Keyword difficulty checker
See how hard it is to rank for any keyword on the App Store and Google Play — scored 0–100, free, no account needed. Runs on ASOTrendHQ's catalog of 235k+ tracked keywords.
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How keyword difficulty is scored
Keyword difficulty is a 0–100 score that estimates how hard it is to rank in the top app-store results for a given keyword. A higher score means the apps currently ranking are strong and well-optimized, so breaking in takes more work. A lower score means the competition is weaker and a new or growing app has a realistic shot. Pair difficulty with search volume: the best targets combine low difficulty with meaningful volume.
How to read the scores
- Difficulty (0–100): under ~30 is a realistic target for most apps; 30–60 is moderate; 60+ is highly competitive.
- Popularity (0–100): estimated search interest — higher means more people search the term.
- Search volume: estimated monthly searches for the keyword.
- Trend: the 30-day direction of search interest (rising, falling, or stable).
All metrics are model estimates derived from public app-store data — not official Apple or Google figures. Use them directionally.
Frequently asked questions
What is keyword difficulty in ASO?
Keyword difficulty is a 0–100 score estimating how hard it is to rank in the top app-store results for a keyword. It reflects the strength of the apps currently ranking for that term — higher difficulty means stronger incumbents and a harder climb. Lower-difficulty keywords are usually the fastest wins for new or growing apps.
How is keyword difficulty calculated?
ASOTrendHQ derives difficulty from public app-store data — primarily the number and strength of apps competing for the keyword. It is a model estimate, not an official Apple or Google figure, and is best used directionally alongside relevance to your app.
What is a good keyword difficulty score?
For new or small apps, target keywords with difficulty under about 30 — these are the most realistic to rank for. Difficulty between 30 and 60 is moderate and rankable with solid ASO and a quality app. Above 60 is highly competitive and usually requires an established app.
Is this keyword difficulty checker free?
Yes. The keyword difficulty checker is free with no signup. It searches ASOTrendHQ’s catalog of 235k+ tracked keywords across the Apple App Store and Google Play and returns difficulty, popularity, search-volume estimate, and trend.