If you are an app developer in India just starting your journey, you might wonder what your next step would be after developing an app.
The next step is to distribute your program to your customers, which necessitates uploading the application to the Google App Store so that it will be available to 1 billion functioning users of Android in over 190 countries.
That is how Google Play will assist your app in reaching new users, earning money, and expanding your brand overseas.
So, if you are wondering how much does it cost to upload an app on Play Store in India, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide for you. We hold all the information you require to submit your app to the Android Market store.
Let’s dive right in!
What is an App Store?
An app store is a digital platform where users can discover, download, and install applications for their devices, typically smartphones or tablets.
It is a centralized marketplace for developers to distribute their software to a broad audience.
One prominent example is the Apple App Store, where users can access many iOS applications for iPhone and iPad, ranging from games and productivity tools to social media apps.
App stores streamline the app distribution process, ensuring a secure and user-friendly experience for consumers while providing developers with a platform to showcase and monetize their creations.
The Distinctions between App (Apple) Store vs. Google Play Store
Before making an app, sometimes you might wonder which one you should pick between Google Play Store and Apple Store.
That’s why here I am presenting some distinguishing factors between these two app stores.
While both app stores share the goal of providing users with quality apps, they exhibit notable differences.
Let’s identify the disparities that set the Apple App Store and Google Play Store apart.
Before proceeding, look at an image that represents the numbers and genres mostly favored by people on Google Play Store and Apple Store:
Revenue and Global Reach
The Apple App Store commands the revenue game, outperforming Google Play. Its accessibility extends to China, a unique advantage over its counterpart.
The user behavior within the iOS community contributes substantially to Apple’s revenue, as iOS users are accustomed to paying for apps.
This financial model, ingrained in the iOS ecosystem, is a key contributor to the App Store’s leading position in generating revenue.
Developer-Friendly Environment
Google Play is a more developer-friendly platform than the Apple App Store, primarily owing to its lenient app approval process.
Developers opting for Google Play face a one-time registration fee of $25, a significantly more affordable entry point than Apple’s annual developer fee of $99 for App Store presence.
This contrast in cost structures reflects Google Play’s commitment to providing developers with a more accessible and cost-effective avenue for app distribution.
Overall Comparison: iOS vs. Android
| iOS | Android |
| Lengthy app submission process | Simple submission process |
| High cost for submission ($99/year) | Submission costs $25 |
| Valuable feedback from the App review team | Less guidance on app rejection, no detailed feedback |
| Approval time can be lengthy | App approval time is 3-4 days |
| High competition | Platform is highly fragmented |
| Users generally pay for apps | Platform is highly fragmented |
Here is a graph that illustrates how Google Play has been enriched than Apple Store in different parts of the world:
Approval Process: Google Play Store Is Easier
| iOS | Android |
| Lengthy and drawn-out approval process | Easy approval process |
| Strict app approval process, requiring adherence to rules | Developers can experiment and be more creative |
| High-quality apps stand out | Less stringent, making it challenging to stand out |
| Review team provides insightful feedback | With a multitude of apps, standing out can be difficult |
Expense and Revenue Structure: Initial Affordability Favors Google Play Store
| iOS | Android |
| Annual developer fee of $99 | One-time developer fee of $25 |
| App Store users are accustomed to paying for apps | Android users lean towards free app downloads |
| Developers receive 70% of revenue from in-app purchases | Android users prefer free app downloads |
The Apple App Store and Google Play Store – both have strengths and weaknesses, catering to different app development and user experience aspects.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for you to venture into the app development world, whether it’s the revenue model, developer-friendly environment, or the approval process.
How Much Does it Cost to Upload an App on the Play Store in India?
To get started, Google requires a one-time registration fee of US $25, payable through debit or credit cards such as Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Discover (outside of the US only), and Visa Electron (outside of the U.S. only).
But subscriptions are an exception. Google charges a standard thirty percent for the first year that a customer utilizes the app service. In the first year, this percentage drops to 15%.
It’s important to note that prepaid cards are not accepted for these fees, and the accepted card types may vary by location.
Google emphasizes that this nominal fee aims to promote the development of higher-quality products while discouraging spam.
