{"id":18678,"date":"2025-02-13T06:07:12","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T05:07:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/blog\/complete-guide-how-to-create-ads-on-the-today-tab-with-apple-search-ads\/"},"modified":"2026-10-19T16:48:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T14:48:07","slug":"complete-guide-how-to-create-ads-on-the-today-tab-with-apple-search-ads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/blog\/complete-guide-how-to-create-ads-on-the-today-tab-with-apple-search-ads\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide: How to Create Ads on the &#8220;Today&#8221; Tab with Apple Search Ads"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apple Search Ads is a powerful tool for promoting apps on the App Store, allowing developers to reach potential users at the ideal moment. Among the most prominent formats is the Today Tab, which offers premium visibility since it\u2019s the first thing users see when they open the App Store.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn how to set up ads on the Today tab and get the most out of this feature.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What are the ads on the Today tab?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ads in the &#8220;Today&#8221; tab appear on the App Store homepage, highlighting the app&#8217;s name, icon, and tagline.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These ads redirect to a customized product page that includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Background animations based on the color of the app icon.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Visual resources that comply with Apple&#8217;s policies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Key benefits of ads on the Today tab:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Maximum visibility for your app.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; High impact on potential users.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Compatible with advanced audience targeting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technical Requirements for Ads in the Today Tab<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before setting up your ads, it\u2019s important to make sure you meet the following requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong> Device Compatibility and iOS Version<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>&#8211; iOS 17.1+:<\/strong> Supports ads with background animations.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>&#8211; iOS 16.4 through 17.0:<\/strong> Only the name, icon, and subtitle are displayed.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Not available on iPads or on iOS 16.3 or earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Custom Product Page Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Log in to App Store Connect.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Create a custom product page with the following elements:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Optimized screenshots.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n&#8211; Engaging promotional videos.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n&#8211; Relevant captions localized for each region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> The custom page must comply with Apple\u2019s guidelines, which prohibit violent or sexual content, as well as promotional claims (prices, discounts, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When setting up ads on the Today tab, it is essential to follow these Apple guidelines:<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> Prohibited Content:<\/strong> Violent, offensive, sexually explicit, or inappropriate content is not permitted, nor are images of weapons or graphic violence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> Localization:<\/strong> The customized product page must be localized into the language of the country or region where the campaign will be published.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> Promotional Restrictions:<\/strong> Prices, offers, ratings, or promotions are not allowed in the icon, name, tagline, or product page materials. You also cannot make claims about the app\u2019s ratings or awards.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> Consistent Language:<\/strong> The app\u2019s name and subtitle must be in the language of the country or region where the campaign is published. They must also comply with Apple\u2019s advertising policies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> Restricted Phrases:<\/strong> The phrases \u201cGame of the Day\u201d and \u201cApp of the Day\u201d may not be used in the icon, name, subtitle, or materials on the custom product page.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> Please be aware that even when following these guidelines, we have encountered cases where Apple, in certain sectors, does not allow ads to be created in the Today tab, and we have had to contact Apple Support directly.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their response was:<\/span> <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8814 \" src=\"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/unnamed-9.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"727\" height=\"413\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solutions to Common Problems with Enabling Ads on the Today Tab<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8813 \" src=\"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/unnamed-10.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"843\" height=\"588\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re having trouble activating your ads on the Today tab, here are the possible causes and their solutions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> Geographic restrictions:<\/strong> Ads on the Today tab are only available in certain regions. Check to see if your location is included in the list of available regions on the<\/span><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/searchads.apple.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> official <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for Apple Search Ads.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> Incomplete account setup:<\/strong> Your account may not be set up correctly, or a valid payment method may be missing. Review your settings in Apple Search Ads and make sure all your information is up to date.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> App eligibility:<\/strong> Apple prioritizes apps that meet high standards for quality and design. Make sure your product listing is optimized with attractive, high-quality visuals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> Insufficient budget:<\/strong> This premium ad format requires an adequate investment. Increase your total budget to compete effectively and ensure visibility in this key placement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <strong> Technical Issues:<\/strong> If everything listed above is in order and the problem persists, contact Apple Search Ads technical support for assistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best Practices for Optimizing Ads in the &#8220;Today&#8221; Tab<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Good Designs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Use clean, attractive designs that highlight your app&#8217;s value.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Make sure your captions are short but impactful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong> Precise Targeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Analyze your users&#8217; historical data to define your target audience.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Refine your audience based on behavior in specific regions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Monitoring and Adjustments<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constantly review metrics such as:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n&#8211; CTR (Click-Through Rate).<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n&#8211; CPA (Cost Per Acquisition).<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n&#8211; ROAS (Return on Ad Spend).<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Conduct A\/B tests with different designs and messages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;d like to learn more about how to optimize your campaigns and reach high-value users, don&#8217;t miss our full article<\/span><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/blog\/apple-search-ads\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Apple Search Ads: How to Get More iOS Downloads for Your App<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> where you\u2019ll find advanced strategies to maximize your campaign investment and boost your app\u2019s visibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion: Why You Should Take Advantage of Ads on the Today Tab<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ads on the Today tab offer an unparalleled opportunity to highlight your app in the App Store. Along with <\/span><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PL6ijMIf4u9zl3QQNoOA9SlRauHC01-8uT\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mastering ASO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to rank organically at the top.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By following the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you can maximize the impact of your campaigns and reach high-value users. Get started today and draw users to your app like bees to honey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Has this article given you food for thought?<br \/>\n<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this information, you&#8217;ll be better prepared to lead effective digital projects and connect meaningfully with your audience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong> Need help? <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019d like us to help you implement this tool\u2014or another one\u2014to improve user retention and conversion in your app, email us at contacto@actualizatec.com.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, if you want to become an expert in apps and digital marketing, <\/span><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/advanced-aso-course\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">join our online program. <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn from the best and take your projects to the next level. Start building your success today! <\/span> <\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find out what Apple App Store revenue fees are like and how to avoid them, click here and don&#8217;t overpay!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":18679,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[241],"tags":[308,309],"class_list":["post-18678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-google-play","tag-google-play-console"],"acf":[],"modified_by":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18678"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18678\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/actualizatec.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}