Do Backlinks Help App Store Optimization? (ASO Backlinks)
Not inside the stores: Apple and Google describe App Store and Play search without mentioning links. Backlinks help your app's pages rank in Google web search, and send visitors who may install.
In-store ranking (Apple): title, subtitle, keywords, category, downloads, ratings.
Point links at: your website first.
In Google results for 20 "[app name] app" searches, the App Store page ranked in the top 5 every time, the Play page in the top 4 for every Android app, and the app's own site was #1 in 14.
Checked 9 October 2026. Method at the end.
How App Store and Google Play search rank apps
Apple's App Store search page: "Search results are based on a number of factors, including text relevance (matches for your app's title, subtitle, keywords, and primary category), as well as user behavior (downloads, ratings and reviews, and more)."
Google's Play Console guide, Get discovered on Google Play search, covers the title, description, promo text, graphics and localization, and doesn't mention links.
So in-store, the levers are the listing's words and how many people install, rate and review. A link can only help there by sending people who install.
Where links do count: Google web search
Store pages are also web pages that rank in Google. We searched for 20 apps by name:
| Page | In the top 10 | Positions |
|---|---|---|
| App Store page | 20 of 20 | #1 to #5 |
| Google Play page | 16 of 16 Android apps | #1 to #4 |
| The app's own website | 20 of 20 | #1 in 14 |
For a name search, all three pages show anyway. For searches that don't name your app, your website is the page you can edit and build links to.
Where to point the links
- Your website, which you control, can rank for category searches, and links to both stores.
- The store page only where readers are ready to install.
Same logic as other listings you don't own: Google Business Profile backlinks.
How to get links to an app
- "Best [category] apps" roundups (how to get listed in roundups).
- Launch and app directories your users browse, for installs rather than ranking (AI directory submission).
- Data from your app that journalists can use (PR link building).
Skip free "ASO backlink" submission sites: Google's link spam policy lists "low-quality directory or bookmark site links".
Get your app into the roundups people read
MentionAgent finds the articles listing apps like yours, pitches each writer, and follows up with everyone who replies. From $99/mo.
Start Getting Mentioned On AutopilotMethod
- Searches: "[app name] app" for Duolingo, Headspace, Strava, Todoist, Forest, Flo, Calm, AllTrails, Splitwise, Bear, Things 3, Fantastical, Overcast, Sleep Cycle, Habitica, Pocket Casts, Too Good To Go, Picsart, Libby and Merlin Bird ID; Google US top 10 via the Serper API, 9 October 2026.
- Counting: positions of apps.apple.com, play.google.com and the app's own domain. Bear, Things 3, Fantastical and Overcast are iOS-only.
- Sources: Apple's App Store search page and Google's Play Console help, checked 9 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do backlinks help app store optimization?
Not for ranking inside the stores: Apple lists text relevance and user behavior, and Google's Play search guide doesn't mention links. They help your app's pages rank in Google web search.
Should I link to my App Store page or my website?
Your website for ranking, since you control it and it links to both stores. The store page where readers are ready to install.
What affects App Store ranking?
Apple names text relevance (title, subtitle, keywords, primary category) and user behavior (downloads, ratings and reviews).