How to Increase App Reviews: Proven Strategies for Success

App reviews are critical not only for user trust but also for improving app visibility, conversion rates, and overall App Store Optimization (ASO). Reviews and ratings influence algorithmic rankings on both the App Store and Google Play platforms that prioritize apps with higher engagement and satisfaction metrics.

Below, we’ll outline proven strategies to increase app reviews, along with best practices for optimizing in-app rating prompts.

Key Takeaways

• Reviews are critical for ASO success: Positive reviews and high ratings boost your app’s visibility in search results, increase the likelihood of being featured, and improve user trust and conversion rates. Both the App Store and Google Play algorithms prioritize apps with strong engagement and satisfaction metrics.
• Timing is everything for review prompts: Prompt users for reviews when they are most satisfied, such as after completing a meaningful action or milestone. Avoid asking after crashes or support issues, and give new users time to experience your app before prompting.
• Respond to reviews to build trust: Engage with both positive and negative reviews. Thank users for positive feedback, and address issues raised in negative reviews with empathy and solutions. This shows you care about user experience and encourages updated positive feedback.
• Leverage automation for efficiency: Tools like AppTweak’s App Review Management Tool can automate responses to common review types, helping you stay consistent and responsive. Automation saves time while maintaining a personal touch.

Impact of ratings & reviews on ASO

The number and quality of app reviews are critical for app store optimization (ASO) because they serve as direct indicators of user satisfaction and trustworthiness. Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store algorithms weigh these reviews heavily when determining app rankings. A higher volume of positive reviews signals that your app delivers a valuable experience, which can improve your app’s visibility in search results. Beyond rankings, strong reviews also increase the chances of being featured in curated sections like “Top Apps” or “Editor’s Choice,” providing even more exposure to potential users.

Positive ratings and reviews don’t just boost discoverability — they also drive conversions. When users are considering downloading an app, they often rely on social proof to guide their decisions. Seeing high ratings and reading detailed, positive reviews helps reduce hesitation and increases the likelihood of a download. On the other hand, poor ratings or unresolved negative feedback can deter potential users and cause churn among existing ones.

The North Face case study is a perfect example of how reviews impact conversion rates. By strategically introducing review prompts after successful checkouts, they improved their app rating from 3.68 to 4.23. As a result, their conversion rates increased by 60% over three months, proving that well-timed review requests can significantly impact app performance.

Read the full case study here

Reviews on App Store vs. Google Play

While both the App Store and Google Play use reviews as a ranking factor, they handle ratings differently, so your review strategy should adapt accordingly.

App Store

• Resetting app ratings: A unique aspect of the App Store is the ability to reset app ratings when you release a new app version. This feature allows developers to wipe the slate clean after a significant update or bug fix, which can be beneficial if your previous app version had negative reviews. However, resetting ratings may also hurt conversions if users are wary of downloading an app without any ratings.
• Highlighted reviews: Apple highlights a handful of reviews on your app listing page, which can be a mix of old and recent reviews. Developers cannot control which reviews get featured. Responding to both positive and negative reviews demonstrates that your app is actively maintained, which improves trust.

[PRO TIP] In AppTweak’s App Reviews Manager you can easily see all the reviews that are featured on your app store listing across various regions and countries and reply directly from the platform.

Google Play

• Cumulative ratings: Google Play does not allow developers to reset ratings. Instead, it places more weight on the most recent reviews, encouraging developers to focus on continuous improvement. A steady influx of positive feedback will outweigh older negative reviews, improving the app’s overall rating over time.
• Most positive and critical reviews: Google Play automatically displays both the most positive and most critical reviews on your app page. This increases the importance of responding to reviews and addressing complaints quickly. Users often filter reviews to see the worst feedback, so engaging with critical reviews can lead to improved user perceptions.
• Device-specific ratings: Google also offers a more granular breakdown of app ratings by device model. This is useful for identifying performance issues on specific devices and targeting updates or fixes accordingly.

Tips to increase reviews for your app

Increasing and improving your app store ratings involves a combination of well-timed prompts, active user engagement, and using reviews to inform future updates. Let’s look at a few ways to increase your app reviews:

1. Optimize in-app rating prompts for higher engagement

One of the most effective ways to increase app reviews is through in-app rating prompts, but these need to be handled strategically to avoid frustrating users. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

What are in-app review prompts?

