13 clever examples on how to ask for app reviews [copy/paste templates]

Getting app reviews can feel like pulling teeth for most businesses. At the same time, how can you attract more customers well if you don’t have a sparkling reputation? You’ve built a great product, but when it comes to getting users to leave a review, it’s crickets. Users are busy, distracted, and rarely think about leaving feedback—unless prompted. Everyone hates a pop-up though. What a conundrum!

Not trying to get reviews, however, is a huge missed opportunity. 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions.

Wondering how to get app reviews, many businesses are stuck using generic “Leave us a review!” messages.

Here's the truth: it doesn’t work.

You need smarter ways to ask for app reviews. That’s why we’ve put together 13 examples of how to ask for reviews in a way that encourages users to leave feedback without inducing a spontaneous urge to delete your app.

What is an app review request?

A review request is when you ask users (nicely) to rate your app and leave feedback. You can do this in two ways: using a built-in, "native" request provided by Apple or Android or by showing them a little prompt first, called a "pre-request."

The native request is super straightforward—just a pop-up that asks users to leave a rating directly in the app.

Native request. Image source.

Simple.

But if you want to soften the ask, you can use a pre-request, like a "Hey, mind giving us a review?" If they say yes, the real review request pops up. Everyone does it, and it’s an okay approach. What’s more, both Android and iOS development frameworks have features that can easily enable this for your app.

Pre-request. Image source.

Why improve reviews & ratings for your app?

Should you be obsessed with improving your app’s reviews and ratings? Within reason, but yes. Speaking of reasons, here are a few why focusing on them is a good idea:

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• Boosts brand image
  First impressions matter. When users see your app’s page on the App Store, the first thing they notice is your reviews and ratings. If your app has glowing reviews and high ratings, users trust your brand more. If the ratings are low, they’ll look elsewhere. A no-brainer, really—would you download a game with a 3.1-star rating or 4.8? Yup.
• Improves visibility
  Good reviews impact your ranking too. App stores, like Google Play and the App Store, use your ratings and reviews to rank your app for keywords. A higher rating increases your chances of ranking higher. If your app ranks low due to poor ratings, it’s much harder for users to find it. That happens even if your star rating is alright, which is a bummer!
• Drives downloads
  Did you know that 79% of users check reviews and ratings before downloading an app? If your app has positive reviews, it stands out, and users are more likely to download it, at least to just try it—and that’s already a big win! Keeping users is often easier than luring them in. But, what if you’ve got a ton of negative reviews? No luck, they’ll go elsewhere. Getting positive app store reviews is one of the best ways to influence more downloads without spending a fortune on marketing.
• Cuts costs
  Word-of-mouth has always been a powerful marketing tool. If your gran says that place has the best bread in the world, how can you not believe her? Positive reviews from real users are basically free marketing. Who needs ad campaigns when you have them? If users trust your reviews, they’re more likely to download your app based on recommendations rather than flashy ads.
• Improves UX
  Contextual feedback through in-app review prompts is a win-win. Users don’t have to leave the app to give feedback, and you get real-time insights.

So yes, asking for a pat on the back is a good idea, but always ask at the right moment. Timely, in-app review prompts can make a huge difference. Now, the question is, how do you do it? As it turns out, there are loads of ways to do it well. Here’s how!

How to ask for reviews: 13 app review request examples to steal

Asking for reviews can feel awkward, like asking a friend for a favor, but it’s a must for the success of your app. Fortunately, some brands have turned what could be a dull “Please leave a review” moment into something fun, creative, and even entertaining. After seeing many review requests over the years (bread and butter!), here are some of the best, most creative ones I’ve come across—and why they work.

1. Uber: “Rate Your Trip” With Stars

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Uber’s review system is simple but brilliant. After every ride, the app prompts you to rate your experience with a star system. It’s quick, easy, and right in front of your face as soon as you end the trip. No annoying pop-up, no unnecessary words. Just tap a star.

Why I love it? It’s frictionless and fast—two key elements in getting

reviews. Uber got the timing and the minimal design right. You’ve just finished your ride, you’re likely in a good mood, and it’s easy to tap that star. No fuss, just feedback. Or, you can quickly tap a one-star and report the driver if something less-than-pleasant happens. At any rate, it’s right there!

So, as you take your Uber rides, you get used to that. At some point, Uber will ask you to rate them as well, within the app’s interface between your rides. That’s when the force of habits kicks in, and you do it.

