Definition
A beta test gives a product or feature to a limited group of real users before releasing it to everyone. The aim is to find bugs, confusing steps and missing pieces in real use, and to check that the feature is valuable at all.
Open and closed betas
- Closed beta: invited users, often existing customers who asked for the feature.
- Open beta: anyone can opt in, usually with a "beta" label.
Measuring a beta
Decide in advance what success looks like: adoption among beta users, repeat use, a support-ticket threshold. Track the feature's events with a property that marks beta users, and compare their behaviour and retention with users who don't have it.
Ending a beta
Set an end date and a decision: release, change or drop. Betas that never end become permanent half-features.