What is a review?
A review is when someone shares their honest thoughts about a product, service, business or experience online. It can include written feedback, a star-based rating or even just a thumbs up/down. In social media, reviews are shared publicly—on sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or YouTube—to help others understand if something is worth their time or money.
Why do reviews matter?
Reviews help build social proof—you see experiences from real people, not paid ads. That makes businesses look more trustworthy, and it often sways decisions. Around 90% of people check social media feedback before buying something.
For you, that means reviews let you feel confident, make smarter choices, and avoid surprises.
How do reviews appear on different platforms?
Every platform handles reviews a bit differently:
- Facebook has a built‑in rating system where users recommend or don’t recommend a business.
- YouTube might show product reviews as video content or star ratings.
- Instagram and Twitter/X don’t have specific review pages. Instead, feedback appears in comments, tags or direct messages.
It’s helpful to keep an eye on mentions—even off-page ones—for full picture.
What should you look for in a good review?
Not all reviews are equal. Here’s what to consider:
- Verified or genuine interaction: Was the user an actual customer?
- Balanced detail: Helpful reviews describe what went well and what didn’t.
- Recency: Newer feedback reflects current service or product quality.
- Photos or video: Visuals add credibility.
Watch out for red flags like overly glowing or angry reviews—they might be fake. Recent rules even restrict AI‑generated or paid fake reviews.
How can businesses use reviews smartly?
For brands, reviews are a goldmine when managed right:
- Claim and monitor your profiles on places like Facebook, LinkedIn or Yelp.
- Ask happy customers for feedback—and encourage sharing on social posts.
- Respond to feedback, good or bad, in a friendly, helpful way.
- Pick shareable reviews to feature in your marketing or social feed.
This shows you’re listening, helps improve service, and builds trust.
Can reviews impact your personal choices?
Absolutely. For you as a shopper or user, reviews can:
- Help compare options quickly
- Reveal hidden issues or downsides
- Point you toward the best fit based on real experience
But keep in mind—businesses may sometimes respond or incentivize for reviews. So look for patterns and multiple voices before deciding.
Tips for using reviews wisely
- Do check multiple reviews—trust comes from many voices, not just one.
- Consider context—a single bad review doesn’t mean a brand is awful.
- Spot authenticity—reviews with details, photos, dates and nuance are more credible.
- Engage thoughtfully—if you’re a brand: be professional, timely, and helpful when replying.
In summary, a review is more than just a rating—it’s real feedback that helps you and others make better decisions. Whether you’re reading or writing them, reviews offer insight, build credibility, and shape how brands and customers connect. Keep them honest, well‑managed, and you’ll get the most value out of them.