Monetization
Choose a monetization model for your app
To maximize your revenue, consider a flexible monetization strategy that adapts to your audiences and markets. Different audiences can have different preferences for paid apps, in-app purchases, subscriptions, ads, and other ecommerce.
Sell goods or services through your app
- When you’re developing a mobile application for Android and distributing it on Google Play, there are two primary ways you can accept payments:
- Google Play’s billing system
- Google Pay.
Sell digital goods or services with Google Play’s billing system
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Use Google Play’s billing system to sell digital goods or services within an app on Google Play. Google Play’s billing system makes it easy for users to consistently, securely, and seamlessly purchase your goods and services for your app. Once users save a payment method on Google Play, they can use that same payment method for all future purchases on Google Play with just a tap.
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Developers who distribute their app through Google Play are required to use Google Play’s billing system to sell in-app content. Items that require developers to use Google Play’s billing system include the following:
- Virtual game products, such as coins, gems, extra lives or turns, special items or equipment, characters or avatars, additional levels or playtime.
- App functionality or content, such as an ad-free version of an app or new features not available in the free version.
- Subscription services, such as streaming media, digital publications, and social networking services.
- Cloud software products, including data storage services, business productivity software, and financial management software
Sell physical goods or services with Google Pay
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Use Google Pay to sell physical goods or services that are used or delivered outside of your app. Google Pay provides your customers a faster, safer way to pay online, both in apps and wherever contactless payments are accepted. Accepting Google Pay speeds up your checkout process, as users won’t need to enter their payment details each time or when they first download your app.
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Products where we recommend developers use Google Pay include the following:
- Retail merchandise, such as groceries, clothing, housewares, and electronics.
- Physical services, including taxi and transportation services, cleaning services, food delivery, airfare, and event tickets.
- One-time membership fees or recurring dues, including gym memberships, loyalty programs, or clubs offering accessories, clothing, or other physical products.
- Electronic bill payment, including credit card bills, utilities, and cable or telecommunications services.
Other app monetization options
Best practices for setting your initial monetization strategy
- Research other apps in your category: Learn how other developers charge for their apps and content. Consider whether there are benefits to offering users alternative ways to pay.
- Think about how your app will be used: Your app’s usage patterns can indicate the best monetization choices. For apps with more casual usage, advertising and in-app purchases might be appropriate options. However, always consider offering an in-app purchase that removes ads.
- Make use of natural extensions: If your app can be extended or expanded, such as with adding levels in a game, consider making the core app available for free and offering extended features through in-app purchases or subscriptions.
- Consider your cost structures: If you have significant recurring content costs, consider using subscriptions. Use a free trial period to encourage uptake.
- Consider your audience: For some audiences, the scope for using advertising, subscriptions, or in-app purchases can be limited. For example, users are more likely to pay for an ad-free, kid-friendly app than a casual use app. In these cases, premium (paid) apps are more appropriate.
- Consider local factors when setting prices: When setting prices for apps, in-app purchases, or subscriptions in specific markets, be sure to consider cost of living differences, local pricing patterns, pricing of competitive apps, and other market factors.