Content ratings are a mandatory requirement for major app store providers, including the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. These ratings are crucial for implementing parental controls and ensuring content is appropriately categorized for users of all ages.
This article outlines the mandatory nature of content ratings for major app stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, emphasizing their role in parental controls and content categorization.
In this article:
- Things to know before you start
- Apple App Store ratings
- Google Play Store ratings
- Your continuous obligation to update ratings
Things to know before you start
Vimeo does not and can not determine your app’s rating, and does not monitor changes to your content. As the channel owner, you are solely accountable for the accuracy of all information that determines your app's final rating. Furthermore, you must promptly re-evaluate and update these ratings immediately following any changes to your content or features.
Apple App Store ratings
Apple uses a content questionnaire to generate the rating for your app. The rating is determined by the presence and frequency of specific content descriptors or features, like violence, mature themes, or user-generated content.
For your app to be hosted on the Apple App Store, you must complete the mandatory questionnaire in App Store Connect to get a rating. Unrated apps cannot be published in the App Store. The ratings enable parents and guardians to restrict access to apps on their children’s devices.
Please refer directly to guidance from the Apple App Store for detailed information about definitions and regional differences, and requirements.
Google Play Store ratings
Google uses the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system to provide globally recognized ratings. This system uses a dynamic questionnaire to generate a global rating that is then displayed using local standards (e.g., ESRB in North America or PEGI in Europe).
Google treats unrated apps like high-maturity apps for parental controls. If parental controls are set to restrict high-rated content, unrated apps will become unavailable. To prevent your app from being listed as Unrated, you must complete the questionnaire as soon as possible. Google also distinguishes between content rating (maturity level) and Interactive Features (e.g., sharing location, allowing interaction with others). You must accurately report these features to ensure accurate age ratings for your apps.
For detailed definitions of the IARC system and regional standards, please consult the official Google Play Store content ratings reference.
Your continuous obligation to update ratings
It is your responsibility and continuous obligation to maintain an accurate age rating for your application. If your channel’s content or functionality changes (for example, you enable comments, live engagements, or community forums, or introduce content themes that include frequent profanity or mature reference), you must:
- Re-assess your content against each app store platform’s rating criteria.
- Log in to the app store platform to update your app’s rating questionnaire responses.
Failure to update a rating to reflect higher maturity content may result in the app store removing or suspending your app until the rating is corrected.