When to Show
In-App Surveys
The exact same survey can feel helpful or annoying depending entirely on when it appears. Timing is the single biggest factor in survey success.
Quick Answer
Show surveys after positive moments, never during tasks. The best triggers are: completing an action, reaching a milestone, returning after time away, or after multiple successful sessions. Avoid: app launch, during checkout, after errors, or mid-task.
Why timing matters so much
Users in different mental states respond completely differently to the same survey.
Positive state
Just accomplished something. Feeling good about the app. Open to reflection.
Neutral state
Browsing casually. No strong feelings either way. Might engage if easy.
Negative state
Frustrated by an error. Interrupted mid-task. Will resent the interruption.
Your goal: catch users in positive or neutral states. Never interrupt negative moments.
When to show surveys
These moments consistently deliver high response rates.
After completing a task
User just accomplished something. They're in a good mood and have a moment before moving on. This is peak survey time.
- After saving a document
- After sending a message
- After completing a purchase
- After finishing a workout
After reaching a milestone
Milestones are natural pause points where users reflect on their progress. They feel accomplished and are receptive to feedback requests.
- 10th order placed
- First week as a user
- Level completed in a game
- Goal achieved (steps, calories, etc.)
Returning after time away
Users who return after a break are re-engaging with your app. It's a natural moment to check in without interrupting a flow.
- First session in 7+ days
- Returning after app update
- Reactivating after trial ended
After multiple sessions
Users who've had 3-5 sessions have real experience with your app. They can give meaningful feedback without being total newbies.
- 5th session overall
- After 3 uses of a specific feature
- After cumulative 30 minutes in app
After a positive interaction
When users explicitly indicate satisfaction (like resolving a support ticket marked "helpful"), strike while the iron is hot.
- After rating content positively
- After successful customer support
- After sharing something from the app
When NOT to show surveys
These moments guarantee low response rates and user frustration.
Immediately on app launch
Users haven't done anything yet. They have nothing to say about an experience they haven't had. Plus, they're trying to use your app for a reason.
During checkout or sign-up
Users are in the middle of a critical flow. Any interruption risks abandonment. Wait until after they've completed the transaction.
Right after an error
Users are already frustrated. A survey at this moment feels tone-deaf at best, insulting at worst. Give them time to recover.
While content is loading
Users are waiting for something they want. Showing them something they didn't ask for during that wait is frustrating.
Mid-task interruption
Never interrupt users while they're typing, dragging, or otherwise actively engaged in an action. Let them finish first.
On first-time feature use
Users are still learning how the feature works. They need more experience before they can give useful feedback.
Timing for different apps
Different app types have different optimal trigger points.
E-commerce apps
- After order confirmation
- After item delivery (if trackable)
- After adding items to wishlist
- After successful return/exchange
Fitness & health apps
- After completing a workout
- After hitting a weekly goal
- After 7-day streak
- After logging for a week straight
Productivity apps
- After completing a task/project
- After successful sync/save
- After first week of use
- After exporting/sharing work
Social & messaging apps
- After posting content
- After receiving positive engagement
- After successful group creation
- After reconnecting with a friend
Finance apps
- After successful transaction
- After reaching a savings goal
- After bill payment confirmation
- After monthly statement view
Media & streaming apps
- After finishing a show/movie
- After creating a playlist
- After discovering new content
- After binge session ends
How often to show surveys
Even perfect timing fails if you ask too often.
Minimum gap between surveys
Even if a user hits multiple triggers, never show more than one survey per month. Users remember being asked.
Per session maximum
Never show more than one survey in a single session, no matter how many triggers they hit.
Then stop asking
If a user dismisses surveys three times, they've clearly communicated they don't want to participate. Respect that.
FeedbackWall trigger system
Set up timing rules without writing complex logic.
Event-based triggers
Fire surveys after specific events in your app. Call a single line of code when the event happens.
Built-in frequency limits
Set minimum days between surveys directly in the dashboard. The SDK handles the rest.
Sample rate control
Show surveys to only a percentage of users who hit triggers, reducing overall survey fatigue.
Dashboard management
Change trigger settings without app updates. Adjust timing based on response data.
Common questions
When is the best time to show in-app surveys?
After positive moments: completing tasks, reaching milestones, or after multiple successful sessions. Never during tasks or after errors.
How often should I show surveys to users?
Maximum once per 30 days per user. Even if they hit multiple triggers, maintain this minimum gap.
Should I show surveys on first app launch?
No. Users have no experience to share yet and are trying to use your app. Wait until they've had meaningful interactions.
What if users keep dismissing my surveys?
After 3 dismissals, stop showing surveys to that user. They've clearly communicated they don't want to participate.
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