The “Not Recommended” section on a business’s Yelp profile often confuses consumers and business owners. Many legitimate reviews seem to vanish, leading to questions about the platform’s fairness. This filtering process is handled by Yelp’s automated recommendation software, which curates the feedback shown to the public. Understanding this proprietary system clarifies why certain contributions are moved to a less visible part of the site.
Understanding Yelp’s Review Filter
Reviews placed in the “Not Recommended” section are not deleted; they are segregated from the main feed. This dynamic filter constantly evaluates every piece of feedback submitted to the site. Filtered reviews are tucked away at the bottom of a business’s profile, accessible only by clicking a specific link.
These filtered reviews do not factor into a business’s overall public star rating. If the software flags reviews as unreliable, their sentiment will not influence the rating visible on the main page. This system acts as a digital gatekeeper, presenting only the most trustworthy consumer experiences upfront.
The Primary Goal of Yelp’s Recommendation Software
Yelp’s software protects the platform’s integrity by upholding reliability and authenticity. The software aims to showcase feedback from self-motivated users sharing genuine, first-hand experiences. Yelp applies uniform criteria to every business and its reviews, regardless of whether the business is an advertiser.
The algorithm prioritizes quality over quantity, combating manipulative practices like review stuffing or negative campaigning. The automated system attempts to identify and suppress spam, biased opinions, and explicitly solicited feedback. This process ensures a business’s reputation is earned organically rather than manufactured through incentivized submissions.
Specific Criteria That Trigger Review Filtering
The proprietary software evaluates numerous signals related to the reviewer, content, and context to determine if a review is reliable enough to be recommended. While these criteria are not publicly disclosed in detail, patterns of filtered reviews reveal the main factors the system considers. The software is sensitive to any signal suggesting a lack of objectivity or an attempt to game the system.
Reviewer Profile and History
A primary factor is the reviewer’s engagement level and history on the platform. Reviewers with incomplete profiles, such as those lacking a photo or personal details, are often deemed less trustworthy. Users who have written only one or a small handful of reviews, especially if that single review is extremely positive or negative, are likely to be filtered. The system favors reviews from users who have established a track record of consistent, useful activity within the Yelp community.
Suspicious Review Patterns
The software actively looks for patterns suggesting inorganic or fraudulent activity. Reviews that are too short and lack necessary detail are frequently filtered. A sudden influx of reviews for a business in a short period can also raise suspicion, potentially indicating a coordinated effort or solicitation campaign. The system may also flag reviews originating from the same IP address as the business owner or a cluster of reviews submitted immediately after one another.
Relationship to the Business
Any indication of a conflict of interest is a strong trigger for the filter. This includes reviews suspected of being written by the business owner, an employee, family member, or close friend. The system also targets reviews that appear to have been solicited or encouraged by the business. Yelp strictly prohibits businesses from asking customers, family, or employees for reviews, as this practice is considered a source of bias.
Content Guideline Violations
Reviews that violate Yelp’s Content Guidelines are candidates for filtering or removal. Violations include the use of hate speech, threats, or the disclosure of private personal information. Reviews that stray into irrelevant topics are also often suppressed. Examples include rants about a business’s employment practices, political views, or circumstances unrelated to the core consumer experience. The goal is to ensure content remains focused on a genuine, first-hand consumer transaction.
The Impact of Filtered Reviews on Businesses
The filter’s most significant consequence is its effect on a business’s public perception. Filtered reviews do not contribute to the star rating prominently displayed on the main page, which is the first metric most consumers use to judge an establishment. A business might have a 3.5-star rating based on recommended reviews, even if positive reviews are hidden in the “Not Recommended” section.
While these reviews are technically viewable, the average user rarely clicks the link at the bottom of the page to find them. This statistical invisibility means the helpful feedback in the filtered section is lost to the broader consumer base. For businesses, this can skew the overall rating unfavorably, potentially impacting reputation and revenue.
What Reviewers Can Do to Ensure Visibility
Consumers who want their legitimate reviews to be recommended must establish themselves as credible and active community members. Reviewers should fully complete their profile, including a photo and personal information, to appear authentic to the software. They should also write detailed, descriptive narratives that offer useful context beyond a simple star rating.
Consistency is highly valued by the algorithm. Users should aim to review a variety of businesses over time rather than leaving isolated comments. Regularly engaging with the platform, posting photos, and interacting with other users builds a history that signals reliability. Reviews from these established, active users are far more likely to be recommended and contribute to a business’s main rating.
Addressing Filtered Reviews as a Business Owner
The most effective strategy for business owners is generating organic reviews without violating Yelp’s strict “Don’t Ask” policy. Directly soliciting reviews from customers is prohibited, as this can cause the software to flag and filter the resulting feedback. Offering incentives, discounts, or freebies in exchange for reviews is also a violation that can result in penalties, such as a search ranking demotion or a public Consumer Alert.
Instead of asking for reviews, businesses should encourage general customer engagement with the platform. This can be achieved by placing a simple Yelp check-in sign or a decal without explicitly requesting a five-star rating. The best practice is consistently providing exceptional service, which naturally inspires customers to share their experiences without prompting. Business owners should make their Yelp presence known, but allow customers to initiate the review process on their own, ensuring the feedback is genuinely unsolicited.
Limitations and Controversies of the Filter
The automated filter is an imperfect tool and a frequent subject of debate. A primary criticism is the lack of transparency, as Yelp does not provide detailed explanations for why a specific review was filtered. This opacity leads to frustration, especially when legitimate, detailed reviews from real customers are suppressed.
The system is also criticized for inconsistency; some spam or biased reviews may slip through while authentic feedback is unfairly hidden. Because the filter operates on objective rules, it cannot always discern the nuances of a genuine customer experience from a manufactured one. This tension between the need for automated quality control and the desire for accuracy is a continuing challenge for the platform.