2025 ASO Report: Keyword trends, category insights, and top-ranking apps in the US storefront

Games

• Subway Surfers is a highly engaging endless runner game that remains a top download due to its frequent content updates, themed seasonal events, and vibrant graphics. The game benefits from strong ASO keyword optimization, including terms like “endless runner,” “subway game,” and “arcade adventure.” Regular in-app events tied to seasonal celebrations and leaderboard challenges drive continuous engagement and new downloads.
• Roblox is a gaming platform that allows users to create and play games, benefiting from its massive user base, social gaming features, and monetization opportunities. ASO-wise, Roblox ranks well for keywords related to “sandbox games,” “multiplayer games,” and “user-generated content.” Its frequent updates introduce new tools for creators, seasonal promotions, and in-game collaborations with popular franchises, further boosting user engagement and visibility in the app store.

• Call of Duty: Mobile is the top-ranked FPS game that delivers console-quality gameplay on mobile devices, benefiting from brand loyalty and frequent updates. The game’s ASO success comes from strong keyword targeting around “FPS,” “shooter game,” and “battle mode.” Additionally, in-app seasonal battle passes, esports tournaments, and special edition weapon skins drive continuous revenue and retention.

• PUBG MOBILE remains one of the most played battle royale games, ranking highly due to its competitive gameplay, esports tournaments, and community-driven content. ASO plays a key role in PUBG MOBILE’s visibility, with high search volume on “battle royale,” “survival shooter,” and “free FPS.” Regular updates introduce new maps, weapons, and game modes, ensuring the game stays relevant and appealing to new and returning players

• Among Us! became a viral multiplayer game, ranking well due to its social deduction mechanics and engaging community features. The game capitalized on trending search terms such as “imposter game” and “multiplayer party game.” Continuous updates and in-app events, such as new maps and character customization options, keep the game fresh and relatable, preventing decline after its peak popularity.

• Candy Crush Saga is a long-standing puzzle game that retains high rankings due to its addictive gameplay, frequent content updates, and strong ASO presence. The game targets high-intent keywords like “match-3 puzzle,” “brain training game,” and “free puzzle game.” With daily challenges, seasonal promotions, and level expansions, the game constantly attracts new users while keeping long-term players engaged.

• 8 Ball Pool™ is one of the top-ranked sports games, benefiting from its simple mechanics and online multiplayer mode. The game’s ASO strategy focuses on search terms like “billiards,” “pool game,” and “online 8 ball.” Regular leaderboard tournaments, new cue collections, and special multiplayer events keep the player base active.

• EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile Soccer is the leading soccer simulation game known for its real-time PvP gameplay and licensed teams. The game ranks well for “football game,” “soccer simulation,” and “ultimate team.” Seasonal in-app events such as FIFA tournament challenges, player card releases, and World Cup promotions enhance engagement and ASO performance.

• Brawl Stars is a multiplayer battle game that ranks well due to its frequent balance updates and strong esports presence. The game focuses on search keywords like “multiplayer shooter,” “battle royale,” and “brawl game.” New characters, game modes, and ranked seasons are consistently introduced, maintaining high retention and encouraging in-app purchases.

• Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game is a music-based game that continues to rank high due to its interactive gameplay and song variety. ASO efforts target “piano game,” “music challenge,” and “tap rhythm game.” Regular song updates, seasonal music events, and rhythm challenges drive sustained downloads and user engagement.

Education

• Toca Boca World: Toca Boca World is an educational game for children that encourages creativity and exploration. The app allows kids to design their own world, interact with different environments, and create unique stories. Its ranking success comes from its strong brand presence, engaging content, and high user retention due to frequent updates and expansions. The app also benefits from word-of-mouth marketing and a positive reputation among parents and educators.
• Duolingo – Language Lessons is a widely recognized language-learning app that uses gamification to make learning engaging. Its ASO success comes from strong keyword optimization, an established reputation, and consistent user engagement with daily streaks and interactive lessons. Additionally, Duolingo’s frequent updates, free-to-use model, and practical AI-driven personalized learning experiences keep users returning.

