Text overlays are allowed on both major stores, but they are easy to abuse. The safest rule is simple: overlay copy can explain the product; it cannot make claims the app, screenshots, or policy cannot support.
App Store
Apple tells developers to use screenshots captured from the app's UI to communicate the user experience. You can add framing and explanatory copy, but the underlying UI and feature promise need to match the shipped app.
Google Play
Google allows taglines when needed, but says they should not take up more than 20% of the image. Google also says not to include performance, ranking, accolade, testimonial, price, or promotional claims in screenshots.
Good overlay copy
- "Plan your week in minutes"
- "Scan receipts automatically"
- "Track sleep, recovery, and workouts"
Risky overlay copy
- "#1 finance app"
- "50% off today"
- "Guaranteed results"
- "Download now"
Source notes
This post was checked against Apple's product page guidance and Google's preview asset and metadata policy pages.