Beta Testing 101

What’s a Beta Test

A beta test is a project a company runs to get feedback on an unreleased product from real people. This feedback is then used to improve the product before it’s launched. It’s a chance to get the product into the hands of real people in real environments and see how they use it and what kinds of problems they run into. It’s usually one of the final tasks a company completes before launching a product.

All kinds of technology products are beta tested before release. Hardware, software, mobile apps, and games all benefit from being tested before launch. As a result, you’ll find a wide variety of beta tests on Betabound. From niche apps that are looking for a very specific group of testers to large public betas where companies want anyone to take their product for a spin.

What Companies Look for in Beta Testers

Since every product has a different target market, every beta test requires different beta testers, but generally speaking, companies are looking for testers that care about the product and will devote the time to thoroughly use and give feedback on the product.

What Beta Testers Actually Do

Again, since every product is different, every beta test is going to be different. The one constant is that beta testers are expected to use the product and give feedback on it. Using the product could mean completing specific tasks or just using it however you normally would. Feedback could take the form of surveys, forums, bug reports, or just emailing the beta team with anything that comes up. Here are some suggestions on being a great beta tester.

How to Become a Beta Tester

Every company listed on Betabound is looking for beta testers. You can click on the button in the post to go directly to company’s signup page. If you’d like to take it a step further you can sign up to be a member of Betabound. Members get early and exclusive access to some beta tests. Here are some more tips on getting selected to be a tester.