See which are the essential components needed to determine the app development cost:
- A Productive Team
- Time Spent Developing Apps
- The App’s Complexity
- The Method You Select to Develop Your App
- Which Type of Application Do You Wish to Develop (Hybrid or Native)
An 8-Step Guide to Upload an Android App on Google Play Store
You will require a comprehensive guide that explains the entire procedure as you are ready to submit your app for Android to the Play Store on Google.
Here, I am presenting a detailed one.
You can think of it as a personalized roadmap crafted to simplify transitioning your app from conceptualization to millions of screens.
This guide aims to ensure your app lands on the store and thrives in the expansive and competitive landscape of the Google Play Store.
Let’s identify the steps to transform your app into a downloadable reality.
Step 1: Pay the Google Play Store Registration Fee
Look at the following image first to have a basic understanding of the transaction process:
The one-time registration fee is the first expense of launching an app on the Google Play Store.
As you already know, to release apps on the Play Store and register as a developer, Google charges a one-time cost of $25.
You can pay this non-refundable cost using your credit card or your Google Play balance.
It is important to remember that the registration fee applies to each developer account instead of individual apps. This implies that you won’t have to pay more after the registration price.
Step 2: Connect Your Google Wallet Merchant Account with Your Developer Account
To submit your app to the Play Store, you’ll need to create a merchant account if it allows in-app transactions. So do the following:
- Log up for your Google Play Console account
- Select ‘Reports’
- Select the Financial Reports option to create one
- Choose ‘Set up a merchant account now‘
- Fill out the necessary details
Your Google Play Console identity will be instantly linked to the merchant account once it has been set up. You’ll be able to monitor and evaluate app sales efficiently.
When linking the Google Play Console Account, you will see this surface:
Step 3: Create Application
Let’s go to the following phase: submitting an app to the Google Play Store.
Log in to the developer or publishing account, then follow these steps to make available the application on Google Play:
- Use the menu to select the ‘All programs‘ tab.
- Locate and choose the ‘Create Application‘ option, as you can see in the image below:
- Now choose the default language of the application from the selection menu.
- Next, give your application a title (you can edit it later if necessary, don’t worry).
- And the last step is to select the “Create” option.
Step 4: Complete the App Store’s Listing Information
You must complete this step by entering all the information you possess.
Let’s examine the details you must include in the app listing.
In the Short Description field, you must describe your app. You can do that by adding relevant keywords, increasing the likelihood that people will find your app.
Ensure you utilize all of the facts we discussed in the requirement area of the app listing.
Step 5: Add APKs or App Bundles to Google Play
The files, comprising the signed app launch and the App Bundle called APK, are now ready to be used and submitted to your application.
Here’s how you may achieve it:
- Click the menu, choose ‘Release Management,’ and then select the ‘App Release‘ tab.
- One of the following four release types will be your choice:
i. Internal Test: You can assign releases to a maximum of 100 testers.
ii. Close Test: Releases are only accessible to a limited number of users who examine and provide feedback on an initial version of the application.
iii. Production Release: All users in the countries you have selected can get releases through the Play Store.
iv. Open Test: Users may participate in tests by gaining permission from the store’s listing, and updates are available on Google Play for testers.
- Click “Create Release” after selecting the release type.
- This ‘New production release‘ screen will be displayed to you. Deciding whether to allow the Google Play app store to sign your app might be helpful in this situation. Click ‘OPT-OUT‘ if you would like not to.
- To submit the APK to the Android app store, select ‘Browse files’ and follow the on-screen instructions. Remember to name and describe your release.
- You can also confirm the information by clicking on ‘Review.’ Click “Save” once the thing is in its proper place.
Step 6: A Period of the Content Rating
Giving your Android app a rating is the next step in launching it on the Play Store. This is an important step because your app can be deleted from the store if it is still marked as “Unrated.”
It is, therefore, essential that you grade your application.
To assign a Content Rating, do the following:
- Select the menu from the screen’s left side.
- Choose the Content Rating option.
- Select ‘Continue‘ to move forward, as indicated in the following image:
- After inputting your email address in the appropriate section, click “Confirm”.
- After that, complete the app rating questionnaire.
- After completing the questionnaire, click “Save Questionnaire.”
- Then, click the ‘Calculate Rating’ option to get your app’s Play Store rating.
- Click “Apply” to validate your app’s content rating.
Step 7: Adjust the Price and Distribution of the App
Choosing the countries in which your software will be accessible is crucial.
