Release notes aren’t just a list of changes—they’re a key touchpoint in the customer journey, reinforcing why users chose your product by consistently delivering value, building trust, and showing that you’re invested in their success.
When done right, release notes transform a routine update into a moment of discovery, encouraging users to explore new features and improvements.
Clear, user-focused notes keep users up-to-date on bug fixes, enhancements, and features while fostering a sense of partnership and ownership in your product’s journey.
Imagine release notes that are more than text—enhanced with screenshots, videos, and enhanced by feedback tools like Usersnap. Then these elements don’t just explain updates; they invite users to engage, learn, and stay excited about what’s your next big thing!
In this blog, we’re diving into actionable tips, examples, and templates to help you craft release notes that educate, inspire, and drive adoption.
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Release notes should make your users’ lives easier, not harder.
Clarity, simplicity, and consistency are key here. Ditch the jargon and get straight to the point—what’s changed, why it matters, and how it impacts your users.
Every update is a chance to show you’re listening to your users’ needs. Address their pain points directly and highlight the specific benefits of your fixes or features. Don’t oversimplify—keep explanations short but provide enough context to ensure your updates are clear and actionable.
Visuals are your secret weapon here. Add screenshots, GIFs, or videos to break things down and help users understand your updates at a glance.
Marcin’ Insights:
The truth is, as Product Managers, we’re often way more excited about our new feature than our users are. They’ve got a million things on their plate, and grabbing their attention is always a challenge. That’s why your first line—the hook—is everything. It needs to speak directly to their pain and instantly point to your solution. Think: “Tired of waiting? Exports are now 5x faster.” or “Say goodbye to manual uploads—sync contacts effortlessly with our new API.”
Great release notes don’t just share updates—they spark curiosity, inspire confidence, and build connection.
By making updates easy to explore, a breeze to follow, and even delightful to read, you transform a routine product update into a moment of celebration that keeps users excited about your product’s journey.
A dedicated release notes page becomes a hub of discovery where users can uncover new features, celebrate improvements, and appreciate the progress shaped by their feedback.
Start by breaking your release notes into clear sections.
Group updates by type—new features, bug fixes, or improvements—so users can quickly find what matters to them.
Use headings like “New Features,” “Improvements,” and “Bug Fixes”, as seen in examples from Retool and GitHub, to create a logical flow.
For major updates, begin with the most significant features first.
Capturing user interest immediately ensures they see what’s most impactful to their experience.
Add visuals to enhance understanding. Use screenshots, GIFs, or short videos (as demonstrated by Amplitude and Notion) to make updates more engaging and easier to follow.
A standard release note template is key to predictable and polished release notes.
When users know exactly where to find information, they trust your updates as a reliable way to stay connected to your product’s evolution.
Release notes are only practical if your users see them. That’s why clear distribution is key.
People consume updates differently, so you need to meet them where they are—whether that’s inside your app, in their inbox, through your blog, or even on social media.
Marcin’ Insights:
We all know it—customers need to see your message at least three times for it to stick. Saying it once just won’t cut it. To make an impact, you need to use different channels to grab their attention and repeat the message until it really sinks in. The more critical the update is for your business, the more you should reach out to ensure it’s on their radar.
Ensure updates are always accessible, whether through a centralized release notes page, an in-app widget, or a dedicated section on your website. Consistency and visibility are crucial to keeping users in the loop and empowering them with the latest changes.
Tools like Usersnap make it easy to tailor updates to specific user segments, ensuring they’re always timely, relevant, and personal. Usersnap’s release notes feature also supports multi-channel distribution options, including in-app notifications and centralized page, so your users never miss an update.
By leveraging multiple channels, keeping updates accessible, and segmenting your communication, you can ensure your release notes reach—and resonate with—your audience.
Top tech companies know the power of great release notes—they set the bar high with updates that are clear, engaging, and user-focused.
Here’s a quick dose of inspiration from the best in the business:
Whether it’s clear language, visuals, or user-driven updates, these examples remind us how impactful release notes can be when done right.
