In recent years, there has been a rise in mobile apps offering some form of compensation to users for leaving positive ratings and reviews in the app stores. Known as “review bonuses” or “rewards,” these programs aim to incentivize users to boost the app’s visibility and search rankings by increasing its number of ratings and reviews.
But are review bonus programs a legitimate and ethical practice? And are they actually worthwhile for users to participate in? Below we dive into the details around app store review rewards to help you decide.
Prevalence of Review Bonuses
Why Apps Offer Rewards
For app developers and casinos like Gold Spin Casino, positive ratings and reviews are critical for supporting organic discoverability and driving new downloads. The higher an app’s overall rating and the more ratings and reviews it has accumulated, the more visibility it can gain in the app stores’ search algorithms and charts.
To rapidly build up engagement in the form of ratings and reviews, more and more apps have begun offering users compensation for taking the time to leave feedback. Common rewards include:
- Virtual currency or credits to unlock premium app features
- Real currency via PayPal or gift cards
- Entries into prize draws and contests
- Unlocking exclusive content or abilities within the app
Review Rewards Have Grown Popular
These reward programs have increased in popularity recently among both apps and users:
- A 2021 study found 49% of apps on iOS offered some form of compensation for ratings and reviews
- 65% of US smartphone users report having received rewards before from apps
- Particularly popular in gaming, social networking and shopping apps
The concept continues to gain adoption, as developers have found it to be an effective user acquisition and engagement tactic when executed properly.
Are Review Bonus Programs Legitimate?
Review rewards aren’t explicitly forbidden under app store policies. However, incentivization tactics still operate in gray areas when it comes to ethics and legitimacy.
Potential Violations
While direct pay-for-ratings schemes clearly violate app store rules, rewards for “voluntary” reviews after certain usage milestones generally do not. However, app stores still discourage anything that could undermine rating authenticity. Violations developers should avoid include:
- Paying direct cash rewards for 5-star ratings
- Requiring users leave positive reviews to access basic app functions
- Penalizing users who leave negative feedback
Overly aggressive approaches like these can get apps removed from the stores entirely.
Authenticity Concerns
Even when executed carefully to satisfy app store requirements, review bonuses still raise questions around ethics and authenticity.
- Ratings/reviews may become biased, not reflecting genuine user experiences
- Perception that ratings are “bought,” damaging app credibility
- Potential for actual app quality to decline if positive ratings are artificially inflated
Ultimately the legitimacy depends a lot on how forthright the incentives are presented to users.
Are App Review Bonuses Worth It for Users?
Users who encounter apps offering compensation for ratings and reviews may wonder — is it actually worth taking the time to participate?
Potential Upsides
- Requires little effort for chance to win prizes or app currency
- Unlocks exclusive content and features to enhance app experience
- Easy passive income if rewards are monetary
Downsides to Consider
- Odds of winning contests may be extremely low
- Rewarded app currency often has little real value
- PayPal/gift card rewards often have high cashout minimums
Users should read the fine print to understand potential rewards and ensure the work required is commensurate.
Best Practices for Review Reward Programs
For developers implementing review incentive programs, there are certain best practices that can help enhance legitimacy:
| Practice | Description |
| Transparent Communication | Clearly state incentive rules and conditions directly within the app interface. |
| Fair Compensation | Ensure the reward value appropriately matches the effort to avoid appearing exploitative. |
| Honor Negative Feedback | Do not penalize users who leave less than 5-star feedback to encourage rating honesty.
|
Following these kinds of principles, along with app store guidelines, can help review rewards programs feel more legitimate to users.
Benefits Outweigh Concerns
When balancing the potential upsides for driving app visibility against rating authenticity concerns, most evidence suggests review reward programs still benefit both developers and honest users.
As long as proper care is taken around execution and transparency, these incentive models will likely only continue growing in adoption across app categories. Users should remain cautiously open-minded when encountering apps offering compensation for ratings.