Remember that Google only allows the publication of apps in certain countries; thus, your app will only be released in those countries. It’s also essential to give your software a pricing.
Keep in mind that if you choose to make your app available, this decision is final. Google does not allow you to switch from free apps to premium apps, though you can adjust the pricing if necessary.
To continue these steps, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Navigate first to the menu’s Pricing and Distribution tab.
- Select whether to make your app paid or free.
- Next, decide which countries you wish to see the software released.
- Click ‘Yes‘ for Initial Child-Detected if the app is meant for users under the age of thirteen. If not, select “No.”
- In the similar way, decide which settings to enable for advertisements in your program.
Step 8: Release the Application at Last
First, go through the following image once, and then after reading the process, you can relate better to these images.
After you are certain everything is as it should be, follow the final instructions to add your Android application to the Store by adding it to the marketplace.
- Return to the page of “App Releases” and select the option “Manage Production“. Then “Edit Release.”
- Next, select “Start rollout to production” by clicking on “Review.”
- To complete this process, choose “Confirm,” and you’re done!
The app has been successfully posted to your free Google Play Store apk account.
After that, you have to wait patiently for the Google Play Store to approve your request after you’ve uploaded it for free.
The average review time for an application was two hours.
However, the same may take a few days or hours due to Google Play’s modified privacy policy. This will incentivize developers of mobile applications to produce even better apps that are chosen immediately.
You can check out this YouTube Tutorial to understand this process more practically.
Preparations Before Publishing Your App on Google Play Console
Before initiating the publication process on the Google Play Store, it is crucial that you consider the following two aspects.
Upon completing the development and signing of your app’s release version, your application is poised for submission, inspection, and testing.
However, ensuring that your app aligns with the following prerequisites is imperative:
1. Enroll In Google Play App Signing
Ensure that you sign your app for Google Play, a step highly recommended for app uploads. Enrollment in the Play App is compulsory if you decide to create and upload an Android App Bundle, you must sign.
If you are confused about an app bundle, here is what is explained on their official website:
This feature securely stores your app signing key on Google’s infrastructure, providing upgrade options to enhance security.
2. Adhere to the Compressed Download Size Limit
According to their official website, Google Play offers compressed software downloads of not more than 200 MB or less.
So, if Android App Bundles is your chosen option to upload apps, users can install your application with minimal downloads, expanding the compressed download size limit to 200 MB.
It’s essential to ensure that the total size of the compressed APKs does not exceed 200 MB. If the size surpasses this limit, you can enable all configuration APKs, allowing users to download only the necessary code and resources for successful app execution.
Alternatively, you can reduce your app’s size by eliminating unused code and resources or following best practices for further size optimization. Once your app fulfills these criteria, you can publish your app on Google Play.
How to Get Your Apps Featured on the Play Store?
Let’s start by introducing a graphic that clarifies what it means to be featured on the Google Play Store:
Securing a spot on the Google Play Store’s featured list can significantly enhance your app’s exposure and downloads.
Although there’s no guaranteed method, I am listing here some principles, adhering to which can improve your chances of catching the eye of Google’s editorial team:
1. Develop a High-Quality App: Craft an app that genuinely benefits users, focusing on intuitive user experience, technical stability, and adherence to Google’s privacy policies.
2. Optimize App Store Listing: Create a compelling listing with accurate representation, utilizing high-quality visuals and positive user reviews.
3. Encourage Positive Feedback: Promptly respond to user feedback, encourage positive reviews, and implement improvements based on suggestions.
4. Regular App Updates: Keep your app fresh with new features, bug fixes, and enhancements to showcase your commitment to user satisfaction.
5. Marketing and Promotion: Utilize social media, content marketing, and app review sites to promote your app and build a user community.
6. Target Relevant Categories: Choose appropriate categories to ensure your app is discovered by users interested in its niche.
7. Optimize App Performance: Monitor metrics like crash rate and address performance issues promptly for a seamless user experience.
8. Use Promotional Assets: Leverage Google Play’s promotional tools to highlight new features and promotions.
9. Consider Developer Agencies: Agencies may connect with the editorial team and can help increase your app’s visibility.
10. Stay Updated on Policies: Keep abreast of Play Store policies to ensure your app remains compliant and eligible for featuring.
