How Google Play Works — and How Developers Publish Apps on the Google Play Store
- Raymond Duffy
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
For developers building apps for Android devices, Google Play is the primary distribution platform. While publishing on Google Play is generally faster and more flexible than Apple’s App Store, it comes with different technical, legal, and compliance risks that developers need to understand before launching.
This guide explains what Google Play is, how developers publish apps on the platform, and the key legal and intellectual property issues to consider.
What Is Google Play?
Google Play is Google’s digital distribution platform for Android apps, games, movies, books, and subscriptions. For app developers, the most important component is the Google Play Store, where Android users discover and download apps.
Google Play is operated by Google and serves as the primary marketplace for apps running on the Android operating system.
Devices That Use Google Play
Apps published on Google Play can be installed on a wide range of devices, including:
Android smartphones and tablets
Android TV devices
Chromebooks
Wear OS smartwatches
Some in-car and embedded Android systems
Unlike Apple’s ecosystem, Android allows apps to be distributed outside the Google Play Store. However, Google Play remains the most trusted and commercially important marketplace for Android apps.
Step 1: Create a Google Play Developer Account
To publish apps on Google Play, developers must register for a Google Play Developer account.
Key details
One-time registration fee
The account can publish unlimited apps
Available to individuals and businesses
For commercial apps, a business account is usually recommended, as it allows apps to be published under a company name and supports team-based access controls.
Step 2: Build the Android App
Android apps are typically built using:
Kotlin or Java
Google’s development environment, Android Studio
Android SDKs and APIs
Google Play fully supports cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter, React Native, and Unity.
Compared to Apple:
Google imposes fewer design constraints
Background processes are more flexible
App behaviour is less tightly controlled
This flexibility can speed up development but also increases the importance of self-managed compliance.
Step 3: Set Up the App in Google Play Console
All apps are managed through Google Play Console, where developers configure the app’s public listing and technical details.
This includes:
App name and description
Category selection
App icon and screenshots
Feature graphics
Pricing and country availability
Developer contact details
This information forms the public-facing Google Play Store listing and is closely reviewed for policy compliance.
Step 4: Privacy and Data Safety Declarations
Privacy compliance is a major enforcement focus on Google Play.
Developers must complete Google’s Data Safety section, disclosing:
What data the app collects
Why the data is collected
Whether data is shared with third parties
How data is secured
Whether users can request deletion
These disclosures must:
Match the app’s actual behaviour
Align with the published privacy policy
Be updated when functionality changes
Incorrect or misleading disclosures are a common cause of app suspension or account termination.
Step 5: Uploading the App (Android App Bundle)
Apps are uploaded to Google Play using the Android App Bundle (AAB) format.
During upload, developers must:
Assign version numbers
Sign the app
Complete content rating questionnaires
Confirm compliance with Google Play policies
Google allows staged rollouts, enabling developers to release updates gradually rather than to all users at once.
Step 6: Google Play Review and Approval
Google Play uses a combination of:
Automated review systems
Manual review for higher-risk apps
However, Google is known for automated enforcement, which means:
Apps can be removed quickly
Accounts can be suspended with limited warning
Appeals may be restricted once enforcement occurs
Step 7: Testing Tracks and Beta Releases
Google Play offers multiple testing tracks:
Internal testing
Closed testing
Open beta testing
These allow developers to:
Test features safely
Identify compliance issues early
Reduce the risk of public policy breaches
Testing is strongly recommended before a full public launch.
Step 8: App Publication and Updates
Once approved:
The app becomes live on Google Play
Users can download it immediately
Updates can be pushed frequently
Google Play updates generally go live faster than Apple App Store updates, making it easier to iterate quickly.
Monetisation on Google Play
Developers can monetise apps through paid app downloads, in-app purchases, subscriptions; and advertising.
Google’s commission
Standard commission: 30%
Reduced to 15% for:
Small developers
Subscription revenue after the first 12 months
Most digital goods and subscriptions must use Google Play Billing.
Legal and Intellectual Property Considerations
Publishing an app on Google Play involves important legal considerations, including:
Ownership of source code and app content
IP Licensing
Trade mark clearance for app names and branding
Privacy law compliance
Accurate consumer representations
Google does not resolve IP disputes between developers. Apps may be removed if infringement claims arise, even where disputes are unresolved.
Conclusion
Google Play offers developers a flexible and fast route to market for Android apps. However, the platform relies heavily on automated enforcement and strict policy compliance, making legal preparation and IP protection essential before publishing.
Need Legal Advice for Google Play Apps?
If you are developing or commercialising an Android app and need advice on:
Intellectual property ownership
IP Licensing
Trade mark protection
Privacy and compliance obligations
Google Play policy enforcement risks
Greyson Legal can assist with tailored legal guidance for app developers and digital businesses.
P: 0411 248 885
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