App ratings are crucial for mobile apps because they directly influence visibility in app stores, shape user trust, and drive downloads—all of which are essential for growth and long-term success. However, developers cannot ask users for ratings too often because both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store enforce strict limits on how frequently native rating popups can be shown. Also over-requesting can frustrate users, leading to negative reviews or app uninstalls.
To address this challenge, many apps use a pre-popup dialog—an in-app message that gauges the user’s willingness to rate—before triggering the official rating popup. This approach ensures that only genuinely engaged and satisfied users are prompted to leave a review, maximizing positive feedback while safeguarding the user experience and store compliance.