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

# Search and 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 rank higher in “Trending Today.”
> * 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://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/base-a060aa97-eb-mini-app-ia-overhaul/images/minikit/search.jpg" alt="search bar in base app" height="200" />
</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

### Trending Today

The "Trending Today" section showcases the most popular Mini Apps being actively used and shared.

<Frame caption="Trending Today">
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/base-a060aa97-eb-mini-app-ia-overhaul/images/minikit/trending_today.jpg" alt="Mini App showing trending view" height="200" />
</Frame>

Signals include social sharing frequency and current user engagement metrics.

### Saved Apps

Personal launcher and quick access hub

<Frame caption="Saved Apps">
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/base-a060aa97-eb-mini-app-ia-overhaul/images/minikit/my-apps.jpg" alt="saved apps" height="200" />
</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://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/base-a060aa97-eb-mini-app-ia-overhaul/images/minikit/categories.jpg" alt="app categories" height="100" />
</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://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/base-a060aa97-eb-mini-app-ia-overhaul/images/minikit/ranking.jpeg" alt="app categories" className="h-18 w-auto" />
</Frame>

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

## Build for Discovery: Checklist

* [ ] 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

Further reading:

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