Static screenshots for Google Playstore

Description

Hey everyone,

While visiting the Google Play Store page for the VLC app, I noticed that the app has in-app static screenshots. Lot of new users don’t know what app does just by looking at static screenshots. Screenshots without context make it hard for new users to grasp an app's core features and benefits.

First impressions are crucial; visitors need to quickly understand the app's value and uniqueness. Images attract people more than written words. In fact, in some cases, screenshots are enough to convince users to download and use the app. Sadly, there will be people who would not read app description. Instead, they make instant decisions based on your screenshots.

Good Google Play screenshots can also enhance visual appeal, professionalism, and build trust while keeping brand identity.

Target Audience :

Playstore explorers, problem-solvers (people looking for a good media player), non-tech savvy users, general visitors

Current Behavior

Static screenshots that don't show the benefit of using app or doesn't explain what's happening on screen.

Expected Behavior

Well designed screenshots. For example, Tor Browser app screenshots shown below :

Firefox app :

Steps to reproduce

1. Go to Google Playstore
2. Open VLC app page
3. See screenshots

To address this, as a designer, I created screenshot mockups that highlight the app’s key features, capabilities, look & feel, and overall UX. I believe these visuals could give potential users a clearer picture of VLC’s value.

Here is the re-design of current screenshots I made (Mobile, tab 1, tab 2) : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1av0ceLARZgdT0m50h8sIgoPjdCQ2W9r2?usp=drive_link

Snapshot of what i made :

I would love your thoughts and suggestions...text can be replaced. Design is an iterative process. I've designed them using figma.

https://www.figma.com/design/rrVQOwqIFEPITUysw1Ebht/VLC-Screenshots?node-id=0-1&t=XT5BhUuH4mFs3bSN-1

thanks!

It would be nice to add screenshots for Android Auto and the new web interface.

That's in fact something I've been wanting to do for a long time.

When I first set everything up everything to generate localized screenshot for the store, there was no automated way to do that we the tool we use (fastlane).

This is now possible: https://docs.fastlane.tools/actions/frameit/#frameit

I'll take some time to try it when I'll regenerate the screenshots for the next release (3.6.0).

@rhstone I'l also add screenshots for Auto and the remote access

Are you able to construct a strings file with the screenshot captions for the translation service? It's great that frameit will produce 700+ images (~10 screenshots x 70 languages).

That's one of the things I have to look into. I also want to update the emulators I use for the screenshot to a newer Android version. And I also have to find a way to automate the remote access and Auto capture.

Hey, @rhstone @Aza Hope you are having nice day.

Could you share screenshots for Android Auto & New web interface? Alternatively, if it's possible to capture screenshots from the Android SDK emulator for Android auto and web remote interface, let me know. I can also capture VLC screenshots from the newer Android version using the Android SDK, if that would be helpful.

I am happy to design for those. Looking forward. thanks.

No need to design anything. I didn't have the time to look extensively into it but from what I see the tool we use has really limited customization options. We need to use it to generate the screenshot using different locales.

Also, I'm not sure how/if we can add Android Auto and the remote access in this process.

sure, no problem. let me know if you need anything design related. happy to help.

It would be useful to have a folder of media to be indexed for screenshots so the thumbnails are consistent.

Blender Studio Films is a good source for movies.

What about music?

Would you do a large font at the top with smaller text at the bottom? Mix it up?

In order: Video, Audio, Library, Playlists, Stream, Tablet, Android Auto, Remote Access, PIP, Widget.

1. Play any video format instantly - no need to convert or download extra codecs
2. Seamless audio playback - full equalizer control
3. Browse your media library with ease - organized by metadata tags or folders
4. Smart playlist management - create and organize your perfect media queue
5. Stream content from network shares and drives
6. Perfect for tablets - use gesture controls for volume and brightness
7. Android Auto ready - safe and easy access to your music while driving
8. Remote access via web interface - control playback from any device
9. Picture-in-Picture mode - watch videos while using other apps
10. Widget support - quick audio controls right from your home screen

(this is by no means complete or correct, it's just a first cut)

Hey,

yup, combination of large font and smaller font sounds good.

For music, we can use non-copyright songs, let me know if that's okay.

We already have a CC-0 (or copyright free) audio/video sample set we use on the store's screenshots. But some new sample are welcomed, so thanks for the blender's ones.

Would you do a large font at the top with smaller text at the bottom? Mix it up?

We will be limited by frameit. I have to see what's possible using it. To understand why we need to use that: each time we update the screenshots, we generate 310 files (31 files for 10 languages). And we plan to add more languages in the future if possible.

In order: Video, Audio, Library, Playlists, Stream, Tablet, Android Auto, Remote Access, PIP, Widget.

The store already split the screenshots between Phone, 7" tablets, 10" tablets, Chromebooks and TV (also Android Wear but we have no version for it). Each version is limited to 8 images.

If we add Auto / Remote access screenshots, it will have to be added to the phone / tablets lists. We have to determine if it's worth removing something else.

Fastlane and frameit do not appear to have the capability to automatically create Android Auto or web interface screenshots. One idea I had is to create those screenshots manually, load them in VLC (as PNGs), and have frameit take a screenshot of VLC displaying the images. With this approach you can use the tool as-is without any additional customization.

I totally forgot to follow up here. We decided that the fastlane tool had too many restrictions for our use, so I created a script by myself. We took the inspiration from your design to achieve the design shown below. We also added all the strings in our translation service to have it localized.

About the auto/web ports, we were not able to generate screenshots automatically using UI tests so we decided to go for a more generic approach. The final design is still being worked on, so it's not included for now. I will share the result as soon as we have something.

I am not sure how to properly credit you, @tanmay63 , but thanks a lot for your work.

About the code behind this, it can be found on !2059 (merged)

The results:

Phone	Tablet 7"	Tablet 10"

@Aza Hey,

I'm glad that my design served as an inspiration for you. Can't wait to see final design when it's ready.

Good Luck!

Thanks! Here is the "generic all devices" screenshot:

closed with commit e0184eaf

mentioned in issue #1000