Glossary/Mobile & App Marketing/User 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 Mina·CEO, BrandPilot AI·Updated 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.