How to increase app reviews: Proven strategies for success

As the app store grows more competitive, mobile apps have to compete fiercely for user attention and engagement. To stand out, developers must actively work to get more app reviews. User reviews significantly influence your app’s reputation and, therefore performance, making it vital to build strategies that get app reviews consistently and effectively.

User reviews stand out as a critical factor in this intense competition, providing social proof and significantly influencing app performance. With millions of apps available and vying for users’ limited attention, optimizing your app review strategy has never been more essential. This guide will walk you through proven methods to effectively increase app reviews, manage feedback, and enhance your app’s visibility and growth trajectory.

Key takeaways

• App reviews are key to driving trust, app visibility, conversion, and retention, helping you consistently get more app reviews.
• Smart timing of in-app review prompts significantly boosts review volume and sentiment, which increases app reviews without annoying users.
• Avoid negative reviews by filtering feedback before prompting and responding quickly and empathetically to complaints to protect your ability to get app reviews from happy users.
• Ethical incentives and gamification are great strategies to sustainably get more app reviews from satisfied users, leading to higher credibility and user retention.
• Automation tools like AppTweak’s App Reviews Manager make it easier to collect, respond to, and analyze reviews at scale.
• Reviews don’t just serve ASO: they can be reused across ads, onboarding flows, lifecycle marketing, and PR materials to amplify user trust and ultimately increase app reviews over time.

What is an app review?

Before diving into building a strong review strategy, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of what app reviews are and how they function in the app ecosystem.

An app review is feedback provided by users on app store listings, usually accompanied by a star rating between 1 and 5. App reviews range from brief comments to detailed reports on user experience, providing crucial qualitative insights for both potential users as well as developers and marketers looking to get app reviews that reflect real-world use.

App reviews are not simply a reflection of user satisfaction; they serve as a direct communication channel between users and developers. They help identify pain points, fix bugs faster, highlight popular features, and uncover opportunities for enhancements. Actively monitoring and analyzing reviews to better understand user expectations will help you to know how to improve your app, increase app reviews, and ultimately drive app performance and growth.

To get app reviews that truly benefit your app, you must first understand how they improve app quality, usability, and overall user satisfaction. Beyond pleasing algorithms, good reviews reveal the importance you give to building relationships with your users.

Keep in mind: app reviews influence discoverability, conversion rates, and perceived app quality across the entire user journey. App ratings and reviews are key elements of successful app store optimization.

Why app reviews matter more than ever

Understanding why app reviews are vital to your growth strategy helps you prioritize their role in product development, app visibility, user engagement, and retention.

And with recent updates like Apple’s review summaries rolling out, the importance of managing and working to get more app reviews is only going to grow.

Impact on user perception and conversion

User reviews significantly influence user behavior, directly impacting app downloads and user retention. According to recent surveys, approximately 79% of users consult ratings and reviews before downloading an app. App reviews shape user perception of your app, and influence their decision to download your app, ultimately deeply affecting your app’s success.

Given their power, strategically working to get more app reviews (positive ones, especially) is critical. Good reviews boost credibility, while negative or limited reviews cast doubt. You want volume and quality review to boost your app.

Reviews are key to app store success

App reviews create a sense of community around an app, driving user loyalty and engagement. Positive reviews amplify trust and credibility, attracting new users and reassuring existing ones.

On the other side, negative or fake reviews can damage your app’s credibility and deter new users. That’s why it’s essential to get more app reviews and strengthen your review management processes. It’s vital to your app growth strategy.

Another reason for boosting your app’s review volume and quality: higher ratings can help boost your chances of getting featured in top placements on both the App Store and Google Play.

Apple’s App Store uses a manual editorial process featuring apps that are new, high-quality, well-designed, or backed by a strong brand story. These features appear in the Today tab, Apps tab, and editorial stories.

Google Play, on the other hand, takes a more algorithmic approach, surfacing apps in Top Charts, Editor’s Choice, and personalized suggestions based on user behavior and metadata.

In both ecosystems, your app’s review quality and volume remain essential—they help determine whether your app is worthy of being showcased to millions of users.

Read more about getting featured on the app stores

Why are app reviews important for ASO?

App Store Optimization (ASO) heavily relies on user reviews. The App Store’s and Google Play’s algorithms factor in reviews when ranking apps in search results.

Both quantity and quality influence your ranking and discoverability.

Reviews will therefore boost your visibility, while low or limited reviews can harm discoverability and overall app store ranking.

