or industry events, schedule your release to coincide with those moments for maximum relevance.

Expand through multiple touchpoints

Beyond traditional media, amplify your distribution by leveraging social media platforms, app store announcements, and your own company channels. Encourage partners, early adopters, and influencers to share the news. This multi-channel approach helps your press release gain traction faster and increases your chances of catching the eye of journalists who monitor social trends.

A strong distribution and outreach strategy transforms your mobile app launch press release from a static document into a dynamic, high-impact publicity tool. By targeting the right media, using trusted distribution channels, and personalizing your approach, you significantly improve your chances of securing valuable coverage.

Amplifying Media Coverage Beyond the Press Release

Securing a media mention is a major achievement, but the real value of your mobile app press release strategy comes when you amplify that coverage. By extending its reach across multiple channels, you transform one article or feature into long-lasting visibility and stronger brand credibility.

Share coverage across your owned channels

Once your app launch press release earns media attention, showcase it on your official platforms. Post the coverage on your company blog, highlight it in your newsletter, and share it on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Use engaging captions with power words such as proven, essential, and results-driven to draw attention and build excitement.

Repurpose coverage for marketing materials

Turn journalist quotes or positive mentions into marketing assets. For example:

• Add “As featured in [Publication Name]” badges on your website and app store listing
• Use excerpts from articles in pitch decks for investors or partners
• Include quotes in future press releases to strengthen credibility

This approach positions businesses as trusted, industry-leading innovators.

Engage your community

Encourage early users, beta testers, or loyal customers to share articles and press coverage with their networks. Their authentic voices amplify your credibility and expand your reach beyond your own channels. Running contests or offering small incentives for sharing coverage can also generate powerful organic buzz.

Strengthen journalist relationships

Do not treat media coverage as a one-time event. Follow up with journalists to thank them for their story, share additional updates, or provide exclusives for future releases. Building trusted, long-term relationships with media professionals ensures they will remember you when covering industry trends or app innovation stories.

Leverage partnerships and influencers

Collaborating with partners, industry associations, or niche influencers can help you amplify media mentions even further. Influencers with strong connections to your target audience can share the coverage with a personal endorsement, creating a multiplier effect that drives downloads and user engagement.

Amplification is about momentum. A single press release for mobile apps can spark interest, but strategic amplification ensures that interest grows into sustained awareness, downloads, and recognition. By reusing and promoting coverage across every possible touchpoint, you create a powerful feedback loop that strengthens your app’s reputation in a competitive market.

Measuring the Impact of Your Mobile App PR Strategy

A mobile app press release strategy is only as strong as the outcomes it delivers. Measuring the impact of your press release helps you understand what worked, what fell short, and how to improve your future announcements. For startups, SMBs and enterprises alike, tracking results ensures that your PR efforts remain results-driven and effective.

Define clear KPIs before distribution

Before sending out your app launch press release, establish measurable goals. Common key performance indicators include:

• Number of media mentions and quality of outlets
• Referral traffic from media coverage to your website or app store page
• Number of downloads or sign-ups directly following the press release
• Social media shares, comments, and overall sentiment
• Backlinks from articles, which can improve search visibility

These KPIs help you determine whether your press release for mobile apps is delivering both visibility and tangible business results.

Track media performance

Use media monitoring tools to track how often your press release is picked up and which publications are giving you attention. Tools like Google Alerts, Mention, or specialized PR software can give you real-time updates whenever your app is mentioned. For AI development companies and tech innovators, coverage in trusted, industry-leading outlets can often be more valuable than broad exposure in generic publications.

Monitor user and traffic behavior

Analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Firebase, or Mixpanel allow you to see how media coverage drives user behavior. Look for spikes in website visits, app store impressions, and downloads immediately after your announcement. Measuring engagement inside the app—like registrations, feature usage, or session length—provides deeper insight into whether your publicity is attracting the right audience.

Evaluate social amplification

Track how widely your coverage is shared across platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and niche forums. Social engagement often reveals how compelling your story is to users and industry professionals. Encourage your community and partners to amplify coverage, then measure the reach of those secondary shares.

