Skip to content
The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryMobile & App MarketingUser Onboarding

Mobile & App Marketing

User Onboarding

The first-run experience that guides new users to an app's core value, heavily influencing early retention.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

User onboarding is the first-run experience that guides new users to an app's core value. It can include welcome screens, account setup, permission requests, and interactive tutorials. Because many users abandon apps in the first days, effective onboarding strongly influences early retention, subscription conversion, and long-term engagement.