diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
index 5e2ddd3107..b55e54ac8a 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,21 +1,42 @@
-Hey there and thank you for using React Native!
+## Hey there and thank you for using React Native!
 
-React Native, as you've probably heard, is getting really popular and truth is we're getting a bit overwhelmed by the activity surrounding it. There are just too many issues for us to manage properly.
+React Native, as you've probably heard, is getting really popular and truth is we're getting a bit overwhelmed by the activity surrounding it. Before opening a new issue, make sure to carefully read the following guidelines.
 
-Do the checklist before filing an issue:
+- Is this something you can **debug and fix**? 
+  Send a pull request! Bug fixes and documentation fixes are welcome.
+- Have a **usage** question?
+  We use GitHub Issues for bugs. Ask your usage question on Stack Overflow: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/react-native
+- Have an idea for a **feature**? 
+  Post the feature request on Product Pains, which has a voting system to surface important issues: https://productpains.com/product/react-native/
 
-- [ ] Is this something you can **debug and fix**? Send a pull request! Bug fixes and documentation fixes are welcome.
-- [ ] Have a usage question? Ask your question on [StackOverflow](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/react-native). We use StackOverflow for usage question and GitHub for bugs.
-- [ ] Have an idea for a feature? Post the feature request on [Product Pains](https://productpains.com/product/react-native/). It has a voting system to surface the important issues. GitHub issues should only be used for bugs.
+GitHub issues should only be used for bugs. Make sure these boxes are checked before submitting your issue:
 
+- [ ] You're using the latest release of React Native: https://github.com/facebook/react-native/releases
 
-None of the above, create a bug report
-------------------------------------------------------------------
+- [ ] You've searched through existing issues: https://github.com/facebook/react-native/issues 
+      Chances are that your issue has been reported or resolved before.
 
-Make sure to add **all the information needed to understand the bug** so that someone can help. If the info is missing we'll add the 'Needs more information' label and close the issue until there is enough information.
+- [ ] You have filled out the template below, or provided an equivalent amount of detail.
+      Issues without sufficient information will be labeled 'Needs more information' and will be closed until there is enough information.
 
-- [ ] Provide a **minimal code snippet** / [rnplay](https://rnplay.org/) example that reproduces the bug.
-- [ ] Provide **screenshots** where appropriate
-- [ ] What's the **version** of React Native you're using?
-- [ ] Does this occur on iOS, Android or both?
-- [ ] Are you using Mac, Linux or Windows?
+Describe your issue in as much detail as possible. Provide **screenshots** where appropriate. Provide a **minimal code snippet** / [rnplay](https://rnplay.org/) example that reproduces the bug, or include a list of detailed list of steps that reproduce the issue.
+
+--- delete everything above this line before submitting your issue --- 
+
+### Issue Description
+
+[FILL THIS OUT]
+
+### Steps to Reproduce / Code Snippets
+
+[FILL THIS OUT]
+
+#### Expected Results
+
+[FILL THIS OUT]
+
+### Additional Information
+
+* React Native version: [FILL THIS OUT]
+* Platform(s) (iOS, Android, or both?): [FILL THIS OUT]
+* Operating System (macOS, Linux, or Windows?): [FILL THIS OUT]