GuideApr 1, 20265 min read

Google Play metadata policy checklist before you submit

Google's metadata policy covers title, icon, screenshots, descriptions, and promotional images. Audit claims before review.

Google Play metadata policy is the checklist behind many quiet store listing rejections. It applies to descriptions, developer name, title, icon, screenshots, and promotional images.

What Google does not allow

  • Misleading, irrelevant, excessive, or inappropriate metadata.
  • Emoji, emoticons, or repeated special characters in title/icon/developer name.
  • All caps unless it is part of the brand name.
  • Unattributed or anonymous user testimonials.
  • Ranking, price, or promotional claims in title, icon, or developer name.

Practical audit

Before submitting, read the listing as if you were a reviewer with no product context. Every claim should be understandable from the app, the listing, or a clear source. Screenshots should show the real app, not a fantasy roadmap.

High-quality metadata

Google says users depend on descriptions to understand the app's functionality and purpose. Clear, specific copy is not just safer. It usually converts better than crowded keyword blocks.

Source notes

Google's Metadata policy documents the prohibited metadata types, title/icon/developer-name restrictions, and the 30-character app title rule.

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Written by Yassine

Indie dev. Built lokal because translating App Store screenshots by hand was eating my launches. Reach out at hi@lokall.app.

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