Mobile modals can be powerful tools for delivering important information, encouraging user interactions, and driving conversions.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of mobile modals, exploring their different types, best practices for design, inspiring examples, and how they can boost overall engagement and retention.

What are mobile app modals?

Mobile modals are small pop-up windows that appear on a mobile app screen, overlaying the existing content. These modals can present various types of information, such as important messages, alerts, onboarding tutorials, or even promotional offers.

They are designed to grab the user's attention and elicit a specific action or response. With their ability to deliver targeted and timely information, they have proven to be effective tools for engaging users and driving desired actions.

Different types of modals

Mobile modals come in different shapes and sizes, each catering to specific user needs and app objectives. Few common types are:

Pop-ups: These modals appear as small windows that overlay the entire screen, often interrupting the user's experience. They are ideal for delivering urgent alerts or time-sensitive information.

• Pros: They grab immediate attention, ensuring that important messages are seen. They are versatile and can be used for various purposes.
• Cons: They can be intrusive and disrupt the user experience. If overused, they may annoy users and decrease engagement.

Partial Overlays: These modals cover only a portion of the screen, allowing users to still view the underlying content. They are useful for providing additional context or options without fully diverting the user's attention.

• Pros: They provide additional information without completely taking over the screen. They can enhance the user experience by offering context when needed.
• Cons: They might not draw as much attention as pop-ups or fullscreen modals. If poorly designed, they can still be obtrusive.

Fullscreen Modals: As the name suggests, these modals occupy the entire screen, temporarily hiding the main app interface. They are commonly used for onboarding tutorials or when displaying extensive information that requires the user's full attention.

• Pros: They offer a dedicated space for users to focus on specific content. They are ideal for onboarding or delivering detailed information.
• Cons: They completely cover the app interface, limiting multitasking capabilities. If not timed correctly, they can feel intrusive or impede user progress.

Designing modals: Best practices

Now that we understand the different types of mobile modals, let's explore some best practices for designing compelling and user-friendly modals:

Key elements of a modal

A well-designed mobile modal should not only attract attention but also provide a seamless user experience. Here are some key elements to consider:

• Clarity and simplicity: Keep the modal design clean and simple, focusing on delivering a clear message or call-to-action. Avoid clutter or excessive text.
• Visual appeal: Use visually engaging elements such as high-quality images, icons, and vibrant colors to make the modal visually appealing and attention-grabbing.
• Responsive design: Ensure that the modal is responsive and adapts well to different screen sizes, maintaining usability across various devices.
• Clear close button: Always provide a noticeable and easy-to-find close button to allow users to dismiss the modal if they choose to.

Seamless user experience with modals

While designing mobile modals, it's essential to prioritize the user experience. Here are a few tips to ensure a seamless experience:

• Timing: Display the modal at the right moment when it is most relevant and least disruptive to the user's flow.
• Frequency: Avoid bombarding users with too many modals. Strike a balance between providing important information and respecting the user's screen space.
• Personalization: Tailor the modal's content and design to suit the user's preferences and behavior. This can create a more personalized and meaningful experience.
• Testing and Feedback: Continuously test your modals with real users and gather their feedback to make iterative improvements and optimize the user experience.

Mobile app modal examples

Now that we have covered the fundamentals of mobile modals, let's draw inspiration from some real-world examples:

Spotify's feature nudge

Spotify's modal introduces users to their smart home integration, showcasing how they can control their music from any connected device. By highlighting the functionality, Spotify enhances user convenience and promotes platform usage.

Sephora's update communication

Sephora's modal communicates a simple redesign, informing users about the changes and assuring them that their experience will remain seamless.

Deliveroo's offer nudge

The food delivery platform of Deliveroo nudges new users to place an order for certain value to get free delivery for certain period of time. This kind of offer leads to activation of new users by placing their first order.

Dunzo's discount display

Dunzo's modal introduces different variety of apples given for a 5% discount during the season. This is targeted to users who are an active user purchasing fruits on a regular basis.

Plotline helps you create modals and other in-app nudges without developer effort

Plotline helps product and marketing teams in high-growth consumer companies create and deploy tooltips (alongside other nudges like tooltips, spotlights, in-app videos, GIFs, animations, etc) that match your design theme.

From onboarding new users, driving conversions to encouraging feature adoption, Plotline has got you covered.

In case you want to deploy modals in your mobile app, check us out for a free trial.