Every day, millions of users write app reviews. Most developers only read reviews of their own apps. But if you're trying to build something new, the reviews of other people's apps are far more valuable.
App Store and Google Play reviews are free, public, and brutally honest market research. Here's how to read them like a product researcher.
Why Low-Rating Reviews Are Gold
Five-star reviews are mostly noise: "Love this app!" "So helpful!" "Best app ever!" They don't tell you anything actionable.
One and two-star reviews are where the insights live. These users cared enough to download an app, try it, get frustrated, and then spend time writing about their frustration. That's a high bar of engagement. When someone writes a 1-star review, they're telling you exactly what a competitor could do better.
