Reviewers describe Rive as fast, lightweight, and easier to use than older animation tools, with several calling out smaller files, smoother production use, and support for non-designers. Users also say its state-machine approach works especially well for interactive web and app animations, including React. A few note a learning curve, but still see it as richer and more capable than alternatives. Founders of
Brilliant,
LightTwist, and Tomosu say they use it to ship responsive animations and integrate .riv files into real products.