Last Updated: March 2023
App ranking factors on Apple App Store vs Google Play Store
When it comes to mobile app stores, there are two main players: the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Both platforms are incredibly popular and offer a wide variety of apps, but they each have their own unique ranking factors that determine how apps are ranked and displayed to users.
On the Apple App Store, one of the most important ranking factors is the app’s user ratings and reviews. The more positive ratings and reviews an app has, the higher it will be ranked in the store. This means that developers need to focus on providing a high-quality user experience in order to gain positive ratings and reviews.
Another important ranking factor on the Apple App Store is the app’s download numbers. The more downloads an app has, the higher it will be ranked in the store. This means that developers need to focus on marketing and promoting their app in order to increase its download numbers.
In addition to user ratings and reviews and download numbers, the Apple App Store also takes into account an app’s relevance to the user’s search query. For example, if a user searches for “fitness apps,” the store will display apps that are relevant to fitness, rather than apps that are unrelated to the search query.
On the Google Play Store, one of the most important ranking factors is the app’s user ratings and reviews. Just like on the Apple App Store, the more positive ratings and reviews an app has, the higher it will be ranked in the store. This means that developers need to focus on providing a high-quality user experience in order to gain positive ratings and reviews.
Another important ranking factor on the Google Play Store is the app’s engagement levels. The more engaged users are with an app, the higher it will be ranked in the store. This means that developers need to focus on creating engaging and interactive app experiences in order to increase user engagement.
In addition to user ratings and reviews and engagement levels, the Google Play Store also takes into account an app’s relevance to the user’s search query. Just like on the Apple App Store, if a user searches for “fitness apps,” the store will display apps that are relevant to fitness, rather than apps that are unrelated to the search query.
Overall, both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store use similar ranking factors to determine how apps are ranked and displayed to users. User ratings and reviews, download numbers (for the Apple App Store) and engagement levels (for the Google Play Store), and relevance to the user’s search query are all important factors that developers need to consider when trying to improve their app’s ranking in the store. By focusing on providing high-quality user experiences, increasing downloads or engagement, and ensuring that their app is relevant to the user’s search query, developers can improve their app’s ranking and visibility in the app store.