# Guideline 2.3.7 - Accurate Metadata: Keyword Stuffing in Description or Metadata

**Guideline:** 2.3.7 · **Store:** Apple App Store · **Severity:** low · **Fix difficulty:** easy · **Typical turnaround:** 1-2 hours

Canonical URL: https://appstorereject.com/rejections/apple/2/guideline-237-accurate-metadata-keyword-stuffing-in-description-or-metadata

## Description

Apple is rejecting your app because the description, subtitle, or metadata contains keyword stuffing -- repetitive or irrelevant terms inserted primarily to game App Store search rankings. This includes listing competitor app names, repeating the same keywords in different variations, or adding long lists of loosely related terms. Apple's detection of keyword stuffing has become increasingly sophisticated. They flag: (1) competitor names mentioned in your description (e.g., 'alternative to Instagram'), (2) lists of keywords separated by commas or pipes in the description, (3) repeating the same concept in multiple forms ('photo editor, photo editing, edit photos, picture editor'), and (4) including category names or generic terms that don't specifically describe your app. This rejection sometimes also covers including prices in the app name or metadata (e.g., 'Only $0.99!' in the description), which Apple considers a form of manipulative metadata.

## Common variations

- App description includes keyword stuffing
- Metadata contains references to other apps or competitors
- Description includes repetitive or irrelevant keywords
- App name or description includes pricing information
- Metadata contains terms used primarily for search optimization

## Example rejection email

```
Guideline 2.3.7 - Performance - Accurate Metadata

Your app description includes content that is not relevant to the app and appears to be used primarily for search optimization purposes. Specifically, the description includes references to other apps and repetitive keyword lists.

Additionally, app prices, including the word 'free,' should not be included in the app name, subtitle, description, or screenshots.

Next Steps:
Please revise your app's metadata to remove keyword stuffing, references to other apps, pricing information, and any content not directly relevant to describing your app's functionality.
```

## Resolution steps

## Quick Assessment
- **Risk level:** Low
- **Resolution path:** Update metadata in App Store Connect
- **Typical turnaround:** 1-2 hours

## The Fix

1. **Remove competitor references** -- Delete any mention of other apps or services, even in comparative contexts like 'better than X' or 'alternative to Y.'

2. **Remove keyword lists** -- If your description has a block of comma-separated keywords, remove it entirely. Your description should read as natural prose.

3. **Remove pricing language** -- Remove words like 'free', 'cheap', '$0.99', 'no subscription', 'no ads' from the name, subtitle, and description.

4. **Rewrite the description as natural text** -- Describe what your app does in clear, conversational sentences. If it reads like a search engine listing, rewrite it.

5. **Use the keyword field properly** -- Move legitimate search terms to the 100-character keyword field. Separate with commas, no spaces. Don't repeat words already in your name or subtitle (Apple indexes those automatically).

## Prevention
- Write your description for humans, not algorithms
- Never mention competitor apps by name
- Never include pricing in any metadata field
- Use App Store Connect's keyword field for SEO, not the description
- Read Apple's App Store Marketing Guidelines before writing metadata

## Before / after examples

**Before:** Description ends with: 'Best alternative to Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok. Photo editor, photo filter, photo collage, picture editor, pic editor, selfie editor, beauty camera, face tune, face filter. FREE DOWNLOAD!'
**After:** Description: 'Create stunning photos with 50+ professional filters and an intuitive editing suite. Adjust exposure, contrast, and color with precision controls, then share directly to your social accounts.'
**Why it works:** Natural prose that describes what the app does will always pass review. Keyword lists never will.

## Common questions

**How long does this typically take to fix?**

Typical turnaround is 1-2 hours (difficulty: easy). After resubmission, most re-reviews complete within 24-48 hours.

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*Machine-readable source: https://api.appstorereject.com/api/rejections/detail?slug=guideline-237-accurate-metadata-keyword-stuffing-in-description-or-metadata*