Guideline 2.3.7

Guideline 2.3.7 - Accurate Metadata: App Subtitle Contains Keyword Spam

Low SeverityEasy FixTypical Fix: 1-2 hours0 Reports
Also known as:Subtitle contains a list of keywordsSubtitle is not a descriptive summary of the appSubtitle appears to be used for keyword optimizationSubtitle includes terms not descriptive of the app's purpose

Our Take

Apple is rejecting your app because the subtitle field in App Store Connect contains keyword spam rather than a meaningful description of the app. The subtitle (up to 30 characters, displayed below the app name on the App Store) should be a concise summary of your app's purpose, not a list of search terms. Apple distinguishes between a legitimate subtitle ('Track your daily expenses') and keyword spam ('budget money finance tracker free'). The distinction is whether the subtitle reads as natural language that describes the app, or as a list of disconnected keywords crammed together for search ranking. This rejection often comes paired with keyword stuffing in the app name (also 2.3.7). Apple evaluates name, subtitle, and keywords holistically -- if all three are stuffed with search terms, they'll reject for the most egregious field but flag the others too.

Resolution Guide

01

Write a natural-language subtitle

The subtitle should complete the thought started by your app name. If your app is 'BudgetBee', the subtitle should be something like 'Simple Expense Tracking' -- not 'Budget Money Finance Tracker.'

02

Move keywords to the Keywords field

App Store Connect provides a 100-character keyword field specifically for search terms. Use it.

03

Avoid redundancy

Don't repeat words from your app name in the subtitle. Apple automatically indexes the name, subtitle, and keywords together -- repeating words wastes characters and looks like stuffing.

04

Test readability

Read your name + subtitle together. Does it sound like a natural app listing? 'BudgetBee - Simple Expense Tracking' reads well. 'BudgetBee - Budget Money Finance Tracker Free' does not.

05

Stay under 30 characters

The subtitle has the same character limit as the app name.

Prevention

  • Write the subtitle as a tagline, not a keyword list
  • Use the Keywords field for SEO optimization
  • Read the full listing (name + subtitle + description) as a user would before submitting
  • Example Rejection Email

    From:Apple App Review Team
    Subject:Guideline 2.3.7 - Accurate Metadata: App Subtitle Contains
    Guideline 2.3.7 - Performance - Accurate Metadata Your app's subtitle is not appropriate. Specifically, the subtitle contains a list of keywords rather than a descriptive summary of the app. Subtitles are meant to summarize your app in a concise phrase. They should not be used for keyword optimization. Next Steps: Please update your app's subtitle to be a brief, descriptive summary of the app's purpose. Move any keyword terms to the Keywords field in App Store Connect.

    Before & After

    Before — Rejected

    App: 'MindFlow', Subtitle: 'Meditation Relax Sleep Calm Focus'

    After — Approved

    App: 'MindFlow', Subtitle: 'Guided Meditation & Sleep', Keywords: 'meditation,relax,sleep,calm,focus,mindfulness,breathing'

    What changed: The subtitle should read naturally. 'Guided Meditation & Sleep' tells users what the app does. The disconnected keyword list tells them nothing.

    Community Solutions · 0

    Sign in to share your solution.

    More Guideline 2 (Performance) rejections

    View all Guideline 2 rejections