# Store Listing: Misleading App Metadata or Screenshots

**Guideline:** store-listing/metadata · **Store:** Google Play · **Severity:** low · **Fix difficulty:** easy · **Typical turnaround:** 1-3 hours

Canonical URL: https://appstorereject.com/rejections/google/store-listing%2Fmetadata/store-listing-misleading-app-metadata-or-screenshots

## Description

Your app's store listing contains misleading elements. This includes screenshots that show features not present in the current version, exaggerated performance or capability claims, keyword stuffing in the title or description, deceptive imagery, or fake social proof. All store listing assets must accurately represent the app's current functionality.

## Common variations

- Screenshots from a previous or unreleased app version showing unavailable features
- Fake ratings, download counts, or fabricated user testimonials in description
- Excessive keyword repetition in title or short description
- Misleading 'free' claims when core functionality requires in-app purchases

## Example rejection email

```
Issue found: Store listing metadata

We reviewed your store listing and found the following issues:

• App screenshots depict features that are not available in the current version of the app
• App title contains repetitive keywords ('Best Photo Editor - Photo Edit, Edit Photos, Photo Editing App')

Action required: Update your store listing to accurately reflect your app's current functionality. Remove keyword stuffing from your app title and replace screenshots with captures from the current app version.
```

## Resolution steps

## How to Fix Store Listing Violations

1. **Update screenshots** — Take fresh screenshots from the current production version of your app. Use real device captures or emulator screenshots that match actual app behavior.

2. **Clean up your title** — Google Play allows up to 30 characters. Use your app's actual name. Do not stuff keywords: "MyApp - Best Photo Editor Camera Filter Beauty App" should become "MyApp: Photo Editor".

3. **Fix the short description** — 80-character limit. Describe what your app does clearly. No keyword lists.

4. **Review the full description** — Remove unsubstantiated claims ("World's best", "#1 rated"). Remove competitor names. Don't repeat keywords excessively.

5. **Verify feature claims** — Every feature mentioned in the description must exist in the current app version. Remove mentions of upcoming or deprecated features.

6. **Check graphic assets** — Feature graphic (1024x500) and icon must represent the app accurately. No misleading imagery or brand impersonation.

7. **Re-submit** — After updating all listing assets, submit for review. Changes to store listing metadata are reviewed before going live.

## Before / after examples

**Before:** App title: 'PhotoMaster - Best Photo Editor, Camera, Filters, Beauty, Selfie, Collage Maker App' with screenshots showing an AI background removal feature that was removed two versions ago
**After:** App title: 'PhotoMaster: Photo Editor' with screenshots taken from the current version showing the actual filter gallery, crop tool, and adjustment sliders
**Why it works:** Keep titles concise without keyword stuffing, and ensure every screenshot and description matches the current live version of the app

## Common questions

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

Typical turnaround is 1-3 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=store-listing-misleading-app-metadata-or-screenshots*