> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://base-a060aa97-danc-alpha-docs.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Search & Discovery

> Learn how users discover and access Mini Apps in the Base ecosystem, including discovery surfaces, ranking systems, and optimization strategies for maximum visibility.

> **What you’ll learn**\
> By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to:
>
> * Get your Mini App indexed in Base App search and understand how indexing works.
> * Choose the right categories and implement strategies to improve visibility across discovery surfaces.
> * Apply best practices to increase discoverability across Base App surfaces.

## Search

### How Search Works

Users discover Mini Apps through direct search queries in Base App.

<Frame caption="Here in The Base App you can see searching based on partial titles">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/base-a060aa97-danc-alpha-docs/DQxkmvFFVOfBEqAY/images/minikit/search.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=DQxkmvFFVOfBEqAY&q=85&s=36eddc7a714e8511066169ef396f5b0c" alt="search bar in base app" height="200" width="1206" height="571" data-path="images/minikit/search.jpg" />
</Frame>

Your Mini App will only appear in search results after it has been indexed. To ensure indexing, share your Mini App at least once in Base App. Indexing typically takes \~10 minutes after the first share.

### Managing Search Indexing

Development Environment: add `"noindex": true` to prevent dev/staging from appearing in search. Remove or set false for production.

**Removing from Search:**
To remove your Mini App from search results, invalidate your manifest (removes from all discovery).

<Warning>
  If your Mini App does not show in search please follow the debugging guide [here](/mini-apps/troubleshooting/common-issues#1-app-discovery--indexing-issues)
</Warning>

## Discovery Surfaces

### Saved Apps

Personal launcher and quick access hub

<Frame caption="Saved Apps">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/base-a060aa97-danc-alpha-docs/DQxkmvFFVOfBEqAY/images/minikit/my-apps.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=DQxkmvFFVOfBEqAY&q=85&s=69b737ecbc1ad2c418af810d8a4c9255" alt="saved apps" height="200" width="1206" height="631" data-path="images/minikit/my-apps.jpg" />
</Frame>

Appears here:

* User's saved Mini Apps
* Recently used applications

Prompt users to save via the Add Frame flow at key value moments.

### App Categories

Browsable directory organized by interest

<Frame caption="App Categories">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/base-a060aa97-danc-alpha-docs/DQxkmvFFVOfBEqAY/images/minikit/categories.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=DQxkmvFFVOfBEqAY&q=85&s=567f15c0cc10a0cd5d0b1efaaafb1b57" alt="app categories" height="100" width="1206" height="1271" data-path="images/minikit/categories.jpg" />
</Frame>

<Warning>
  Choose your primaryCategory carefully as it determines where your app appears in Base App's category browsing.
</Warning>

<Frame caption="Ranking for the Social Category">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/base-a060aa97-danc-alpha-docs/DQxkmvFFVOfBEqAY/images/minikit/ranking.jpeg?fit=max&auto=format&n=DQxkmvFFVOfBEqAY&q=85&s=3e032937263a27aaf499ca4d66cae0ad" alt="app categories" className="h-18 w-auto" width="836" height="556" data-path="images/minikit/ranking.jpeg" />
</Frame>

<Tip> The Base app uses aggregated data (7-day rolling window) to generate dynamic category rankings.</Tip>

## Visual Specifications

For detailed visual mapping of how metadata translates to UI elements, see the [Figma specification file](https://www.figma.com/design/4wx6s24NB0KLgprQAyMT8R/TBA-Mini-App-Specs).

## Optimization Strategies

### Category Optimization

* **Choose primaryCategory strategically** based on your target audience and competition
* **Monitor category rankings** and adjust strategy based on performance
* **Consider seasonal trends** that might affect category popularity

### Metadata Best Practices

* **High-quality icon** (1024×1024, clear and recognizable at small sizes)
* **Compelling description** under 130 characters that clearly communicates value
* **Relevant tags** that match user search behavior
* **OG image optimized** for social sharing (1200×630) with clear visual hierarchy

## Build for Discovery: Checklist

* [ ] High-quality icon (1024×1024, clear at small sizes)
* [ ] Compelling description under 130 characters
* [ ] Relevant category selection for your target audience
* [ ] OG image optimized for social sharing (1200×630)
* [ ] Test metadata rendering across different clients
* [ ] Implement proper manifest files with correct categorization
* [ ] Choose relevant categories (primaryCategory)
* [ ] Create shareable moments that naturally encourage shares
* [ ] Design compelling embeds with clear CTAs
* [ ] Encourage saves for easy return access

## Complete Implementation Guide

For step-by-step implementation including code examples, see:

* [Manifest Configuration](/mini-apps/features/manifest)
* [Embed Implementation](/mini-apps/features/embeds-and-previews)

Further reading:

* [Sharing & Embeds](/mini-apps/features/embeds-and-previews)
* [Manifest](/mini-apps/features/manifest)