Splash Screen: Why Your App Needs One & Crucial Points To Follow

A splash screen is an image you can see when app or web page is loading. Usually, you see the full screen covered with an animated picture or logo of a specific brand. it is a well-thought marketing approach since it is the start of your first acquaintance with the app loading. As for marketing, you can also be interested in influencer marketing trends for 2018 to promote your product, so mind to read it.

Today there is no precise information regarding the app that used splash screen first. But it was implemented with a strong reason in mind. A splash screen animation is necessary to take the time required for app loading. Moreover, advanced apps used a more interesting design of splash screen, for example, you could see all files that are loading at this moment. Previously, it was a vital practice since Internet connection was much slower, and, besides that, it has increased users' interest towards new product.

Application splash screen is just some kind of visual element that can hold or even entertain you for the time needed for an app to be loaded. The origin of the idea refers to the generation of opinion that the app is quick and responsive. When you don't see any screen while loading the app, it is likely that you will simply shut down the app after a few seconds of waiting, according to Google statement.

As a result, splash screen helps improve the user interface, enhance it's aesthetic part while maintaining the same functionality. So all important IT companies like Google, Apple and others started using a splash screen.

Don't you know how to improve UX of your website? Watch this video:

Moreover, Google and Apple state that they use splash screen just to improve the UX, but not for promotion of their brands. However, most brands use their logos on both Android and iOS launch screen and it makes a good contribution to the promotional strategy of their companies. Every time users see the same logo, and it helps building up relations with the brand.

Slow Internet connection seems a relic today, any developed country can boast about high-speed Internet whether you are using PC or surfing the web with a mobile device. That is why Google and Apple changed their mind and came to a thought that a custom splash screen should be used only when it is really necessary. There is no need to add this screen to each app.

Google made it possible for you to find a detailed description of a wise splash screen creation in Material Design specification. Besides that, Android apps don't launch very fast, especially for the first time. There is a delay where splash screen can really help you catch the attention of the user. And this is the right case where Google recommends to use a splash screen. The user will be satisfied for sure.

Look at YouTube app below just as an example of Android launch screen:

Watching splash screen requires the same amount of time the app needs to load. If you do it for the first time, waiting can take longer, but then it will take less time.

We already came to the conclusion that splash screen should be used with apps that are loading longer than usual or if you want to increase customers' loyalty towards your brand. Let's check out successful examples of splash screen design.

So, YouTube and Google Docs are the apps that need more time for loading, and they have relevant splash screens examples, as you see above.

Nike + Running has a really fascinating mobile app splash screen since there is a red background with a white logo - this contrast is daring. Also, you can see a racetrack that shows the main goal of the app.

Above you can see what Adobe did when you are waiting for it to be loaded. It shows the process of loading and various pictures to entertain you. It allows the user to see that the app is loading, no hang or bugs occurred. It is highly important for a high-quality user experience.

Keep in mind to give your user the confidence towards your app, so the loading process should be accompanied by app splash screen design with specific pictures or icons depending on your brand particularities.

There is no one certain answer to this question. Everything depends on a specific goal as follows: 

• Definitely, yes, you should create splash screen it if your app needs some time to load. If there is a delay more than 5-7 seconds, you need a splash screen undoubtedly.

• Yes, if you have a large desktop app that also has complicated UI. Desktop apps can be run on an outdated PC where you will have to wait more than 3 seconds.

• No, if the app is loading quickly and you don't want to overload it with additional UI. If it takes less than 3 seconds to load, the user won't have time to feel the irritation.

Well, at Cleveroad we think that application splash screen can make your app more interesting and good-looking. And, in most cases, our developers integrate splash screen to new apps. 

You will create your own splash screen, it is your decision. What should it be? You saw examples above and it helps you make use of their examples to apply them on the screen of your app.

It is important to consider some main items as follows:

• advertising;
• a few splash screens; 
• overloading with many elements that increase the delay. 

• Make splash screen with the presentation of your brand in a logo - that will be enough;
• Make loading process as quick as possible;

And now, it is the time to understand how to make a splash screen. Our last but not the least point will show you how to do it.

It is necessary for you to go deeply into the experience how to create a splash screen duly. So there are a few important issues you should not ignore when you plan to add a splash screen to your Android or iOS app. 

This experience will give you real experience how to activate splash screen wisely and how to add splash screen to Android app. You won't waste the time of users, but they will be pleased with a nice view of your brand on the screen.

Have you already intended to add your splash screen to your future app? As we said, we can help you do it and even share with you some tips how to implement it in the smartest way. If you saw some interesting idea that famous brands use in their apps - we can think how to improve them and use in your app's splash screen. Drop us a line right now, click a Subscribe button nearby to get our newsletters first!