App review prompts are in-app messages that encourage users to rate and review your app. These prompts are strategically timed to appear when a user is most likely to have a positive experience, such as after completing a task, making a purchase, or achieving a milestone. The goal of a review prompt is to capture satisfied users’ feedback at the right moment to boost your app’s ratings and reviews.

Most app stores provide native review prompt tools, such as the iOS StoreKit Review Prompt for Apple devices and the Google Play In-App Review API for Android. These tools make it seamless for users to leave ratings and reviews without exiting the app, improving the likelihood of participation.

When to trigger app review prompts?

Timing is crucial when it comes to asking for app reviews. The right prompt at the right moment can lead to positive feedback, while a poorly timed request can backfire. To increase the chances of getting 5-star ratings, it’s essential to trigger prompts when users are most satisfied and avoid asking for reviews when they might be frustrated. Below are some key strategies to help you nail the timing and make the most of your review requests:

• Give new users time: Users who just downloaded your app need time to understand its value. Depending on your app lifecycle, waiting between 1 to 7 days before asking for a review gives them the chance to evaluate the features.
• Consider usage triggers: Timing is everything. Prompting users after they’ve completed a meaningful action (e.g., making a purchase, leveling up in a game, or completing a task) increases the likelihood of receiving positive reviews. This is the moment when users feel most engaged and satisfied.
• Don’t prompt after crashes or support tickets: If a user has experienced a crash or submitted a support ticket, they are likely to be frustrated. Asking for a review at this time can result in low ratings. It’s essential to address their issues first before prompting them for feedback.
• Prompt after major updates: If your app has undergone a major update, it can be a great time to ask for reviews, especially from users who appreciate new features or bug fixes. Highlight these changes in the review prompt to guide users toward providing positive feedback.
• Space out review requests: Repeated prompts can frustrate users. Avoid prompting users who have recently seen a review request, especially within the last 30-90 days, unless there has been a significant app update.

Filter feedback before asking for reviews

Consider adding an extra layer to your rating process by incorporating a Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey before presenting a review prompt. This approach helps filter users based on their satisfaction levels, ensuring you direct only the most satisfied users to the app store for a review. For example, users who give an NPS of 8/10 or above can be encouraged to leave a review on the app store, while users who provide lower scores (e.g., 7/10 or below) can be guided to a feedback form to share their concerns directly with you. This method allows you to address potential issues proactively, reducing the chances of negative public reviews.

While Apple’s guidelines discourage gating review requests in this way, many developers have successfully implemented this tactic without repercussions.

Tips to optimize app review prompts

• Keep it short and clear: Users are often busy or focused on tasks, so the simpler your prompt, the better. Use concise language that gets straight to the point and feels natural within your app’s experience. For example, a prompt like, “Enjoying the app? Leave us a quick review!” is clear and easy to understand. Avoid long-winded requests or technical jargon, as they can confuse or disengage users. The goal is to make the action of leaving a review feel like a quick, low-effort task.
• Personalize the message: Adding a human touch to your review prompts helps users feel that their feedback is genuinely appreciated. Instead of generic or robotic language, use friendly and conversational wording. For instance, “We’d love to hear what you think!” can create a more personal connection. If possible, address users by name or reference their recent achievements (e.g., “You just reached Level 5 – tell us how you’re liking the app so far!”). Personalization can boost engagement and make users more willing to leave a review.
• Provide context: Users are more likely to take action when they understand why it matters. Adding a brief explanation to your prompt can make users feel that their input has value. For example, “Your review helps us improve the app!” or “We use your feedback to make the app even better for you!” gives users a reason to contribute. By highlighting how their reviews can influence future updates or improvements, you make the review process feel purposeful and collaborative.
• Make it easy to dismiss: Not every user will be ready to leave a review when prompted, and that’s okay. To avoid frustration, offer an easy way to dismiss the prompt with options like “Not now” or “Maybe later.” This respects the user’s experience and reduces the risk of negative feedback due to repeated interruptions. If a user dismisses the prompt, ensure they aren’t asked again too soon. Respecting their choice increases the likelihood that they’ll respond positively when prompted later.
• Segment your users: Different users have different experiences with your app, so tailoring prompts based on user behavior can be highly effective. For example, long-time users who have consistently engaged with your app may respond well to a message like, “We appreciate your continued support! Care to leave us a review?” New users, on the other hand, may need more time to experience your app before being prompted. For them, a prompt like, “You’ve been using the app for a week – what do you think so far?” can feel more appropriate. By segmenting your audience, you can make your prompts feel more relevant and timely.
• Test different variations: A/B testing helps you determine which prompts are most effective. Experiment with different wording, designs, and timing to find what resonates best with your audience. Track metrics like conversion rates, dismissals, and user sentiment to see which variations lead to more positive reviews. Continuous testing and iteration will help you refine your prompts for optimal results.