Creating release notes that users actually understand starts with using the right template.
Each template should fit the type of update you’re sharing—whether it’s an exciting new feature or a small but meaningful improvement—and make your updates simple to digest.
A reliable release notes tool can make this process even smoother by ensuring your updates are clear, engaging, and hassle-free.
Here are six release notes templates designed to do just that:
Could you make it exciting and to the point? Your title is the first thing users see, so keep it focused on the new feature you’re announcing.
Let’s discuss the template in detail.
Title:
Introducing [New Feature Name]: Transforming Your Experience!
Description:
Start with a quick, user-focused explanation of the feature. Highlight the “why” behind it—what’s in it for them?
For example: “We’re thrilled to introduce [Feature Name], designed to help you [specific benefit, e.g., stay organized or work more efficiently].”
How It Works: Give users a simple, clear rundown of how to use the feature.
If it’s a new dashboard, show them how to find it, tweak settings, or view data more intuitively.
You don’t need to go overboard—just enough to make them feel confident trying it out. (Pro tip: step-by-step instructions can really help here!)
Visuals: Adding a screenshot or GIF here can be helpful. Showing the feature in action allows users to quickly understand its interface and functionality.
Feedback: Invite users to provide feedback on the new feature. Include a link for easy access, encouraging users to share their thoughts or report any issues.
Try our Release Note Template now!
Listing bug fixes is a simple way to build trust and show users you’re serious about reliability.
Bugs happen—it’s how you respond that counts. By acting on customer feedback, you can ensure that reported issues are addressed quickly and transparently.
This approach reassures users that you’re listening and committed to a stable, seamless product.
Here’s how to structure it effectively:
Title: Resolved Issues in Version [Version Number]
Description: Start with a short explanation of the fixes, reassuring users of improved stability and reliability.
For example, “We’ve addressed several issues to ensure a smoother experience for you.”
List of Fixes: Provide a bullet-point list of the bugs resolved. Avoid technical jargon and focus on user-facing issues, such as:
This structure allows users to see relevant fixes at a glance.
Version/Date: Include the version number and release date so users know exactly when changes took effect. Displaying these details is especially helpful for teams tracking version history.
Not sure how to start tracking bugs in a minute? Why not to try our bug tracking template?
When your product gets better, let your users know!
Focus on the actual impact—how these updates make things easier, faster, or just more enjoyable for them. Show you’ve listened to their needs and turned feedback into something awesome.
Here’s a quick way to structure your “Improvements” section:
Title: Improved [Feature or Area of Product]
Problem Addressed: Outline the specific issue that prompted the improvement.
For example, “Previously, users had difficulty finding files due to search limitations.”
Improvement Summary: Describe how the enhancement improves the user experience, such as, “Our new search feature now allows users to filter by tags, file type, and date, making it faster to find what you need.”
Visuals: Add a screenshot or GIF of the updated feature. Visuals make it easier for users to recognize the change and navigate the improved interface, especially if it’s a commonly used tool like search.
Impact: Summarize how this update positively impacts the user, e.g., “With faster search capabilities, users can save time and improve productivity.”
Try our Feature announcement template now!
Security is a big deal, and your users need to know you’re on top of it. Sharing updates about security improvements not only protects their data but also reinforces their trust in you. Make it easy for them to understand the changes and take any necessary steps to stay secure.
Here’s a friendly way to structure your security updates:
Title: Important Security Update for [Product or Feature] Grab their attention with a clear, no-nonsense headline.
Description: Start with a simple explanation of what’s been improved and why. For example:
“We’ve added extra layers of protection to keep your data safer than ever.”
What’s Changed:
Break down the updates in plain language, like:
User Action Needed: If there’s something users need to do—like updating their app or adjusting settings—be super clear. Simple instructions ensure they know exactly what’s required.
Contact for Support: End with a way for them to reach out if they have questions or run into issues. A link to your support page or FAQs is a great touch for extra peace of mind.
Big updates deserve a little fanfare! Give users the big picture with a clear, engaging overview of everything new. It’s your chance to showcase features, fixes, and improvements in a way that gets them excited to explore.
