In short
A stat trigger is a rule that hands out a reward automatically when a tracked user statistic changes by a set amount. For example, every extra workout logged adds coins to the user's wallet. It turns a metric the app already counts into instant feedback, without manual work.
Why it matters for apps
Big goals take time, and users need a reason to keep going in between. Stat triggers create a steady drip of small rewards tied to the actions you care about.
- Faster feedback: The reward lands right after the action, which makes the link between behavior and reward clear.
- No manual work: Once the rule is set, every relevant event rewards the user in the background.
- Common mistake: Rewarding every tiny action with the same amount. That inflates your currency and makes rewards feel meaningless.
- Design choice: Pick the step size with care. A reward per action suits rare actions; a reward per 5 or 10 suits frequent ones.
Industry examples
A running app adds 10 coins for every 5 kilometers a user logs, which they can spend on partner discounts (hypothetical).
A language app grants XP each time a learner's count of completed lessons goes up by one (hypothetical).
Build it with StriveCloud
Stat triggers are native in StriveCloud. In the control panel you pick a stat, the amount it must climb before the trigger fires (1 by default, or for example 0.5, 5 or 10), and the reward: currency, experience, a shop product or voucher, a Wheel of Fortune spin or a scratchcard. Your app only sends events through the Gamification API; the rewards then run in the background.
Want to try this? See the Gamification API
Frequently asked questions
What is a stat trigger in gamification?
A stat trigger is a rule that rewards a user automatically when one of their tracked stats goes up by a set amount, such as coins for every completed workout.
What is the difference between a stat trigger and a milestone?
A stat trigger fires repeatedly every time a stat climbs by a step. A milestone is a single goal on that stat, such as 100 workouts, that the user reaches once.
Do stat triggers need custom code?
Usually not. The app sends events, and the rule that turns stat changes into rewards is configured in the gamification platform.