You shipped your app. It's live on the App Store, Google Play, or both. But the review section is empty, and the download count reflects it. App stores are brutally review-driven — users scroll past apps with zero reviews, and the algorithm buries unreviewed apps. This guide is for app developers at day 1.
of users check ratings before downloading an app
won't consider an app with less than 4 stars
the first reviews determine your app's fate
App stores are different from web review platforms. Reviews directly impact ranking, users see ratings before anything else, and competitors with 100+ reviews dominate your category.
Once you have your first reviews, check out our guides on how to get more App Store reviews and how to get more Play Store reviews for strategies to scale.
Reviews directly impact ranking. App Store Optimization (ASO) algorithms weigh review count and rating heavily.
Users see ratings before anything else. Star rating is the first thing visible in search results and category listings.
No rating = no trust. Users skip apps with no ratings entirely. It's not even a conscious decision — it's instant.
The first 10 reviews set your trajectory. A 4.5+ average from your first 10 reviews establishes a baseline that's hard to break.
Zero reviews means invisible. Five reviews means viable. That's the gap you need to close first.
Before your app is even live, set the groundwork for reviews:
Use TestFlight (iOS) or Google Play's closed testing to get 20-50 beta testers. These people will be your first reviewers. For more on leveraging beta testers, read our guide on beta tester testimonials.
Nothing kills an app's rating faster than crashing. Your first reviews should be about features and value, not bugs. Don't rush to public release with known issues.
Both iOS and Android have native review prompt APIs. Implement them before launch — SKStoreReviewController for iOS, Google Play In-App Review API for Android.
Beta feedback, early testimonials, and landing page signups all count as social proof. Don't wait for the store listing to start.
Your beta testers are your first and best reviewers. They're invested in your app's success — they've given feedback, seen it improve, and feel ownership. Their reviews tend to be genuine and enthusiastic.
When transitioning from TestFlight to public release, message your beta group:
Similar approach, but note: reviews left during closed/open testing on Google Play are visible once you go to production. Encourage testers to leave reviews during the testing phase itself.
Beta testers can't leave App Store reviews from TestFlight. They need to download the public release. Make it easy — send them the direct link.
Both platforms have native APIs for requesting reviews. These are the highest-converting way to collect reviews — if you trigger them at the right moment.
In-app prompts are passive. For your first 10 reviews, be proactive:
A subtle banner: "Enjoying [App]? Rate us on the App Store — it takes 5 seconds."
Respond to reviews
Both App Store (via App Store Connect) and Google Play allow developer responses. Respond to every early review — it shows you're active and listening.
Fix negative feedback fast
If your first review is negative, fix the issue, update the app, and respond: "Thanks for the feedback. We fixed [issue] in version X.Y."
Import and amplify
Pull your best app reviews into Shoutjar. Display them on your website and landing page. Turn them into social content with the amplify feature.
Track your rating
Monitor your average rating closely in the first 30 days. If it drops below 4.0, prioritize bug fixes and UX improvements before pushing for more reviews.
Asking for a review on first launch = 1-star rating. Wait until the user has experienced value.
Showing "Are you enjoying the app?" and only sending happy users to the store. Apple explicitly bans this for iOS.
Both Apple and Google detect fake reviews and will remove your app entirely. Zero tolerance.
Early negative reviews damage your average dramatically when you have few reviews. Respond, fix, and follow up.
The in-app review API is the highest-converting way to get reviews. If you haven't implemented it, you're leaving reviews on the table.
Once you have your first reviews, read our guides on getting more App Store reviews and getting more Play Store reviews for strategies to grow organically.
The key insight: your first 10 reviews set the trajectory. Get them right, and growth compounds. Use other channels to build social proof from scratch while your app store reviews build.
Complete guide for businesses starting with zero proof.
Turn beta feedback into social proof before launch.
Automatically find reviews and mentions across the web.
Build credibility before your app even goes live.
Import your App Store and Google Play reviews into Shoutjar. Display them on your website and landing page. Amplify the best ones into social content. AI Translation for global app launches.
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Never on first launch. Wait until they've had 3-5 sessions or completed a meaningful action. The best time is right after a positive moment — completing a task, achieving a result, or using a key feature successfully.
Rating gates show a pre-screen like "Are you enjoying the app?" and only direct happy users to the store while routing unhappy users to a feedback form. Apple explicitly bans this practice on iOS and it can get your app rejected or removed.
Don't panic. Acknowledge the issue, explain what you're fixing, and update the app. Then respond publicly: "Thanks for the feedback. We fixed [issue] in version X.Y." Many users update their review after seeing a fix.
Not directly from TestFlight. Beta testers need to download the public version from the App Store to leave a review. Message your beta group when you go live with a direct link to your App Store listing.
Even 5 reviews make a significant difference compared to zero. Aim for 10-20 reviews in your first month to establish credibility. The rating matters more than the count — a 4.7 with 8 reviews is better than a 3.5 with 50.
Strategies for collecting your earliest testimonials.
Automatically find reviews and mentions across the web.
Free tool: Generate professional review request emails.
7 proven methods with email templates and timing tips.