Google’s ranking algorithm for the Google Play Store takes into account a variety of factors to determine the ranking of apps in search results and category lists. These factors may include:

1. Relevance: Google’s algorithm will prioritize apps that are relevant to the user’s search terms or the category they are browsing.
2. Quality: Apps that have a high overall rating, positive user reviews, and a low number of reported crashes and other issues are likely to rank higher in search results.
3. User engagement: Apps that have a high level of user engagement, such as a high number of installs and active users, are likely to rank higher in search results.
4. Recency and frequency of updates: Apps that are regularly updated with new features and improvements are more likely to rank higher in search results.
5. User retention: Apps that are able to retain users over a longer period of time are likely to rank higher in search results.
6. App localization: Apps that are localized for the user’s language and location may rank higher in search results.

It’s important to note that Google’s ranking algorithm is constantly evolving, and the specific factors that are used to rank apps may change over time.