Google Play’s testing policies for apps have evolved significantly, which brings good news to independent developers. In the last quarter of the previous year, Google implemented a rule that developers need to test their apps on a minimum of 20 users during a 14-day testing period before they release an app. The idea was to bring quality to apps, but independent developers complained it was too much to bear. Now, a recent update from Google Play’s support page shows that it has indeed relaxed its policy on the number of testers needed for personal developer accounts.
Changes in Google Play Store app testing policy
Google now will require developers with personal accounts created after November 13, 2023 to conduct a closed test using at least 12 testers in 14 consecutive days of testing. This had been a previous threshold of 20 testers at times proving too challenging even for solo developers, that relied on friends and sometimes family members for their work.
The updated policy states:
“If you have a newly created personal developer account, you must run a closed test for your app with a minimum of 12 testers who have been opted-in for at least the last 14 days continuously.”
This change, though subtle, has the most significant implications for indie developers who often face a problem in recruiting a large pool of testers.
Why did Indie developers struggle?
Many indie app developers are working on small budgets, often solo or with a very small team. Finding 20 testers usually meant reaching out on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) or Reddit, which could delay the launch of an app or discourage developers from even trying.
This extra layer of effort both delayed the timelines for developments and deterred some developers from publishing the app through Google Play. Eventually, reducing the testers needed might alleviate some of these deterrents and thus persuade more indie developers to take their apps into market.
The intent behind the testing requirement
There remains valid rationale behind an application testing policy. Compelled testing in real-time enables app developers to recognize areas needing rectification prior to submitting them to the consumer world. This positive practice has improved the general quality of apps presented via Google Play in support of the application-developer-user axis.
However, the 20-tester requirement as set for personal accounts was considered too heavy and disproportionate. In lowering this to 12 testers, Google has proven to listen to developer feedback on what balances quality assurance with feasibility.
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Business accounts remain unaffected
These account developers are exempt from that testing requirement. Business accounts differ from personal accounts since one requires formal registration, as this registration involves a D-U-N-S number, which limits access to malicious users; that probably is why Google was waiving the requirement.
A step forward for Indie developers
The latest policy adjustment is a clear indication that Google is willing to listen to the developer community and change. Even though some indie developers still find the ecosystem of Google Play challenging, this is a step in the right direction. Google, by reducing the tester requirement, wants to keep the indie developers on its platform and nurture innovation.