2. Headspace: “How’s Your Head Today?”

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The meditation app, Headspace, takes a much more personalized approach. Instead of just throwing stars at you, they start by asking, “How’s your head today?” It feels warm and human, not transactional. Depending on your response, they’ll gently guide you toward leaving feedback in the app store.

Why I love it? It’s good because it feels like a real check-in, like the app actually cares about your well-being. In many ways, it actually does! Plus, it’s a lot more likely to make you smile (and leave a good review) compared to a generic “Rate us” pop-up. The thoughtful touch makes a difference.

3. Slack: "We Don’t Want to Bug You, But..."

Slack, the messaging app, uses humor in their review requests. One of my favorite prompts they use is: “We don’t want to bug you, but if you’ve got a sec, would you mind rating us?” It’s playful, polite, and makes you feel they’re not trying to pressure you.

Why I love it? The self-awareness. Slack knows how annoying constant pop-ups can be, and by acknowledging that, they make the request feel more human. You don’t feel like they’re demanding a review—it’s more of a friendly ask. They say a kind word goes a long way, and if you’re a stressed out of your mind person communicating through Slack, that just might be it.

4. Duolingo: “You’re Crushing It!”

Duolingo, the language-learning app, knows how to make you feel good. After completing a lesson or milestone, you get a pop-up with a fun, celebratory message like, “You’re crushing it!” Along with that little dopamine hit, they slip in a request for a review: “Take a moment to rate us?”

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Why I love it? Timing is everything. They hit you up for a review when you’re on a high, feeling successful. You’re much more likely to leave a glowing review when you’re already feeling like a champ, having learned a little bit more in Klingon or Gaelic. Besides that, Duolingo’s Social Media team has the best memes out there, and the general sentiment towards the app is very positive. Rating the app requests is something that comes naturally to this company.

5. Tinder: “Swipe Right If You Love Us”

No surprise—Tinder keeps it on-brand by using their iconic "swipe" mechanic in their review requests. Instead of just a boring pop-up, they’ll hit you with a message: “Swipe right if you love us! Want to rate Tinder in the app store?”

Why I love it? It’s just so Tinder. Swiping is their entire thing, and it feels fun and consistent with their whole brand identity. You’re already swiping left and right, so why not swipe right for a review? Or left—if you’re disillusioned with the app and the dating world in general! You get both camps here.

6. Spotify: “Thanks For Listening”

Spotify’s review prompts are simple but hit the right note (pun intended). After listening to a few songs or a playlist, they might send you a message like, “Thanks for listening! Enjoying Spotify? Leave us a review!”

Why I love it? It’s minimal. It doesn’t feel pushy, and it’s triggered after you’ve had a good user experience. You listen to some music, you have a good time, and the app is something you use every day during your commute. Why not rate? Why not give a bit of this enjoyment back? That’s how they getcha.

7. Canva: “Help Us Get Better!”

Canva keeps things real with their review requests. Instead of being overly enthusiastic, they ask users, “Help us get better! How would you rate your experience?” This type of review prompt gives off a vibe of continuous improvement and makes the user feel like their opinion truly matters.

Why I love it? It’s direct but not pushy. Canva is essentially saying, “We care about your feedback, and we want to improve.” It feels genuine, and that makes it easy to tap a few stars. Besides that, as an avid Canva user, I can testify: that the app did improve a LOT over the last few years. One has to wonder if the app reviews were the driver behind that. Spoiler alert: they were.

8. Calm: “Did That Feel Good?”

Calm, another meditation app, leans into the whole soothing vibe they’re known for. After a session, they ask, “Did that feel good?”—a perfect lead into asking for a rating or review. It’s gentle and in line with their branding—a natural part of the app experience.

Why I love it? The tone is on-point with what you expect from a relaxation app. It feels like a continuation of the experience rather than an interruption, which is key to not annoying your users. By now you can see the general formula these successful apps all have in common: deliver a quality service, wait for a bit, and then ask.

9. Dropbox: “How’s Our Service So Far?”

Dropbox goes for a more service-based approach with its review prompts. They ask, “How’s our service so far?” This makes it feel less about rating an app and more about providing feedback on the service itself, which feels customer-centric.

