# ASO Monthly #98: Algorithm changes, Easier discovery with interests, New search tab placements, Android apps deletion, Play Store Collections, Launching apps automatically… and more! - Link: https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/ - Published: 2024-08-08T11:07:29+01:00 - Author: Talha Mumtaz This month’s ASO Monthly edition outlines the most relevant ASO developments from June. Here, we shed light on trends in App Store Optimization, algorithm changes, insights into conversion rate optimization, and tool updates.   July 5 ## Algorithm changes in App Stores Both Apple and Google adjusted their algorithms multiple times in July. On the Play Store, significant changes occurred on July 12 and July 30 in the USA, while on the App Store, major changes were noted on July 5 and July 26. These updates also affected other countries. App store optimization experts should closely monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to understand the impact of these algorithm changes on app metrics and overall performance.   July 9 ## **Google Play Store makes app discovery easier with new interests** Google Play Store is introducing new app discovery settings to make recommendations more personalized for users. The upcoming changes include an “interests” section, allowing users to specify their preferences for better app suggestions. Additionally, a new full-screen app discovery feature is being tested to enhance user engagement by showcasing relevant apps more prominently. These updates aim to improve the overall user experience by making it easier to find apps that match individual interests and needs. Source: Android Police     ASO Conference: September 3, 2024 ## ASO Conference 2024: Next wave of speakers has been announced We couldn’t be happier about this year’s line-up at the ASO Conference, including amazing speakers from companies like Adobe, Vinted, Freeletics, Canva, Wolt, and more. Bring your colleagues — on two stages, the ASO Conference will cover content from the entire growth loop this year: From acquisition, to retention & engagement, and monetization. ![](https://phiture.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Frame-32-1024x640.png) Be quick and get one of the last tickets now! [Get your ticket →](https://asoconference.com)   July 12 ## **App Store on Apple Vision Pro expands to new markets** The App Store on Apple Vision Pro has been gradually expanding to new markets. In June, it launched in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. On July 12, the Apple Vision Pro was introduced in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. If your apps are available in these regions, they will automatically be included in the Vision App Store unless specified otherwise. Additionally, alternate payment options for apps are now supported in the EU App Store.     July 13 ## ** Google may soon automatically open installed apps** Google is testing a new feature for the Play Store called “App Auto Open,” which will automatically open apps immediately after they are installed. This feature aims to streamline the user experience by removing the need to manually open the app post-download. It will be available as an option, enabled by default, but can be toggled off if users prefer. The feature is currently in development, with no specific release date announced yet. Source: SamMobile   July 14 ## **Apple is testing new search tab ad placements in the App Store** In mid-July, the search tab experience was updated for many users. Apple is testing new placements and styles for search tab ads. Some users now see an ad and category navigation labels replacing the suggested apps section, while others see suggested apps alongside a Today Tab-inspired ad placement. Users in the European region have reported no changes. It’s unclear which placement will become permanent, but these tests likely aim to increase the visibility of sponsored apps in the search tab.                     July 19 ## **Google may delete many Android apps starting August 31** Google is planning a significant clean-up of low-quality apps from the Play Store next month. This move follows updated guidelines emphasizing the need for apps to provide a stable, responsive, and engaging user experience. Apps that crash, offer minimal functionality, or fail to meet the new standards will be removed. This initiative aims to improve overall app quality and user experience on the platform, encouraging developers to create better apps.   July 24 ## **Google Play Store introduces Collections** Google has introduced Collections, a new on-device surface powered by the Engage SDK. Collections organize content from installed apps into personalized, intent- oriented spaces such as Watch, Listen, Shop, and Social, guiding users to engage directly with apps. It features continuation journeys, recommendation clusters, and a premium UI for highlighting key promotions. Developers can integrate with the lightweight Engage SDK to push personalized content without needing a new strategy. The initiative targets U.S. users across various categories, with over 35 top apps already participating. ![](https://phiture.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-13.10.44- 144x300.png) Source: Android Developers Blog   ## Interesting Reads/Listens/Watches [10 App Store Optimization Strategies for Dominating App Stores Now and in the Future](https://appradar.com/academy/app-store-optimization-strategies) | AppRadar [Cross-channel marketing in 2024](https://www.appsflyer.com/blog/measurement-analytics/cross-channel-marketing-mix/) | AppsFlyer [How to increase your conversion rate with Apple Search Ads](https://www.apptweak.com/en/aso-blog/how-to-increase-your-conversion-rate-with-apple-search-ads) | AppTweak   ## **ASO with Experts:** While video previews can be a valuable part of an app store optimization consultant’s strategy, it’s crucial to consider the app’s nature, category trends, competitor benchmarks, and video quality. Gaming apps particularly benefit from engaging visuals in video previews, but non-gaming apps can also use them effectively. By defining user personas, non-gaming apps can craft videos that highlight features, benefits, and unique selling points. Given users’ short attention spans, keep the video length between 15 to 30 seconds to maintain engagement.   Table of Contents * [Algorithm changes in App Stores](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#algorithm_changes_in_app_stores) * [Google Play Store makes app discovery easier with new interests](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#google_play_store_makes_app_discovery_easier_with_new_interests) * [ASO Conference 2024: Next wave of speakers has been announced](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#aso_conference_2024_next_wave_of_speakers_has_been_announced) * [App Store on Apple Vision Pro expands to new markets](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#app_store_on_apple_vision_pro_expands_to_new_markets) * [ Google may soon automatically open installed apps](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#_google_may_soon_automatically_open_installed_apps) * [Apple is testing new search tab ad placements in the App Store](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#apple_is_testing_new_search_tab_ad_placements_in_the_app_store) * [Google may delete many Android apps starting August 31](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#google_may_delete_many_android_apps_starting_august_31) * [Google Play Store introduces Collections](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#google_play_store_introduces_collections) * [Interesting Reads/Listens/Watches](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#interesting_readslistenswatches) * [ASO with Experts:](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-98-algorithm-changes-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-and-more/#aso_with_experts)