Learn and optimize for future releases

The most effective mobile app PR strategy is iterative. Review the data to see which headlines, pitches, and distribution channels generated the strongest results. For your next app publicity strategy, refine your messaging, target new outlets, or adjust timing based on what the data reveals.

Measuring results transforms a press release from a one-off announcement into a proven, strategic learning tool. By tracking impact and making continuous improvements, businesses can ensure that every future announcement delivers stronger, high-impact results.

Common Mistakes That Undermine Mobile App Media Coverage

Even with a strong mobile app press release strategy, certain missteps can block your chances of being noticed by the media. Avoiding these pitfalls ensures that your press release for mobile apps delivers the high-impact results you want.

Exaggerated claims without proof

Journalists lose interest when they see hype without evidence. Replace broad phrases like “the best app ever” with proven facts such as download milestones, partnerships, or user adoption rates.

Poorly timed announcements

Announcing your mobile app during busy news cycles or without aligning with product readiness can minimize coverage. Effective timing is essential to ensure your app launch press release receives proper visibility.

Targeting irrelevant journalists

Generic outreach to reporters who do not cover your industry wastes opportunities. A successful app publicity strategy focuses on journalists who write about your niche, whether it is fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, or AI development companies.

Press releases without visuals

Text-heavy press releases for mobile app launch rarely stand out. Always include screenshots, videos, and logos in your media kit. Visuals help journalists craft richer stories and make your announcement look professional.

Writing in an overly promotional style

A press release is not an advertisement. Journalists want clear, trusted, and newsworthy content. Keep the tone informative and results-driven while avoiding sales-heavy or jargon-filled language.

Neglecting amplification and follow-up

Press releases strategy of mobile apps work best when amplified. Sharing coverage on social media, in newsletters, and through direct journalist engagement ensures your message continues to gain traction after the initial announcement.

Advanced Press Release Tactics for Stronger Media Coverage

Once you master the basics of a mobile app press release strategy, you can explore advanced tactics that help your story stand out even more. These methods are especially useful for startups competing in crowded markets that want to position themselves as industry leaders.

Teasers and pre-launch announcements

Instead of waiting until your app goes live, build anticipation with a teaser release. Highlight exclusive early access, beta tester feedback, or upcoming features to generate buzz and secure early media interest.

Offering exclusives and embargoes

Journalists appreciate exclusivity. Offering an exclusive story to a leading publication or giving reporters early access under embargo can result in deeper, higher-quality coverage. This approach positions your app as a trusted innovation worth their attention.

Using multimedia for impact

Go beyond screenshots. Create demo videos, explainer animations, or interactive landing pages that bring your app to life. A multimedia-rich press release for mobile apps provides journalists with powerful assets that enhance storytelling.

Localizing your press release

If you are targeting multiple regions, adapt your content for local languages, cultural references, and media outlets. Localized press releases demonstrate relevance to regional markets and increase the likelihood of coverage.

Post-launch updates and milestone releases

Do not limit your mobile app PR strategy to the initial launch. Share updates when you hit download milestones, secure funding, or release game-changing features. Consistent communication keeps your app in the media spotlight and reinforces credibility.

These advanced PR tactics transform your app publicity strategy from standard to strategic. By combining exclusivity, multimedia, localization, and continuous updates, you can build lasting relationships with journalists and secure ongoing media coverage that strengthens your market presence.

Conclusion: Building a Proven Mobile App Press Release Strategy for Lasting Media Coverage

A mobile app press release strategy gives business owners the chance to showcase their work to the world in a structured, trusted, and results-driven way.

From defining the right timing and building a strong media kit to writing a high-impact app launch press release and amplifying coverage, every step matters. Avoiding common mistakes and applying advanced tactics such as exclusives, localization, and milestone updates ensures your app continues to gain powerful media attention long after the initial launch.

Media coverage is not just about short-term downloads. It builds long-term credibility, strengthens brand reputation, and positions your mobile app as a leading solution in its category. With a proven, step-by-step app publicity strategy, you create the foundation for sustained growth and recognition in the marketplace.

The post Mobile App Press Release Strategy: How to Get Media Coverage appeared first on TopDevelopers.co.