How to Create a Changelog
A changelog is your product story told through updates. It builds trust by showing consistent improvement and keeps users informed about new capabilities. Here is how to create a changelog that users actually read.
Choose your format
Decide between a simple list, categorized entries (New, Improved, Fixed), or rich media entries with screenshots and GIFs. Rich formats get more engagement.
Set a publishing cadence
Publish updates weekly or bi-weekly. Regular cadence trains users to check for updates. Batch small changes into themed releases.
Write user-friendly descriptions
Describe each change in terms of user benefit. "Reports now load 3x faster" beats "Optimized database queries for report generation".
Categorize entries
Use clear labels like New Feature, Improvement, and Bug Fix. This helps users quickly find what matters to them.
Add visuals
Include screenshots or short GIFs for significant features. Visual evidence makes updates feel more tangible and exciting.
Promote your changelog
Add a "What is new" indicator in your app navigation that shows a badge when new entries are published. Link to the changelog from feature announcements.
Pro Tips
- Write changelog entries as you ship, not retroactively at the end of the sprint.
- Celebrate bug fixes; users appreciate knowing you are improving quality, not just adding features.
- Use your changelog in sales calls to demonstrate product velocity.
- Include links from changelog entries directly to the new features.
Conclusion
A well-maintained changelog is a powerful retention and trust-building tool. It shows users that your product is actively improving and gives them reasons to explore new capabilities. Make it a habit to publish updates consistently and your users will become your biggest advocates.
Ready to get started?
Try Produktly free and implement what you learned in this guide.
Start free trial