Keyword Difficulty
A score estimating how hard it is to rank in the top results for a keyword, based on the strength of the apps already ranking for it.
What it means
Keyword difficulty is a 0–100 estimate of how competitive a keyword is. A high score means strong, established apps already rank for it, so a new app faces an uphill climb; a low score means the ranking apps are weaker and there is a realistic opening.
Difficulty is most useful paired with popularity (search demand). The best targets — especially for new or growing apps — combine low difficulty with meaningful search volume, so ranking actually produces downloads.
How the score reads
A low score: the apps currently ranking are relatively weak, so a newer app with relevant metadata has a realistic chance to break into the top results.
- 0–30 · Low / rankable— approachable for newer apps with solid, relevant metadata.
- 31–60 · Moderate— winnable with effort, strong metadata, and some traction.
- 61–100 · Hard— dominated by established apps; usually requires an entrenched listing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good keyword difficulty score?
Lower is easier. As a rough guide, scores under about 30 are low-competition and approachable for newer apps, 30–60 are moderately competitive, and above 60 are hard and usually require an established, well-optimized app.
Are keyword difficulty scores official Apple or Google data?
No. Difficulty is a model estimate derived from public app-store data — the apps ranking for the term, their strength, and related signals. Use it directionally and validate against your own category.