Why I love it? Dropbox makes you feel like more than just a number. They’re not asking for a quick, superficial review—they’re genuinely curious about how the service is working for you. That makes users feel more compelled to share. Also, note—”how is it so far?” is basically something that means “you’re here with us for a while”, which is absolutely true. Dropbox, not even once.

10. Grammarly: “Is Your Writing Improving?”

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Grammarly is all about helping you improve your writing, and they tie their review request directly to that mission. After using the app, they might ask, “Is your writing improving?” If you’re happy with the app, they encourage you to leave feedback.

Why I love it? It’s so on-brand! Grammarly knows why you’re using the app—to become a better writer—and they tap into that goal when asking for a review. It’s a clever way to link their core value with the review request.

11. Asana: “Has Asana Helped You Stay On Track?”

Asana, a project management tool, knows their users rely on it to stay organized and productive. Their review request reflects that, asking, “Has Asana helped you stay on track?” It feels like a personal check-in, and if the answer is “yes,” the user is guided to leave a review.

Why I love it? This is a perfect example of aligning the review request with the app’s purpose. If Asana has helped you stay on track, you’ll likely be in a good mood and willing to leave positive feedback.

12. Netflix: “Enjoying Your Binge?”

Netflix, the king of streaming, occasionally pops up with a request like, “Enjoying your binge? Rate us!” It’s timed perfectly for when you’re deep in a series and still in the glow of entertainment. They ask for a review when you’re already fully engaged in their platform.

Why I love it? It’s casual and fits the mood of Netflix’s user base. When you’re already having fun, it doesn’t feel like a hassle to leave a quick review. Besides that, calling us out binging…well, they’re not wrong.

13. Zova's emojified rating request

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Zova’s emojified rating request is a fun twist on the usual review prompt! Instead of plain old stars, they use emojis to gauge how users feel. If someone picks the heart-eyes emoji (basically saying they love the app), they’re asked to leave a review in the App Store. On the flip side, if a user selects the frowning face, they’re sent to a feedback form to share what went wrong. We’re seeing this approach getting used more and more often, and why not—you can convey so much through emojis alone.

When is the right time to prompt users for reviews

If you want to raise app reviews, you need to be strategic, obviously. Here's what I’ve learned, and Apple’s own best practices back this up.

1️⃣ Never ask for a review on the first launch or during onboarding.

Users are still figuring out your app at this stage. Asking them for feedback too soon can feel intrusive. You want them to form a real opinion before dropping the "If you like this app, please rate us 5 stars!" line. Besides that, why would you ever rate an app that you are not even familiar with? That’s how you get bad reviews.

Instead, wait until users are actively engaged. For example, after they’ve completed a key task, like finishing a game level or reaching a milestone in a productivity app. That’s when they’re most likely to feel positive about their experience—the perfect moment to drop an app review prompt.

2️⃣ Another golden rule: don’t interrupt users during critical tasks.

If users are in the middle of something stressful or time-sensitive, a sudden app rating prompt is going to annoy them. And you don’t want annoyed users leaving reviews, right? Instead, find those natural breaks in activity, like after they’ve completed a transaction.

3️⃣ Lastly, don’t be a pest. Repeated prompts can backfire, big time. Give users time to breathe. If they don’t respond to the first iOS app review prompt, don’t hammer them with another right away. Let at least a week or two pass before asking again, and only after they’ve engaged with the app further.

Dan Counsell from Realmac Software shares how Clear for iOS handles the “Rate app” prompt in a smart way. The pop-up only appears after conditions are met: the user must have used the app for a few weeks and completed all remaining tasks from their list.

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10 tactics to get more reviews and improve app ratings

We’re not done yet! In this section, I’m going to share the best tips on how to get more reviews and improve app ratings. Some of these might seem super obvious, but it’s shocking how many brands completely ignore them.

1. Make leaving reviews easy

We all know how hard it can be to get a user to leave a review. But when they finally decide to (yes, miracles do happen!), the last thing you want is to lose them with a complicated process. Here’s how to make it as smooth as possible.

When a user is ready to leave a review, the path should look something like this:

• They finish using your app and feel satisfied.
• You trigger a simple pop-up asking them to leave a rating—just stars, no extra steps ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
• If they select a high rating, give them the option to leave more detailed feedback with a full review.

This whole flow should happen without them leaving the app. You can also offer a quick survey or feedback option as an alternative if they’re in a hurry.