While success isn’t guaranteed, consistently delivering a high-quality app and following these guidelines can improve your chances of being noticed and reaching a broader audience.
Wondering how to catch Google’s attention and feature your app on the Play Store? Our blog has the insights you’ve been looking for!
What Should You Do after Submitting Your App to the Play Store?
After learning to place an app on the Google Play Store, you may think, “What’s the upcoming step?”
Rest assured that I still have you prepared there as well.
Here are some tactics you can use to ensure your app gets global exposure on the Google Play Store.
Strategy 1: Promote Your Application on Social Media Platforms
Making use of the most popular social media platforms is a great method to increase your application’s popularity.
Given that 60% of people worldwide actively use social media, it is obvious that these platforms have a ton of potential.
Social media sites such as Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are never quiet. Promoting your software on these sites can draw extra visitors and, in turn, improve the number of purchases.
Here are some additional tips for promoting your Android app on social media:
- Use a consistent brand voice across all social media platforms.
- Use high-quality images and videos.
- Keep your posts concise and engaging.
- Run social media contests and giveaways regularly.
- Use social media listening tools to track what people are saying about your app.
- Use social media analytics to track the performance of your social media marketing campaigns.
Strategy 2: Use the Press Release
Press releases are another powerful tool for brand promotion. A well-written press release will increase brand awareness and draw attention from media outlets.
By doing this, your app will be able to connect with more users and build a real relationship with them.
A well-written press release highlighting the capabilities, qualities, and perspectives of your mobile application and the people who created it can be an effective tool for app promotion.
It shows customers that your program meets their expectations and merits their time.
Here are some ways to initiate a press release for your Android app:
- Craft an attention-grabbing headline and engaging introduction
- Elaborate on app features and benefits
- Showcase user testimonials and reviews
- Highlight achievements and awards
- Provide download links and contact information
- Proofread and edit rigorously
- Identify target media outlets
- Craft personalized media pitches
- Distribute your press release
Strategy 3: Pay Attention to App Updates and Maintenance
The process of getting your application live in the app store is only the start.
You must actively maintain your software by releasing updates regularly and fixing any problems or bugs that users may find.
Maintenance is an ongoing process rather than a single instance. As a result, it’s critical to keep your app upgraded with the newest technological stack version and address any bugs immediately.
Also, take proactive measures to guarantee your software’s seamless operation and its users’ contentment.
Strategy 4: Utilize App Store Optimization
Top Android app development businesses highly recommend the technique of App Store Optimization (ASO). Increasing the amount of exposure and publicity your program receives in the app store is its primary objective.
ASO strategies are made to raise the impression to download conversion rate, guaranteeing your app’s enormous success.
Here’s a quick rundown of the numerous ASO factors you may optimize for your Google Play Store app:
The Apple App Store and Google Play Store – both have strengths and weaknesses, catering to different app development and user experience aspects.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for you to venture into the app development world, whether it’s the revenue model, developer-friendly environment, or the approval process.
You can also improve your app’s ASO with these steps:
1. Keyword Research: Utilize tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify relevant, high-volume keywords for your app’s title, subtitle, and description.
2. Encourage User Engagement: Boost ASO through positive user reviews, ratings, and engagement. Prompt users to leave feedback and respond to their comments.
3. Localization: Consider localizing your app’s listing and content for different countries to connect with users in various languages and cultures.
4. Promotion: Increase visibility by promoting your app on social media, app review sites, and other channels. Higher downloads enhance search result rankings.
5. Analysis and Iteration: Regularly analyze your app’s performance using tools like Google Analytics. Make necessary adjustments based on download numbers, user engagement, and other metrics.
6. Keyword Promotion: Elevate search rankings through keyword promotion. Leverage tools like Keyapp, specializing in iOS and Android app marketing for keywords, to optimize visibility and organic installs.
Publishing Your App on the Apple Store
Submitting your iOS app to the App Store is a focal step in making it accessible to millions of users.
The process involves meticulous preparation and adherence to Apple’s stringent guidelines, ensuring a safe and high-quality experience for users.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on uploading your app to the Apple Store:
1. Create an Apple Developer Account
To initiate the app submission process, you must register as an Apple Developer.
