The Google Play Store is the biggest app store today. With millions of people using Play Store, it’s arguably the best place for your users to find your app.
If you want to add your app to Google Play, you need to go through their review process. After all, Google is committed to only accepting high-quality, safe, and reliable apps on its platform.
Image source: Google Play
So, what is the Play Store’s review process? What are the requirements? How do you get approved? We will go through these questions in this article.
What is Google Play Store’s review process?
Google Play Store’s review process is the process that an app will go through in order to be approved and published in the Play Store. No app would be published on the Play Store without going through the review process.
How to create and add your app to Google Play Store?
After creating and designing your app, you can create a Google Developer account and profile. From there, you have to follow these basic steps:
- Go to the Play Console.
- Go to All apps and then Create app.
- Set the default language.
- Specify if you’re creating an app or a game.
- Select between free or paid.
- Add an email address, which Play Store can use to contact you.
- Accept terms and conditions, developer program policies, and US export laws.
- Click on Create app.
Once you’re done with the steps above, you can simply follow the instructions and prompts of Google Play. From there, you will need to submit your app for review.
Preparing your application for review
In the Google Play Console, the App content page is where the review process would take place. Google wants to ensure that your app is safe to use and is compliant with Google’s specific content design and legal requirements.
Go to the App content page to perform the following tasks:
- Add privacy policy
- Add instructions on how to access your app’s restricted elements
- Add information about who your target audience is
- Receive reviews and ratings from Google Play Store
- Detail how you will see sensitive and/or high-risk sensitive permissions
- Declare whether you will run ads or not on your app
What does Google Play review in your app?
Google Play reviews different aspects of your app. It would be helpful to know what they are looking for so that you will be able to increase the chance of approval.
The following are what Google Play checks:
- App name – you should choose a unique app name, which is not yet taken by other app developers in the platform.
- Developer Name – your developer name should accurately represent who you are.
- App Description – description should accurately describe your app. It should be detailed but concise at the same time.
- User Experience – users should be able to quickly understand how to use your app. They should easily navigate through it and buttons or directions should clearly state what it does.
- Functionality – the app shouldn’t have a major problem in coding. No obvious bugs should be present.
- OAuth verification – the app should have passed Google’s OAuth verification.
- Graphics – graphics should have the correct format, size, and display.
- Link previews – the links should come with a preview. The preview should offer relevant details to the user.
To learn more about the specific details of Google Play reviews, you need to read Google Workspace Marketplace program policies. There are just so many things to research here. So, be sure you get familiar with Google’s terms and conditions.
Common reasons apps are rejected
There are three common reasons apps are rejected in Google Play Store. These are the following:
App listing
If you inappropriately use Google’s trademarks on your app, then it’s a good reason for Google to decline your app submission.
Aside from that, your app listing’s links don’t work properly. They might be pointing to incorrect pages. You might also have low-quality screenshots and images.
App readiness
The app doesn’t have all the needed features for it to serve its intended users. Aside from that, bugs make the app not fully functional.
OAuth verification
OAuth is short for Open Authorization. It is used by apps to request access to their information without getting their password. If you don’t have the right OAuth verification process, Play Store would most likely deny your application.
What happens after the Google Play Store review process?
It takes about three days for Google to finish the review process. It can be longer depending on the queue. According to Google, it now takes more time to review apps, especially during the pandemic. Nevertheless, there are times when it may take up to 7 days or longer, depending on your app.
Once the review is done, you’ll receive an email regarding the result. Your app may either be approved or you need to do some additional work. If you get the latter result, you simply need to review the assessment of Google, address the issue, and resubmit.
Publish your app with more confidence
Getting your app published on Google Play Store requires a lot of work. If you don’t have the experience and expertise, you might need to resubmit your app multiple times.
If you wish to improve your app’s chances of getting approved, you would be more than happy to seek the help of ShyftUp.
ShyftUp is primarily a user acquisition agency that specializes in helping app developers get more downloads and installs. They also have the right knowledge to help you in publishing your app.
Get in touch with ShyftUp today and see how they can assist you in achieving app success!
How do I submit a review on Google Play?
You can go to the Google Play Console to submit your app for review. It is also through the Console you’ll know the result and what specific issues you need to address if your app failed the review process.
Does Google Play Store have a review process?
Yes. Google Play Store makes sure that every app complies with its standards, terms, conditions, and legal requirements.
How long does the Google Play review process take?
The standard publishing would take about three days of review. However, depending on the queue and the nature of your app, the review process may take up to 7 days or longer.