2. Start the conversation

Don’t just wait around for customers to magically leave reviews. You’ve got to spark the conversation yourself. How? Simple! Just start asking questions when they’re checking out or wrapping up their experience. It’s all about creating those little moments to ask for feedback. Here are some easy questions to kick it off:

• "Did you find everything you were looking for today?"
• "First time using [product they’re buying]?"
• "How’s that [product]? I’ve tried [similar product], but I haven’t tried this one yet!"

The key here is to make it casual, like you’re genuinely interested in their experience. This opens the door for a smooth review request. Once they’re chatting, you’ve got your opportunity to ask for that review.

3. Don’t be pushy

If someone says something nice about your business, don’t jump right in with “Can you leave a review?” Too soon! It’ll come off as you not actually caring about their experience, and that’s the opposite of what you want.

You need to get reviews naturally.

Instead, read the vibe. If their response is short, don’t push it. But if they’re giving you positive feedback and seem chatty, keep the conversation going. Then, when the time’s right, slide in with a casual review request.

For example, you could say:
"Thanks for the feedback! We love sharing this with other customers. If you’re up for it, it’d be awesome if you could share what you said in a [platform name] review."

4. Use App Store Optimization (ASO) to increase downloads

Alright, I’ve got a ton of experience with App Store Optimization (ASO), but let’s keep it simple here since this article isn’t a deep dive into ASO. I’ll give you the basics so you can make sure your app gets more eyeballs—and with more eyeballs come more downloads, which means better chances of scoring those sweet reviews.

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So, how do you not just improve app ratings but also make sure people even see your app? It’s all about leveraging ASO the right way. Here's a quick guide:

• Optimize your app title: make sure it’s clear, catchy, and includes relevant keywords.
• Add relevant media: use screenshots and videos to show off what your app looks like and how it works.
• Optimize your app description: pack it with important info and sprinkle in some keywords—but keep it user-friendly.
  
• Use a killer app icon: It should be memorable and stand out. Seriously, don’t skip this one.

Why does this matter? More traffic = more downloads = more reviews. Doing ASO the right way increases mobile app retention.

5. Run contests for reviews

A fun way to incentivize users is by running a contest. We haven’t fully tested this yet but have seen great examples from other companies.

The idea is simple: offer a prize (like a gift card or a premium feature) for leaving a review. Users enter by posting their usernames, and you select a winner at random.

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To keep things totally transparent, make sure you show who’s entered the contest and how you’re picking the winner. A fun way to do this is by tossing everyone’s usernames into a spreadsheet, giving each a number, and then using Random.org to pick a winner. Don’t forget to snap a screenshot of the results to show there’s no funny business going on!

There are different ways to launch such a campaign starting from in-app, email, and WhatsApp messages to posting on platforms like Reddit or app development forums to gather initial reviews.

6. Provide excellent support, then ask for reviews

Great customer support can turn a bad experience into a great review. Even if a user is frustrated, if you provide quick, helpful support, you’re set. Use a combination of tools like live chat, a knowledge base, and chatbots to provide real-time, in-app support. This way, users can get help fast, whether they need to talk to someone or find the answer themselves.

Here’s a great example from one of our clients, a game app.

A user had trouble with the sign-in feature and left a frustrated one-star review. But our client quickly walked the user through the fix and resolved the issue. After that, they gently followed up with the user, asking for a 5-star review if everything was working smoothly now.

And guess what? Five stars!

So, how to get app reviews from unhappy users? Turn their bad experience into a win with excellent support, then politely ask for an updated review once the issue is resolved. It’s all about creating that turnaround moment!

7. Gamify the review process

Gamification is one of the most fun ways to get users to leave reviews. Who doesn’t love a little reward for sharing feedback? From my experience working with clients, offering things like discounts, bonus content, or access to premium features is a game-changer for reviews.

Example: after users completed a tough level, they’d get a pop-up offering extra in-app points in exchange for leaving a review. It works like magic—users love the reward, and the app sees a huge increase in reviews.

The silent majority—those users who enjoy your app but never leave feedback—can be tough to crack. But with (positive) incentives, you can get them talking. Here are some easy gamification ideas:

• Offer discounts: “Rate our app and get 10% off your next purchase!”
• 
• Unlock premium features: give access to exclusive features in exchange for a review.
• In-app currency: for games, offer extra coins, points, or rewards
• Exclusive content: Let users unlock special content or levels when they rate the app.