Apple’s upcoming AI review summaries (rolling out globally late 2025) further reinforce the importance of reviews. These summaries use AI to extract the most commonly occurring themes and sentiments across all user reviews into a concise paragraph displayed on app product pages. That means apps with a higher volume of reviews will be better positioned to benefit from this added layer of trust and transparency.

Read our recap of WWDC 2025 

Apple also announced that developers can monitor these summaries in App Store Connect and report concerns if the generated content feels misleading. While the visual design of summaries may currently limit their impact on conversion, their very existence should raise the priority of app reviews. The more positive reviews your app receives, the more likely Apple’s review summaries will highlight favorable sentiments, offering a clearer and more nuanced reflection of user feedback.

Review quantity and quality are gaining greater importance and will continue to shape the way your app is perceived.

This means app reviews will be an even bigger part of your ASO as App Store and Google Play algorithms factor in reviews when ranking apps in search results, with both quantity and quality influencing your ranking and discoverability.

Impact of reviews on your ranking

AppTweak’s ASO trend reports highlight that:

• A minimum of 3.5 stars is necessary for apps to maintain strong visibility on their keyword on the App Store.

• Regular positive app reviews significantly enhance discoverability and rankings. You need a sustained influx of positive reviews to increase your visibility rather than sporadic, one-off good reviews. Regularly sending review prompts to your app users is key to growing your app’s discoverability over time.

• Negative reviews can lead to lower rankings, visibility, and conversion rates.

Your ASO efforts should aim to increase app reviews organically and regularly, especially post-feature releases or bug fixes.

So, carefully managing app reviews and implementing processes that promote positive reviews is even more crucial on Google Play.

ASO trends & benchmarks report

Expert Tip

Don’t rely on passive feedback. Encourage and guide users to leave reviews after positive interactions. Use app store review prompts at smart moments (not randomly) to boost satisfaction-based reviews.

How to get more app reviews: Top proven strategies

Here are some tips and best practices to effectively get app reviews and improve your app’s discoverability, credibility, and ASO performance:

Use in-app review prompts at the right moment

Timing is crucial when asking for reviews. To get app reviews, you should ideally prompt users when they’re happy with your app: immediately after positive experiences such as achieving a milestone, completing significant tasks, or enjoying key features.

Don’t ask for reviews post-crash or during technical issues to mitigate negative reviews. You should also avoid asking for reviews on first launch or during onboarding. Wait until you know your app is functional and users have experienced your value.

Simplify the review process

Simplifying your feedback process is a proven way to increase app reviews. If users need to jump through hoops or leave the app, most won’t bother.

Use built-in tools like Apple’s StoreKit or Google Play’s In-App Review API, allowing users to submit reviews without exiting your app, which reduces user friction, dramatically improving response rates.

Leverage email and push notification campaigns to get more app reviews

Some users won’t respond in-app. For them, well-timed email and push campaigns can help to increase app reviews.

Personalization is key, so work on crafting personalized, time-relevant messages that follow user successes or notable updates.

Make sure your messaging:

• Reflects user activity
• Feels personal
• Avoids spamming

Consider multichannel reminders to re-engage users

Once you’ve nailed in-app prompts, multichannel outreach can help you tap into quieter user segments.

Channels like WhatsApp, SMS, Facebook Messenger, and even in-app chat support can be powerful for collecting reviews. These channels often have higher open rates and feel more conversational, especially for mobile-first users.

For example, following up via SMS after resolving a support ticket or sending a quick “How did we do?” link in live chat can capture reviews at just the right moment.

​​Use smart incentives to increase app reviews

Incentivizing reviews can work, but it must be ethical. Don’t buy fake reviews or demand 5-star ratings.

Gamify the process: Offer rewards, achievements, or access to exclusive content for users who rate or review.

Keep in mind: App Store and Google Play prohibit offering rewards in exchange for positive reviews. However, asking for honest reviews after rewarding engagement (like completing a level or hitting a streak) is generally acceptable. For instance, offering a free sticker pack, in-app currency, or early access to new features works well—as long as it isn’t contingent on the star rating.

Engage power users and brand advocates

Identify your most loyal users or brand advocates and encourage them to share genuine feedback.

Your most engaged users are more likely to:

• Leave detailed, authentic reviews
• Return to your app
• Spread positive word-of-mouth

How to avoid negative reviews and encourage positive ones

Even the best review acquisition strategy can fall apart if negative feedback dominates your app store page. Here’s how to proactively reduce negative reviews while increasing positive sentiment.

