What Is IARC?
IARC (International Age Rating Coalition) is a global system that provides age and content ratings for digital storefronts. Google Play uses IARC ratings to inform users about the content in your app and to enforce age-appropriate access controls.
When you publish an app on Google Play, you must complete an IARC questionnaire. Based on your answers, your app receives a content rating (Everyone, Everyone 10+, Teen, Mature 17+, or Adults Only) that appears on your store listing.
Mandatory
Why Content Rating Matters
- User trust — Accurate ratings help users make informed download decisions
- Parental controls — Ratings feed into Google's parental control system. Inaccurate ratings may expose children to inappropriate content
- Legal compliance — Many countries have laws about content rating for digital products
- App removal risk — Misrepresenting your app's content is a policy violation that can lead to removal
- Ad network eligibility — Some ad networks restrict ads based on content rating. Higher ratings may limit ad revenue
The IARC Questionnaire
The questionnaire asks about specific types of content in your app:
Violence
Does your app contain violence? If so, is it cartoon, fantasy, realistic, or graphic? Is violence the main focus of the app? This is the most common factor that increases age ratings.
Sexual Content
Does your app contain sexual content, nudity, or suggestive themes? Even dating apps must answer this section honestly.
Language
Does your app contain profanity, crude humor, or sexual references in text or voice? This includes user-generated content if your app has social features.
Controlled Substances
Does your app reference or depict alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or gambling? Health and educational apps may reference substances in a non-promotional context.
User-Generated Content
Does your app allow users to communicate or share content? Social features, comments, chat, and forums all count. This typically increases the age rating.
Interactive Elements
Does your app include in-app purchases, share user location, or contain digital purchases?
Rating Categories
| Rating | Meaning | Typical Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone | Suitable for all ages | Calculators, weather, utilities |
| Everyone 10+ | Mild content | Casual games, educational |
| Teen | Moderate content | Social media, action games |
| Mature 17+ | Strong content | Graphic games, dating apps |
| Adults Only | Adults only content | Restricted content apps |
Common Mistakes
- Under-rating — Selecting lower ratings than your content warrants. Google audits ratings and will increase them or remove your app
- Forgetting user-generated content — If users can post text, images, or communicate, you must declare it
- Ignoring third-party content — If your app displays web content or ads, that content factors into your rating
- Not updating after changes — Adding new features (chat, violence, etc.) requires re-completing the questionnaire
Policy Risk
Tips for Completing the Questionnaire
- Be honest — Google verifies ratings. Inaccuracies are detected and penalized
- Consider worst-case content — If user-generated content is possible, rate based on what could be posted
- Review competitor ratings — Check how similar apps are rated for reference
- Update when you add features — New features may change your rating
- Test in multiple regions — IARC ratings may display differently in different countries
Need Professional Help?
Our team handles the entire process for you. Get a free consultation and transparent quote within 24 hours.
Get Free Consultation