app-store-featuring-nomination

name	app-store-featuring-nomination
description	Use when submitting an App Store featuring nomination in App Store Connect (Featuring -> Nominations) for an update, launch, or in-app event, including how to write each field, when to time it, and what realistic expectations to hold.

App Store Featuring Nomination

A nomination is a clean, specific pitch to Apple editors. It is free, it never hurts the app, and it is mostly a long shot. Treat it as a habit, not a lottery ticket.

Pick The Type First

• App Enhancements: a significant update to a live app. This is the common case.
• App Launch: only a brand-new app or a pre-order. Do not use it for updates.
• New Content: in-app events, offers, or seasonal moments.

Fill The Fields

1. Nomination Name: short. <App> <version>: <hook>.
2. Description: editorial-only, about a 1000 character limit. Write it in this order:
   • lead with the unique value in one line
   • name the Apple tech you adopted (SwiftUI, WidgetKit home and lock widgets, App Intents)
   • design point
   • the daily-use or habit angle
   • one short solo or story line
   • proof: rankings, rating
   • privacy posture
3. Helpful Details: about a 500 character limit. The differentiation and the human story. Why this stands out.
4. Supplemental Materials: paste a real landing-page URL. Rich visual context helps editors get it fast.

Tight and specific. No fluff. No em-dashes.

Dates, Platforms, Reach

• Publish Date is when your update goes live, not the feature date. Apple chooses if and when to feature.
• Keep platforms and relevant countries broad for reach. Lead with your strongest market as the proof point.
• Localize where it applies.
• An in-app event is optional. A "Major Update" in-app event can strengthen a nomination, but it is not required.

Timing

• nominate at least about 3 weeks before the window you want
• aim the publish and feature window for a Thursday or Friday so it rides into the weekend, when browse and downloads peak Saturday and Sunday
• tie it to a real moment when you can
• for a year, habit, or mood app the best window by far is late December into early January, the "new year, new habits" moment
• back-to-school and awareness months are secondary windows

Reality Check

Featuring is discretionary. Most nominations are not featured.

• Apple almost never replies. No acknowledgment, no decision email, no rejection.
• silence does not mean no
• you find out from a spike in App Analytics, an "App Store Browse" or featuring acquisition source, or an App Store Connect notification, not from a reply
• re-nominate for each meaningful update and each seasonal moment

Submit a clean one, then move on and keep building.