Monitor friction points in the user journey

Use in-app analytics and session recordings to identify bugs, crashes, confusing UX elements, or slow load times.

These are common triggers for negative reviews. Fixing issues flagged in low-star reviews should be a priority. Updates should be tested thoroughly before release to avoid introducing new frustrations.

Use pre-review feedback filters

Instead of asking users for a review outright, consider prompting them first with a short feedback form. If a user expresses frustration or signals a poor experience, redirect them to support or help content instead of the app store. This allows you to resolve issues before they become public.

Communicate clearly and set expectations

A common reason behind negative reviews is unmet expectations. Make sure your app store listing, screenshots, and feature descriptions are accurate and up to date. Clarify what’s free, what’s paid, and any limitations upfront to avoid misunderstandings.

Respond quickly and politely to complaints

When users do leave negative reviews, acknowledge them quickly and empathetically. Offer help or guidance, and let them know when an issue has been resolved. Many users are willing to update their reviews if they feel heard and see a genuine effort to improve.

Reinforce positive experiences

Happy users often need a nudge to leave a review. Trigger review requests right after meaningful achievements or positive milestones, like completing a goal or reaching a usage streak. Use warm and appreciative language to highlight how much their support matters to your team and the app’s improvement.

Avoid common review prompt mistakes

Don’t ask for reviews during onboarding or while users are focused on time-sensitive tasks. Repeated or poorly timed prompts can be frustrating. Make sure your timing respects the user’s flow and reflects a natural moment of satisfaction.

By focusing on thoughtful communication, smart prompting, and helpful support, you can steer the majority of your users toward positive reviews while minimizing the risk of negative ones.

Advanced tactics to increase app reviews at scale

Here are some additional strategies to improve your review strategies and get more app reviews.

Optimize metadata for trust and relevance

App store users often scan metadata and reviews. When your app description, screenshots, and keywords mirror the language found in your top positive reviews, it reinforces trust.

Analyze reviews for:

• Positive keywords (e.g., “smooth,” “easy to use”)
• Commonly praised features
• Top benefits named

Then, use those insights to refine your product page. This strategy will get more app reviews indirectly by improving conversion and keyword alignment.

Regular updates highlighting “what’s new”

Highlighting changes in your “What’s New” section reminds users that you listen and act on feedback. This not only increases retention but also encourages more users to leave updated reviews after improvements.

Automate review collection

Managing a high volume of app reviews manually can quickly become overwhelming, especially during peak events, feature launches, or unexpected bugs.

Reviews are also a goldmine for finding popular user opinions and product feedback. A poor review management strategy can deprive you of precious insights.

This is where a review management tool like AppTweak’s App Reviews Manager becomes invaluable. Use AppTweak’s App Review Manager to:

• Centralize all reviews from multiple app stores in one place, and avoid constantly logging into separate consoles.
• Analyze topics automatically and stay on top of feedback.

• Reply in bulk to multiple reviews by selecting them by topic, language, rating, etc.

• Use GPT-4 to generate personalized reply suggestions in multiple languages.
• Set up automation rules to trigger replies based on criteria like language, rating, or topic.

• Integrate with your CRM tools like Salesforce, Zendesk, or Slack.

The impact of automation is undeniable. Look at Treepla: Treeplla is a game developer focused on casual tycoon games that uses App Reviews Manager to efficiently get more app reviews and improve response rate.

By implementing AppTweak’s automation, Treeplla set up topic tagging rules and used bulk reply functionality to address multiple reviews at once. This strategy helped them triple their review response rate in just three weeks, while also improving the quality and tone of their reviews.

Read the case study

Ethical ways to get app reviews

Fake or paid reviews can severely damage your app’s reputation.

Unethical practices can also result in severe penalties from the app stores and damage user trust.

Focus instead on authentic, ethical engagement practices (such as in-app surveys, in-app prompt usage, and app updates).

Common signs of fake reviews include:

• Repetitive text
• Excessive punctuation
• Suspicious links
• Off-topic rants

Report them via the app store consoles or use AppTweak’s bulk reporting tool.

If you want to get more app reviews that genuinely help your app grow, focus on ethical methods. Remember: for every 1-star review, you may need 7 five-star ones to maintain a 4.5+ rating. That’s a steep climb, so ensure you prevent negative and report fake reviews.

Key tools and platforms to increase app reviews

To scale your review strategy and protect your brand reputation, you need the right tools.

App review management platforms

Platforms like AppTweak’s App Reviews Manager consolidate review processes, automate replies, and offer AI-powered sentiment analysis, simplifying effective review management.

