In short
Points are a numeric score that users earn for completing actions in an app. They are the most basic game element and show progress, effort or status at a glance. Points can be cumulative, like experience points, or spendable, like a virtual currency used to claim rewards.
Why it matters for apps
Points give every action a visible result. Without them, users often cannot see how much they have done or what it is worth.
- Feedback: An instant point reward confirms that an action counted, which encourages people to repeat it.
- Foundation: Levels, leaderboards and reward stores all rely on some form of points underneath.
- Common mistake: Points that lead nowhere. If points cannot be spent, compared or used to level up, users stop caring.
- Design choice: Separate points that measure progress from points users can spend. Spending progress points makes users feel they lose ground.
Industry examples
Khan Academy awards energy points for watching videos and practicing skills, so learners see their total effort grow over time.
Waze gives drivers points for driving with the app and for reporting road events, and those points move them up through rank levels.
Build it with StriveCloud
In StriveCloud, points come in two forms: XP moves users through levels and cannot be spent, while currencies are spent in the shop. Grant either through stat triggers, challenges or the API, and run several currencies, such as coins and raffle tickets.
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Frequently asked questions
What are points in gamification?
Points are a score users earn for actions in an app. They give instant feedback and power other mechanics, such as levels, leaderboards and reward stores.
What is the difference between points and XP?
Points is the general term. XP is a type of point that only goes up and measures progress, while spendable points work like a virtual currency.
Should users be able to spend their points?
Spendable points make rewards tangible, but spending should not reduce visible progress. Many apps use two systems: XP for progress and a separate currency for spending.