Advanced ASO Strategy

App Store Cross-Localization:
Target 10x More Keywords

Most developers only localize for the primary language. That's a massive missed opportunity. You can use multiple language localizations in a single market to target exponentially more keywords and reach untapped audiences.

Explore Cross-Localization by Country

Select any country to see which languages you can use to multiply your keyword opportunities in that market.

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United States

10 Locales

Domain: US

Default Language

English (U.S.)

Additional Languages (9)

Arabic

Chinese (Simplified)

Chinese (Traditional)

French

Korean

Portuguese (Brazil)

Russian

Spanish (Mexico)

Vietnamese

Cross-Localization Opportunity

By localizing your app metadata in all 10 available languages for United States, you can target up to 1600 characters of keywords (10 locales × 160 characters per locale).

Character breakdown:30 (title) + 30 (subtitle) + 100 (keywords) = 160 per locale

What is Cross-Localization?

Cross-localization is the strategy of adding multiple language localizations to target a single market. Instead of just having the default language metadata for a country's App Store, you can also add additional supported languages like Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, French, and more.

Each language localization gives you a complete new set of metadata fields—title, subtitle, keywords, description—that appear when users search in that language. This means multiple times the keyword opportunities in markets that support several languages (like the United States with 10 locales).

Why Cross-Localization Works

Maximize Keyword Coverage

Each localization gives you a fresh set of metadata fields: 30-character title, 30-character subtitle, and 100 characters of keywords. With 10 locales in the US, that's 10x the keyword opportunities.

Reach Untapped Audiences

45 million people in the US speak Spanish at home. 3.5 million speak Chinese. Cross-localization lets you appear in their native language searches without leaving the US App Store.

Lower Competition Keywords

While English keywords are hyper-competitive, foreign language keywords in the US often have far less competition, making it easier to rank for valuable search terms.

Top Cross-Localization Opportunities

These countries offer the most language localizations, giving you the best opportunities to multiply your keyword coverage.

Real Example: The US Market Opportunity

10 Localizations = 1,600 Characters of Keywords

In the United States App Store, you can create localizations in 10 different languages. Each language gives you:

  • 30 characters for App Title
  • 30 characters for Subtitle
  • 100 characters for Keywords

That's 160 characters per locale × 10 locales = 1,600 characters of keyword opportunities in a single market.

How to Implement Cross-Localization

  1. 1

    Choose Your Target Markets

    Start with countries offering multiple locales. The US (10 locales), Switzerland (4), and Spain (3) are excellent starting points.

  2. 2

    Research Keywords in Each Language

    Use tools like Kōmori to identify high-value, low-competition keywords in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, etc. Native speakers often search in their native language.

  3. 3

    Add Localizations in App Store Connect

    In App Store Connect, go to your app's App Information section and add new localizations. Fill in optimized metadata for each language.

  4. 4

    Monitor Performance by Locale

    Track which localizations drive the most impressions and downloads. Double down on what works and refine underperforming locales.

Optimize your cross-localization strategy with Kōmori

The Bottom Line

Cross-localization is one of the most underutilized ASO strategies available to iOS developers. By adding multiple language localizations to a single market, you can:

  • Target 10x more keywords without expanding to new countries
  • Reach millions of native-language speakers in major markets
  • Compete in lower-competition keyword spaces
  • Dramatically increase your App Store search visibility

If you're serious about App Store Optimization, cross-localization isn't optional—it's essential.