How to Use Coachmarks and Spotlight UI in Mobile Apps

Coachmarks and spotlights are position-based UI elements that highlight specific features in your mobile app by drawing user attention to them while dimming surrounding content. These in-app nudges improve feature adoption by 40-60% when implemented strategically, making them essential tools for product teams looking to drive user engagement without developer bottlenecks.

TL;DR:

• Coachmarks in apps are dynamic UI elements that highlight features by pointing to specific screen locations with contextual information
• Spotlights in apps illuminate new features with actionable CTAs that can redirect users to relevant pages
• These tools improve feature adoption by reducing time-to-value and making hidden functionality discoverable
• Real example: Jar increased GoldX adoption significantly by using spotlights to highlight their core monetization feature at the right moment
• No-code solutions like Plotline let teams deploy these nudges in minutes, not weeks

What Are Coachmarks in Apps and How Do They Work?

A coachmark UI in app is a dynamic visual nudge that directs user attention to specific features or sections within your mobile application. Think of it as a digital pointer that says "look here" while dimming everything else.

Key characteristics of coachmarks:

• Position-based targeting (you specify the exact button, element, or screen location)
• Highlight specific sections while dimming surrounding content
• Customizable positioning (corners, edges, or custom placements)
• Contextual information delivery at the point of interaction

What Are Spotlights in Apps and How Do They Work?

A spotlight UI in app is similar to a coachmark but includes direct call-to-action buttons that can redirect users to another page or trigger specific actions. Spotlights are more action-oriented than coachmarks.

Key characteristics of spotlights:

• Directional flexibility (point up, down, left, or right)
• Built-in CTAs for immediate user action
• Ideal for feature launches and time-sensitive promotions
• Higher conversion rates when introducing monetization features

How to Improve Feature Adoption: Why Coachmarks and Spotlights Matter

Feature adoption is the make-or-break metric for product teams. According to product analytics research, 70% of app features go undiscovered by users, representing massive wasted development effort. Here's how coachmarks and spotlights solve this:

User Onboarding Made Simple

They act as visual guides during the critical first session. New users don't need to hunt for features, you show them exactly where to look and what to do next.

Feature Discovery Without Friction

Hidden functionalities become visible. Users discover capabilities they didn't know existed, increasing the value they extract from your app.

Contextual Guidance at the Right Moment

Timing matters. Show the right feature at the right time based on user behavior, not arbitrary page loads.

Mobile app coachmarks: Inspiring examples

Netflix, a leading streaming platform, effectively utilizes a coachmark to introduce users to its "downloads" feature. By using this coachmark, Netflix ensures that users quickly grasp the benefits of the downloads feature and encourages them to make the most of their streaming experience by enjoying content offline.

When Google introduced an innovative feature aimed at keeping users informed about global events and news in real-time, they highlighted that feature using a coachmark as soon as they land on the Google feed page.

Flipkart uses a coachmark to introduce its new users to the core functionality as the user goes through making a purchase for the first time. By highlighting these core features, it would lead to quick activation and subsequently a long-term retention.

FordPass app uses a coachmark highlighting the ‘Find’ feature when new users first open the app. This is designed to bring all Ford owners added value of easy discovery and navigation.

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Mobile app spotlights: Inspiring examples

AliExpress, a leading online retailer, introduced an app feature, allowing users to search for products using image recognition technology. They made this discoverable to users using a spotlight UI.

Jar Uses Spotlight to Drive GoldX Monetization

The Challenge
In 2023, Jar faced pressure to increase revenue per user, not just grow user numbers. They launched GoldX—a feature allowing users to lease gold to retail jewelers for working capital—but needed to drive adoption of this core monetization feature.

The Solution
Jar implemented a Plotline spotlight targeting users on their homepage during app launch. The spotlight highlighted how users could save and earn better with GoldX, aligning perfectly with users' primary intent: saving small amounts daily and earning returns.

Why It Worked

• Right moment: Users saw the feature immediately on homepage arrival, when engagement intent was highest
• Clear value proposition: The spotlight explained the earning potential, not just the feature
• Aligned with user goals: GoldX matched the savings behavior users already exhibited

This strategic spotlight implementation significantly increased GoldX adoption, directly impacting Jar's revenue per user metrics.

2025 Best Practices for Coachmarks and Spotlights in Apps

1. Timing beats design. Show features when users need them, not when it's convenient for you.

2. One nudge at a time. Multiple coachmarks create confusion. Guide users sequentially.

3. Make CTAs specific. "Try it now" beats "Learn more."

4. Test ruthlessly. A/B test timing, copy, and design. Small changes yield big results.

5. Measure what matters. Track feature adoption rates, not just impression counts.

The Challenge: Why Creating Coachmarks and Spotlights Is Hard

Your developers are busy. Building your app's core functionality takes priority. Adding coachmarks and spotlights falls to the bottom of the sprint backlog.

Each experiment takes forever. Traditional implementation requires:

• Development sprint (2-3 weeks)
• App store submission and review (1-2 weeks)
• Data collection and analysis (2-3 weeks)

That's a month per iteration. Testing five variations? Five months.

You need speed. Growth doesn't wait for release cycles.

How to Choose a Coachmark and Spotlight Solution: The No-Code Approach

Plotline enables product and marketing teams to create and deploy coachmarks, spotlights, tooltips, stories, PiP videos, and other in-app nudges without developer dependency. What makes Plotline different:

1. Design Freedom

Create coachmarks and spotlights that match your brand's design theme. No generic, off-brand overlays.

2. Powerful Targeting

Event-based triggers and user segmentation ensure the right user sees the right nudge at precisely the right moment. Target based on:

• User behavior (pages visited, actions taken)
• User properties (subscription tier, usage frequency)
• Custom events (completed onboarding, made first purchase)

3. Launch in Hours, Not Weeks

No app release required. Update your in-app experiences in real-time, test variations instantly, and measure results immediately.

Beyond Coachmarks and Spotlights

Plotline offers a complete suite of in-app engagement tools:

• Tooltips for contextual help
• Stories for content discovery
• PiP videos for tutorials
• In-line widgets for promotions

Ready to improve feature adoption in your app? Book a demo with Plotline and deploy your first coachmark or spotlight in minutes, not months.