AppTweak’s App Reviews Manager allows you to:

• Automate replies: With custom rules based on language, star rating, or topic, AppTweak can automatically generate and send responses to reviews, saving your team time and ensuring no feedback goes unanswered.

• Monitor sentiment and topics:  Our review platform helps you detect emerging themes and tones in user reviews, so you quickly understand what’s working and what’s frustrating users in each region or app version.

• Integrate with CRMs like Zendesk and Salesforce: Once connected, AppTweak transforms reviews into actionable support tickets within your existing CRM, so your team can respond without switching platforms.

• Bulk reply across multiple languages: Using GPT-4, AppTweak helps you generate localized replies in the appropriate tone and language, then reply to batches of reviews at once.

In-app SDKs for feedback collection

Tools like SurveyMonkey and Braze SDKs make it easy to collect structured feedback before it and proactively resolve issues before they become negative reviews.

These tools are essential for consistently increasing app reviews and managing feedback loops effectively.

How to leverage app reviews to market your app and build trust

App reviews aren’t just for boosting rankings; they’re also one of the most powerful forms of marketing. Authentic feedback from real users builds trust, validates your app’s value, and can directly influence prospective users to install and engage. If you’re only using reviews for ASO purposes, you’re missing out on their full potential.

Here are smart ways to leverage your best app reviews beyond the app stores:

Feature reviews in your ads and landing pages

Highlight standout 4- and 5-star reviews in paid social campaigns, video ads, or landing pages. Choose quotes that showcase emotional reactions (“I use this every day!”), specific features (“Best budget tracker I’ve tried”), or time-saved outcomes. This adds credibility and acts as immediate social proof.

Add testimonials in onboarding flows

Reinforce trust with new users by including selected review snippets in onboarding screens or intro carousels. This shows early adopters that your app is loved and reliable, reducing churn in the first sessions. Bonus: You can localize testimonials by region or language using review filters.

Use reviews in lifecycle marketing

Integrate strong user quotes into your email sequences, especially win-back flows, referral campaigns, or product updates. A well-placed review in a “We miss you” email or post-update announcement can re-engage dormant users or motivate referrals with minimal effort.

Turn reviews into social media gold

If someone posts a glowing review or funny comment in the App Store or Play Store, screenshot and share it on your social platforms. Add design elements or use a UGC-style post to keep it authentic. This works particularly well for Twitter, Instagram Stories, or LinkedIn product announcements.

Showcase reviews in marketing materials

When pitching your app to investors or potential partners, include a few standout user quotes. It’s one of the most compelling ways to show traction and product-market fit without cherry-picked data. Real users advocating for your product speak louder than slides.

Conclusion

Boosting your app reviews requires more than just clever prompts: it takes strategic planning, ethical incentives, active engagement, and smart automation tools.

But the real long-term engine of growth? Building and nurturing a community of vocal, satisfied users. Their ongoing feedback fuels not just reviews, but stronger features, better retention, and sustainable visibility.

Now it’s your turn. Start implementing these tactics and watch your discoverability, visibility, and credibility improve.

Ready to take your app reviews to the next level?

Explore AppTweak’s App Reviews Manager to better manage and respond to reviews at scale!

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about increasing app reviews

Here are the answers to some popular questions on managing and scaling app store reviews.

How do I get more app reviews?

To get more app reviews, strategically use in-app prompts, streamline the review process, employ targeted email and push campaigns, offer ethical incentives, and actively engage users.

What is the best time to ask for app reviews?

The best time to ask for reviews is immediately following positive user experiences, such as task completions or successful engagement with key app features. Avoid prompting users after negative experiences or technical problems.

Can I incentivize users to leave reviews?

Yes, you can ethically incentivize reviews with minor rewards without explicitly requiring positive ratings. Direct incentives for positive reviews violate app store guidelines, leading potentially to penalties.

Are app reviews important for ASO?

Yes, app reviews are important for ASO. Reviews significantly influence App Store Optimization as they have a clear impact on discoverability, visibility, and ranking. Positive reviews boost discoverability, while negative reviews diminish visibility and conversion rates.

How can I automate app review collection?

Use review management tools like AppTweak’s App Reviews Manager, which integrates with CRM platforms and leverages AI to automate and efficiently scale your review collection and response processes.

How do I deal with fake app reviews?

Fake reviews typically contain repetitive language, excessive punctuation, and suspicious user accounts. If you believe you’ve encountered one, promptly report these reviews via official app store channels or specialized platforms.