Gamification turns asking for reviews into a fun, rewarding experience. Users get something they want, and you get more reviews.

8. Target influencers for app reviews

The idea is to partner with influencers in your niche and ask them to mention or review your app. It could be in the form of a sponsored post, a mention in a video, or even a full review. I’ve seen companies succeed with influencer marketing. It’s next on our list, especially since social proof can have a massive impact on user trust and download rates.

Here’s a real-life example:

9. Use multiple channels to request reviews

When getting app store reviews, sticking to just one method is a missed opportunity. You can get user reviews across multiple channels—email, SMS, push notifications, and even live chat. From my experience working with Appfollow clients, relying solely on in-app pop-ups or email limits your reach. So, why not expand?

For example, email marketing has been super effective for many of our clients. We often include a simple call-to-action in newsletters, asking users to leave a review. But why stop there? Consider other methods:

• Push Notifications. You can trigger push notifications after users complete a significant action in the app. If a user misses the initial in-app prompt, send them a friendly notification to remind them. How to ask for a 5-star rating example: "Loving your experience? Tap here to leave us a 5-star review!"
• Messengers. This one’s a powerhouse. With an open rate of 98%, WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram are solid ways to get app reviews. I’ve seen clients reach users who might not interact with emails or in-app messages. Send a quick text with a link to your app’s review page. Users love quick, direct messages, especially when it takes only a few seconds to leave a review.
• Live chat is great for following up after customer service interactions. If a user had an issue resolved quickly, it’s the perfect time to ask for a review. Something like, “Glad we could help! If you’re happy with our service, we’d love a quick review.”

Don’t rely on just one method. Different users respond to different touchpoints, and by spreading out your review request across multiple channels, you’ll increase your chances of success.

10. Prioritize users with bad experiences

Negative feedback happens. But instead of shying away from it, you should face it head-on. From my experience with Appfollow clients, it’s always better to address negative reviews proactively.

Users who have had a bad experience might leave a one-star review, but that doesn’t mean all is lost. Resolving their issue and following up can lead users to update their reviews to five stars.

Another example. A user gave them a one-star review due to an issue with in-game purchases. Instead of ignoring it, the client reached out through live chat, resolved the problem, and followed up with a 5-star review request: “Glad we could fix that! If everything’s working fine now, would you mind updating your review to 5 stars?”

This approach showed potential users that the company cares about feedback.

Here’s how to handle negative reviews:

• Identify the most critical issues: focus on users who gave one or two stars. These are the people who are most at risk of churning.
• Use personalized outreach: reach out via email or in-app chat to offer help. Once the problem is fixed, politely ask them if they’d be willing to update their review.
• Collect insights: pay attention to patterns in negative feedback. This can help improve your app’s performance and prevent similar issues from affecting future reviews.

Turn power users into product champions

To turn your app users into product champions, focus on creating great experiences and asking for feedback at the right moments. Here’s a quick summary of how to get more reviews:

- Make leaving reviews easy with in-app prompts.

- Use multiple channels like email, SMS, and push notifications.

- Time your review request after users complete a key action.

- Offer rewards or gamify the process for extra engagement.

- Always provide great support and follow up on issues.

For more ideas, check out how to ask for reviews examples and start turning happy users into your biggest advocates!

FAQ on how to ask for user reviews

How do you politely ask someone to write a review?

Be friendly and appreciative like, "Hey, we’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’ve enjoyed using [app/product], would you mind leaving us a quick review? It helps us a lot!". Find more examples in the post.

How do you write a review request?

• Clearly state what you’re asking for.
• Use the user’s name and mention their interaction.
• Let them know how much their feedback helps.
• Encourage reviews with a small reward. “Leave a review and get 10% off your next purchase!”
• Keep it short and simple.
• Provide an easy, clickable link or button to the review page.

Check this post for more strategies to boost the chances of getting app reviews effectively.

How to ask for reviews through text?

Make it direct: "Hey! Loved using [app]? We’d love a quick review. Just tap here to share your thoughts. Thanks!" Find more examples in the post.

How do you ask for feedback and review?

When asking for feedback and reviews, make it personal and polite. Example: "Thanks for choosing [app/product]! We value your feedback. If you have a moment, could you leave a review or let us know how we can improve?" Find more recommendations in the post.