Imagine this: you download an amazing app, only to discover that everything—the menus, the instructions, even the buttons—is in a language you don’t understand. It’s disappointing, isn’t it?
That’s why app localization is so important. It plays a crucial role in creating the feeling that an app is specially made for you, no matter where you live or what language you speak.
If you have ever used Netflix, TikTok, or Instagram, you have already become acquainted with app localization. These apps are the ones that automatically modify the language, design, and content based on your localization and preferences.
And guess what?
The companies that localize their apps have the potential to boost their downloads by up to 128%.
However, the app’s localization is not simply about translating words—it is about culturalization, adapting the user interface (UI) elements, and linguistic quality assurance (LQA) to ensure a smooth user experience (UX).
Let us explore this more deeply!
What Is App Localization?
App localization alters an app’s content, design, and features to suit a particular region or target audience. This is a way to go beyond simple translation—it includes:
- Changing the currency, date format, and measurement units.
- Adjusting or swapping images and icons to fit cultural norms.
- Revising app store descriptions to fit distinct regions.
- Make sure the content of in-game matches the interests of local users.
For instance, PUBG Mobile modified its in-game content for the Chinese market by switching blood effects with green sparks to meet the requirements.
Moreover, PayPal has adapted its payment options to the country, offering UPI in India and Venmo in the US.
The Impact of App Localization on Business Success
- Bigger Market Reach – A localized app gets users from diverse countries, which leads to increased downloads.
- Higher Revenue – Users are more likely to spend money on the apps, which feel native to them.
- Better App Store Rankings – The localization testing guarantees that your app appears in the local search results.
- Improved User Retention – A seamless user experience (UX) is what retains users and decreases the uninstall rates.
- Compliance with Local Laws – Certain areas may have very strict digital laws, and localization testing makes sure to stick to the regulations.
Stat Insight: A release by Distomo showed localizing an iPhone app, raising the revenue of the app by 26% per country!
Key Components of App Localization
Developers and businesses have to focus on key areas to guarantee successful app localization.
1. Text Translation & Adaptation
Translating the text while ensuring that the context and the cultural nuances are preserved.
2. UI & UX Customization
Modifying the layouts to make them suitable for different languages (some languages may require more space!).
3. Culturalization
Modifying colors, icons, and symbols to ensnare locals.
4. Date, Time & Currency Formatting
Modifying numerical formats to match the local region.
5. Voiceovers & Subtitles
If there are audio or video files in the app, then it is needed to give subtitles or voice-overs in the local language are needed for categorized content.
6. Legal & Compliance Checks
Make sure the app complies with local regulations and data protection laws.
7. Localization Testing
Testing to confirm the quality and performance of the localized versions.
Example: Instagram alters its UI to better suit Arabic-speaking users, which means the text is aligned right to left instead of left to right.
Step-by-Step App Localization Process
Having a well-localized app involves the careful planning and execution of intricacies.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Internationalization
Developers need to make sure the app is flexible enough so it can handle different languages and formats before starting localization.
Step 2: Extract Translatable Content
All texts in the application (the buttons, descriptions, and notification messages) are separated from the app’s main code.
Step 3: Translation & Linguistic Quality Assurance (LQA)
Professional translators guarantee not only the translation but also that the content has been culturally adapted.
Step 4: UI & UX Adaptation
Layouts, fonts, and icons are developed to ensure the user experience (UX) is smooth.
Step 5: Localization Testing
A team tests the errors, bugs, and inconsistencies in the app across different languages.
Step 6: Deployment & Updates
The localized app is rolled out with continuous support dependent upon user suggestions.
Pro Tip: Using Google Translate for app localization is always a bad idea—it does not know how to properly convey the cultural context, and sometimes it ends up with embarrassing misunderstandings!
Key Benefits of App Localization
1. Higher Downloads & Engagement
People are more likely to download an app that is in their native language.
2. Stronger Brand Trust
A well-localized app means that the users feel valued.
3. Competitive Advantage
A multilingual app will be more recognized and have a better position in the global market.
4. Enhanced In-App Purchases
App users are more willing to buy something if they are aware of the app’s purpose and value.
5. Greater Accessibility
Through localization, the apps become easier to use for non-English speakers.
Top Tools Required for App Localization
Here are some of the best tools to make app localization easier and more efficient:
1. Phrase
A translation management system for handling the content of the app.
2. Crowdin
Guides developers to work with translators on localization projects.
3. Smartling
Uses AI to develop better translation quality.
4. POEditor
Great for managing multiple language translations.
5. Lokalise
Automates localization workflows for mobile apps.
6. Google Play Console & Apple App Store Connect
Provides insights on how localization affects performance.
Pro Tip: Always use a glossary to make sure your translations are consistent across different languages!
If your app is not localized, you will have a smaller global audience.
App localization involves more than just the literal translation; it is about adapting to the local users so it seems the app was created especially for them.
Think about it.
Would you be able to use an app that is in a language you don’t understand?
Probably not.
This is the reason why the apps that have been localized get more downloads, higher engagement, and better user retention.
Want your app to reach millions worldwide?
Start with app localization!
Get in touch with our localization experts and ensure that your application will eventually reach global success.
Whether it is translation, culturalization, UI/UX adaptation, or localization testing, we have got you covered.
Expand your reach, increase engagement, and boost revenue—let’s localize your app today!
