Ask HN: how do the "Top charts" and "Most popular" algorithms work?

[Straubiz]

Does anyone know what are the "top charts" & "most popular" ranking algorithms on the appstore? Is it based on the number of downloads, reviews, ratings?

[js4all]

These lists are done using a selection algorithm. For instance Sort-Key-Top: http://cpansearch.perl.org/src/SALVA/Sort-Key-Top-0.06/READM...

[runjake]

It depends on the vendor. I believe that "most popular" algorithms are usually based around time vs. downloads (as opposed to the more flawed # of downloads only).

[Straubiz → runjake]

Sorry my question wasn't precise enough: I was referring to the algorithms of the iOS Appstore.