ASO Localization: The 2026 Playbook for International App Growth
Localized store listings are the single most underused ASO lever. Here's the playbook for doing it without hiring a huge translation team.
One well-localized listing in a non-English market can 2× installs there. And yet most indie apps ship English-only. Easy win.
Languages to prioritize
Start with: Japanese, German, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Mexico), Korean. These five cover most of the revenue outside English markets.
What to translate
- App name + subtitle.
- Screenshots (captions, not just descriptions).
- Keywords field (iOS).
- Short description (Play Store).
- Long description.
Translation quality
Machine translation is a starting point, not a finish. Get a native speaker to review — the difference in install rate is measurable.
Measure per locale
App Store Connect and Play Console both break down metrics per storefront. Monitor before/after localization — ROI should be obvious within 30 days.
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