• Photomath is a study tool that allows users to take pictures of math problems and receive step-by-step solutions. It ranks high due to its AI-driven functionality, ease of use, and a large student user base looking for quick and effective math help. Its ability to support multiple math levels and clear, interactive explanations make it a preferred choice among students and parents.

• PBS KIDS Games provides educational games featuring popular PBS characters for children. Its ranking is supported by strong branding, high engagement from parents and educators, and a commitment to safe and ad-free content. The app also benefits from its alignment with PBS’s trusted educational programming, making it a go-to choice for early learning.

• Babbel – Language Learning offers structured language lessons for various proficiency levels. Its top ranking comes from its focus on real-life conversation skills, premium content, and a strong reputation in the language-learning space. Babbel provides carefully curated lessons designed by linguists, which helps build trust and engagement among learners.

• Question.AI-Math Calculator is a math-solving app that leverages AI to provide step-by-step solutions. The app ranks highly due to its strong ASO strategy, targeting students looking for academic assistance. The use of AI-powered explanations and a clean user interface contribute to its rapid adoption among students and teachers.

• Quizlet: AI-powered Flashcards helps students study using flashcards, practice tests, and AI-powered learning tools. Its success is driven by extensive educational content, user-generated materials, and a strong presence in schools and universities. The ability to create and share custom study sets makes it a valuable tool for collaborative learning.

• ABC Kids – Tracing & Phonics is an early learning app that helps young children with letter tracing and phonics. It ranks well due to its parent-friendly features, engaging content, and focus on early childhood education. The app also benefits from being ad-free, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for safe and effective learning tools.

• Gauth: AI Study Companion provides AI-powered homework assistance and study help. Its high ranking is fueled by a strong demand for AI-driven tutoring and problem-solving tools. The app’s ability to offer instant explanations across various subjects makes it a favorite among students seeking extra academic support.
• Kahoot! Play & Create Quizzes is an interactive learning platform used in classrooms and corporate training. Its popularity and ranking stem from its user-friendly quiz creation, strong brand trust, and frequent use in educational institutions. The app’s gamification model, real-time quizzes, and engagement-based learning make it a leader in the education space.

Weather

• Weather – The Weather Channel is the most recognized weather brand, The Weather Channel dominates rankings with a strong ASO focus on “live weather updates,” “storm tracking,” and “hourly forecasts.” Its high search volume and authoritative brand reputation contribute to its strong position.
• Weather by Apple is a straightforward weather app with easy-to-read forecasts. It ranks highly due to its keyword optimization around “daily forecast,” “local weather,” and “temperature tracker.”

• AccuWeather: Weather Forecast provides detailed weather forecasts with radar and severe weather warnings. Its ranking success is based on its accurate forecasting and ASO optimization for “real-time weather,” “severe weather warnings,” and “radar maps.”

• Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live is a radar-focused weather app that provides real-time storm tracking and updates. It benefits from strong keyword strategies focusing on “NOAA radar,” “storm alerts,” and “hurricane tracking.”

• WeatherBug – Weather Forecast delivers hyper-local weather updates, lightning detection, and air quality monitoring. It leverages hyper-local weather tracking with ASO optimization for “lightning alerts,” “local forecasts,” and “real-time temperature.”

• Weather Radar – NOAA + Channel provides NOAA-based weather updates with interactive radar maps. This app’s ASO strategy centers on “live radar,” “weather tracking,” and “storm forecast,” catering to users looking for emergency preparedness.

• MyRadar Weather Radar is a highly rated weather app focused on radar imagery and real-time weather tracking. It ranks well due to its fast updates and precision in severe weather monitoring and optimizes ASO for “live storm tracking,” “animated radar maps,” and “severe weather notifications.”

• Windy.com – Weather & Radar specializes in wind patterns and weather visualization, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. Its high ranking is due to its niche focus and accurate forecasting and due to its keyword optimization around “wind patterns,” “aviation weather,” and “marine forecasts.”

• FOX Weather: Daily Forecasts provides video coverage for national and local weather forecasts. It ranks highly due to brand credibility, keyword targeting around “daily weather updates,” and live coverage of severe weather events.
• Moon Phases and Lunar Calendar is a specialized app for tracking moon phases and lunar events. Its ranking well due to ASO strategies focused on “lunar phases,” “moon calendar,” and “astrology weather.”