2. Respond to both positive & negative reviews

Responding to app reviews is crucial for building trust, improving user satisfaction, and enhancing your app’s reputation. When you reply to user feedback—both positive and negative—you show that you value your users’ opinions and are committed to improving their experience.

• Acknowledge positive reviews: Thank users for their feedback and highlight the value of their support.
• Address negative reviews: Respond to criticisms with empathy and offer solutions. This can often result in users revising their reviews once their concerns are resolved.

How to reply to app reviews effectively

Here are a few tips for effectively replying to reviews:

• Acknowledge for the user’s inconvenience: When users leave a negative review, it’s often because they feel frustrated or let down by the app. Start by acknowledging their frustration.
• Be personable and human: Where possible, address users by their name to personalize the interaction. A human-to-human approach creates a more positive tone and can help rebuild the user’s trust in your app.
• Address specific concerns: Whenever possible, tailor your response to the user’s specific issue. If the user mentions a bug, acknowledge it and let them know if a fix is in the works or already planned in an upcoming update.
• Provide additional support options: Give users a way to follow up with more details or questions. Offering a support email or linking them to a dedicated support page allows users to share additional information that could help you solve their problem.
• Prioritize featured reviews: Focus first on responding to the most featured or upvoted reviews, as these are the ones that potential new users are most likely to see first.
• Avoid using the same template: Personalization is key. Repeating the same response across multiple reviews can make you appear disingenuous. Tailor each reply to the unique concerns of each user to show that their feedback is being heard and taken seriously.

More best practices for effectively engaging with user reviews

How to automate replying to app store reviews

With AppTweak’s App Review Management Tool you can automate your replies efficiently and manage user feedback while maintaining a personal touch. With AppTweak, you can set up templates and automation rules to automatically respond to reviews, saving time and ensuring consistency.

For instance, you can create automated responses for 5-star reviews to thank users for their positive feedback, or for 1- or 2-star reviews to acknowledge issues and offer support. The tool also provides AI-powered sentiment analysis, helping you quickly identify trends and prioritize responses that need a human touch. By automating routine replies, you can stay on top of reviews, engage with your users promptly, and focus your energy on solving critical issues—all while boosting your app’s reputation and enhancing user satisfaction.

3. Use feedback buttons

In addition to active prompts, incorporating passive feedback options like a “Rate the App” button can offer users a low-pressure way to share their thoughts. Placing this button in easily accessible locations—such as the app’s settings menu, help section, or “About” page—ensures users can leave feedback on their own terms. This is especially useful after users have had a positive experience and want to express their satisfaction without being nudged by a pop-up.

4. Act on user feedback

User reviews provide invaluable insights into how to enhance your app. Treat reviews as a continuous feedback loop for identifying strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to recurring themes or complaints, such as bugs, performance issues, or requests for new features.

Once you act on feedback, let your users know. Announce updates in your release notes, app store description, or even within the app itself. A message like, “Based on your feedback, we’ve fixed the login issue and added new customization options!” shows users that their input matters. This transparency not only builds trust but also encourages users to leave updated, more positive reviews.

5. Avoid fake reviews

Though it might be tempting to boost ratings through fake reviews, this strategy can backfire. Both Apple and Google actively monitor for fraudulent reviews, and violations can lead to penalties, delisting, or other consequences. Instead, focus on building authentic positive reviews by enhancing the user experience and leveraging in-app review prompts.

Conclusion

Increasing app reviews is not just about asking users for feedback – it’s about timing, engaging with users, and creating an app experience that people want to talk about. By following these proven strategies, you can encourage more users to leave positive reviews, increase your app’s visibility, and ensure long-term success. Implementing smart in-app prompts, acting on user feedback, and providing excellent customer support are all key steps toward this goal​.

Managing reviews effectively can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. AppTweak’s Apps Review Manager Tool helps you automate responses, analyze feedback, and stay on top of user sentiment with ease.

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