In 2025, Google Play focuses on several key metrics and technical quality factors to determine an app or game’s visibility. The better your app performs in these areas, the higher its chances of being featured and discovered by users. Below is a breakdown of the core metrics before and after optimization, helping you understand how to improve your app’s ranking.
1. User Metrics and Engagement
Google Play uses user engagement metrics to assess app quality. The main factors include:
Core Metrics Before Optimization
- High user loss rate (Users uninstalling the app quickly)
- Low Daily Active Users (DAU) vs. Monthly Active Users (MAU) ratio
- Low user retention and engagement
Core Metrics After Optimization
✅ User loss rate below 5% (More users retaining the app)
✅ DAU/MAU ratio above 8% (More users engaging daily)
✅ Higher session time and positive user feedback
Action Steps:
✔ Improve onboarding experience
✔ Reduce intrusive ads
✔ Keep users engaged with regular updates and fresh content
2. Technical Quality (Stability & Performance)
Google Play evaluates stability and performance using crash reports, ANRs (App Not Responding errors), and device compatibility.
Core Metrics Before Optimization
- Frequent crashes & ANRs
- Slow loading times & poor responsiveness
- Low FPS and lag issues in rendering
Core Metrics After Optimization
✅ Minimal crashes and ANRs (Stable experience)
✅ Faster startup and loading times
✅ Consistent 60 FPS rendering (for apps) and 30+ FPS (for games)
Action Steps:
✔ Use Android Vitals to track and fix crashes
✔ Optimize startup time with baseline profiles
✔ Implement Game Mode API for better performance
3. Battery & Network Optimization
Efficient use of battery and network improves user experience, leading to better retention.
Core Metrics Before Optimization
- High battery consumption (users uninstall due to overheating)
- Excessive background data usage
Core Metrics After Optimization
✅ Optimized battery usage (Longer play sessions)
✅ Reduced background data consumption
Action Steps:
✔ Reduce frame rate during idle screens
✔ Use Game Mode API for better battery efficiency
✔ Optimize asset delivery using Play Asset Delivery
4. App Size & Update Freshness
Smaller apps and frequent updates improve user retention and discoverability.
Core Metrics Before Optimization
- Large app size (difficult for users to download/install)
- Infrequent updates (users miss improvements & bug fixes)
Core Metrics After Optimization
✅ Optimized app size (Users can install easily)
✅ Frequent updates with performance fixes
Action Steps:
✔ Use App Bundle format to reduce unnecessary downloads
✔ Implement in-app updates to keep users on the latest version
5. Release Management & Google Play Policies
A smooth rollout process prevents app failures and enhances ranking.
Core Metrics Before Optimization
- Buggy releases cause negative user feedback
- Sudden crashes after updates
Core Metrics After Optimization
✅ Stable releases with minimal issues
✅ Phased rollouts prevent major bugs
Action Steps:
✔ Use Firebase Remote Config to control features
✔ Monitor hourly metrics in Play Console
Final Thoughts
If your game or app meets Google Play’s quality standards in user engagement, performance, stability, battery efficiency, app size, and release management, its visibility will increase, leading to better rankings, organic growth, and potential featuring on the Play Store.