This account, priced at $99 annually, grants you the ability to submit apps and allows you to build and test them on actual devices—a crucial step in the development journey.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Apple Store Review Guidelines
Before the submission process, it’s essential to read the Apple Store Review guidelines thoroughly. The Apple Review Team rigorously evaluates each app to ensure it complies with these guidelines.
Non-compliance is a common reason for app rejections, making it crucial to align your app with Apple’s standards.
3. Prepare App Information and Metadata
Before submitting your app, gather essential information and metadata.
This includes creating an appealing icon, app preview/screenshots, and providing details such as the app’s name, category, and a compelling description.
The first few lines of your description are especially crucial, as they offer a glimpse of your app without requiring users to tap for more information.
4. Ensure Consistency in Developer Account and App Ownership
The name on your developer account must match the final owner of the app. This is the name users will see under your app on the Store.
Consistency in account details is key to maintaining transparency and trust with users.
5. Initiate the App Submission
Once all preparations are complete, initiate the app submission process. Be patient during the review period, as the Apple Review Team takes a few days to assess your app thoroughly.
You will receive a notification once your app is approved and publicly available on the App Store.
By following these steps, you make the way for your app to join the diverse ecosystem of the App Store, reaching a broad audience and potentially transforming it into an integral part of users’ daily transactions.
How Do Play Store and App Store Make Money?
You may be wondering how exactly these virtual stores for our favored apps make money.
I will take you inside the fascinating world of Play Store and App Store monetization, so fasten your seatbelts.
To begin with, picture these shops as vibrant marketplaces filled to the brim with digital goods. Developers sell their products— from exciting games to productivity tools—to eager customers like you who peruse and purchase.
However, unlike your neighborhood market, the Play Store and App Store cleverly take different portions of the market:
1. The Revenue Raiser: Their primary source of income is taking a portion of app sales. Their share of each app and in-app purchase is typically 30%, so they become partners in every transaction.
2. The Listing Landlord: Rent is due from developers. The annual listing charge enters the picture here. It guarantees your software a space among the millions of others, much like getting a booth in an online marketplace.
3. The Ad Arbitrator: For free apps to remain operational, advertisements are necessary. These stores act as middlemen, bringing together app audiences and advertisers. They keep a portion of the ad revenue as a commission.
4. The Subscription Stream: Certain apps provide a subscription service; sure enough, the Play Store and App Store also profit from such subscription sales.
5. The Spotlight Seller: Featured spots are comparable to premium real estate on these digital shelves. Developers can pay to display their software prominently to draw in more users and increase revenue.
In your app journey, the Play Store and App Store act as silent partners, taking a cut here and a charge there and ultimately guaranteeing their profitability while facilitating a flourishing app ecosystem for all of us.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In 2024, how much will it cost to add an app to the Play Store?
Play Store requires a $25 once-only registration fee to upload an app. This fee is required for each developer account, allowing you to publish multiple apps without additional charges.
2. Are there additional charges for in-app purchases or subscriptions?
Google charges a standard thirty percent for the first year of in-app purchases or subscriptions. After the first year, this percentage drops to 15%, providing developers with a more favorable revenue structure.
3. What payment methods are accepted for the Play Store registration fee?
Google accepts debit or credit cards such as Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Discover (outside of the US only), and Visa Electron (outside of the U.S. only). It’s important to note that prepaid cards are not accepted for these fees.
4. Is there a limit to the app size I can upload to the Play Store?
Google Play allows compressed downloading applications of a maximum of 200 MB. Android App Bundles can be your go-to resource for larger apps to provide users with a more optimized download experience.
5. What is the duration required to publish an app on the Google Play Store?
The timeline for app publication on the Play Store varies, and while the Play Store Console is user-friendly, the evaluation and selection process can take hours or even days.
6. Can I change my app’s pricing after it’s published?
While you can adjust the pricing of your app after it’s been published, it’s important to note that you cannot change a free app to a premium one. Google Play requires careful pricing consideration, as this decision is final once the app is available.
Final Thoughts
Having explored the in-depth guide on How Much Does It Cost to Upload an App on the Play Store in India, I trust you’ve gained valuable insights into the submission process specific to the Indian market.
Now, I’d like to hear from you:
What’s the most valuable tip or insight you’ve gained from this post? Is there a specific aspect of the app submission process that stood out to you?
If something requires clarification or you seek additional information, feel free to ask Core Devs. We look forward to hearing about your challenges in the dynamic app development world.
