Free App Store Keyword Research — ASO Guide for iOS & Android (2026)

65% of app downloads come from search. If your app does not rank for the right keywords, users will never find it.

ASO Keyword Research Methods

Method	Cost	Best For
Question Finder	✓ Free	Understanding what users search about your category
App Store Autocomplete	✓ Free	Native iOS suggestions
Google Play Autocomplete	✓ Free	Native Android suggestions
Apple Search Ads	✓ Free account	App Store volume estimates
AppTweak	$69/mo (free trial)	Competitor keyword analysis

Step 1: Research User Problems

Open Question Finder and search your app category — workout tracker, expense tracker, recipe organizer. The questions and pain points reveal the exact language your target users use.

Step 2: Check Store Autocomplete

Open App Store or Google Play and type your category. Note every suggestion. These are real searches from real users on each platform.

Optimize Your Listing

iOS App Store

• Title (30 chars): App name + primary keyword
• Subtitle (30 chars): Secondary keyword
• Keywords (100 chars): Comma-separated, no spaces. Synonyms and related terms not in title.

Google Play

• Title (30 chars): Same strategy
• Short description (80 chars): Include 2-3 keywords naturally
• Full description (4,000 chars): Use keywords throughout. Google Play reads this like a web page.

App Developer Tools

• Question Finder — user search research
• Keyword Density Checker — Google Play description keyword usage
• Image Resizer — screenshot specs
• Description Writer — app descriptions