Here’s a simple template to keep things user-focused and approachable:
Title: What’s New in Version [Version Number]
Kick things off with a straightforward, no-nonsense title that sets the tone.
Overview Section: Start with a short, snappy summary of the release.
For example:
“Our biggest update yet brings fresh features, key improvements, and essential fixes to make your experience better than ever.”
Feature Highlights: Shine a spotlight on the most exciting new additions. Keep it concise and user-friendly, like:
Enhancements and Bug Fixes: Break down notable tweaks and fixes with clear, quick bullet points:
Resources: Make it easy for users to learn more with links to:
Feedback and Support:
End with an open invitation to share thoughts or ask for help. Something like:
“Have feedback? We’re all ears! Need help? We’ve got you covered.” Link directly to a feedback form or support page to make it easy.
Keep it quick, clear, and user-friendly—changelog summaries should make it easy for users to see what’s new at a glance. A well-structured changelog saves time and keeps everyone in the loop without overwhelming them.
Here’s how to nail it:
Title: Changelog Summary for Version [Version Number]
A simple, no-fluff headline that tells users exactly what they’re looking at.
Major Changes: Kick things off with the big stuff. For example:
“New collaboration tools and major performance boosts” give users a quick snapshot of what’s new and exciting.
Detailed List: Break it down into bite-sized bullet points. Keep the descriptions straightforward and focused on user-facing benefits, like:
Impact Level: Add a quick note for each update—“Major,” “Moderate,” or “Minor”—so users can easily see which changes matter most to them.
CTA for Feedback: Wrap it up with a friendly ask for feedback:
“Got thoughts? We’d love to hear them!” Link them straight to a feedback form or community forum to make sharing ideas super easy.
Release notes aren’t just about sharing updates—they’re your chance to show users what’s new, why it matters, and how it makes their experience better.
Keep it simple and focused with easy-to-read sections, clear language, and a visual or two to make everything click.
Stick to a consistent format so every update feels familiar, whether you’re dropping a new feature or rolling out security upgrades.
And here’s the game-changer: Usersnap. Our tools make it easy to gather real-time feedback, keep users engaged, and level up your product with every release. Great release notes build trust, drive transparency, and help users love what you’ve built even more.
Marcin’ Insights:
Even if your message gets through and customers are aware of your latest update, don’t expect instant adoption. It can take weeks—or even months—for your new feature to truly shine. Users need time to discover, try, and adapt to it, especially in the B2B space. But don’t lose heart! If your research is solid and you’re confident it solves their pain points, they’ll get there eventually.
Release notes are a crucial part of product management that helps communicate updates to users. They are documents accompanying a new product or update release, providing key information to help users navigate the latest updates. Release notes cover a variety of updates, including bug fixes, new features, and security updates. They serve as a way for development teams to tell end-users what’s new, what’s now fixed, and what they can look forward to using for the first time.
Common alternatives include “changelog,” “product updates,” or “version updates.” Each term refers to documentation detailing software changes, helping users stay informed about what’s new and improved.
Release notes keep users up-to-date, build trust, and encourage feature adoption. They enhance transparency by clearly communicating updates, ensuring users experience the benefits of enhancements and stay aware of ongoing improvements.
Present release notes through in-app notifications, email, or dedicated blog posts. Each channel provides users with convenient access, ensuring they can easily review important updates and changes.
Release notes are essential for customer-centric companies to communicate product updates to their users. They help inform customers about new features, bug fixes, and updates, reducing the pressure on support and customer success teams. Good release notes can drive adoption of new features and functionality, reduce concerns about bugs or known issues, and even be a powerful marketing tool. They provide a way for customers to learn about new features and updates, increasing user adoption and improving customer satisfaction.
The product or development team is responsible for release notes because they’re the most familiar with the changes and enhancements that have been made to the software. These teams are responsible for writing documentation for the software, so having them transform that documentation into externally facing release notes isn’t too much of an extra effort for them.
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