From an Idea in Mind to the World’s Pockets – We’ve all had that lightbulb moment, which means getting a creative idea in your mind. Sometimes we get innovative ideas in our minds during a commute, a conversation, or while solving a personal problem. You think, “This should be an app.” That idea stays with you. You draft it, build it, test it—and now, you’re here.
The final step? Getting it into the hands of real people. Uploading your app to the Google Play Store is the bridge between your idea and its real-world impact.
Do you know that as of April 2025, 36 percent of apps on the Google Play Store were updated every week? In comparison, 73 percent of mobile apps were updated every month. Over 95 percent of Android mobile apps hosted on the Google Play Store were updated each year.
So how do you make sure your app not only gets accepted but shines among millions? This guide walks you through every stage—from zero to launch.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Upload an App To The Google Play Store
Step 1: Create a Google Play Developer Account
Before you can publish anything on the Play Store, you need a developer account. This account gives you access to the Google Play Console, where you’ll manage your apps.
What you need to do:
- Visit Google Play Console.
- Sign in with your Google account (create one if you don’t have it).
- Pay the one-time registration fee of $25.
- Provide your developer name, email, and contact details.
- Accept the Developer Distribution Agreement.
Tip: Use your company or brand name as the developer name if possible—it looks more professional and builds trust.
Step 2: Set Up a Google Wallet Merchant Account (For Paid Apps or In-App Purchases)
If your app includes purchases—either for downloads, subscriptions, or in-app content—you’ll need to set up a merchant account.
Steps to follow:
- Go to Monetize > Setup Merchant Account in the Play Console.
- Fill in your business and tax information.
- Link this account to your Google Play Developer profile.
- Verify your account through your email and dashboard.
This allows you to receive payouts and manage financial transactions securely.
Step 3: Prepare Your App for Release
Before uploading, your app must be production-ready. Google expects apps to meet certain quality, security, and performance standards.
Make sure:
- Your app is fully tested on multiple Android devices and screen sizes.
- It’s signed using a release key (not a debug key).
- The final package is in the .aab (Android App Bundle) format. This is now mandatory for new app submissions.
Testing tip: Use tools like Firebase Test Lab or Android Studio to check compatibility and bugs.
Step 4: Create a New Application in the Google Play Console
Now that your app is ready, you’ll begin the listing process.
Here’s how:
- Navigate to All Apps > Create App.
- Choose the default language.
- Enter your app title (what users will see).
- Select your app type: App or Game.
- Choose whether it’s Free or Paid.
- Click “Create” to start building the listing.
Make sure your title is concise and includes relevant keywords for discoverability.
Step 5: Fill Out the Store Listing
This section builds your app’s public profile. It’s what users will see on your app page in the Play Store.
Include the following:
- App Name and Description
- Use plain, clear language. Include target keywords like “publish app to Play Store” and “upload Android app.”
- Screenshots
Add 2–8 high-quality screenshots showing real app functionality.
- Feature Graphic
A 1024×500 px banner is displayed at the top of your app’s store page.
- App Icon
Upload a clean, visually appealing 512×512 px icon.
- Privacy Policy URL
Required by Google—host this page on your website, even if your app doesn’t collect data.
Pro Tip: Treat this like marketing copy—focus on how your app solves problems and adds value.
Step 6: Set the App Content Rating
Google requires all apps to have a content rating, which helps users understand whether your app is suitable for them.
Do this by:
- Navigate to App Content > Content Rating.
- Fill out a quick questionnaire about your app’s functionality (e.g., violence, ads, user-generated content).
- Receiving a content label like Everyone, Teen, or Mature 17+.
Important: Apps without a rating may be blocked or removed.
Step 7: Upload the App Bundle
Now it’s time to upload your actual app file to the Play Store.
Process:
- Go to Release > Production > Create new release.
- Upload the .aab file you created in Step 3.
- Add release notes to describe what’s new in this version.
- Save your draft.
Reminder: You can also create open/closed beta tests before going public.
Step 8: Set Pricing and Distribution Options
Choose whether your app is free or paid, and where it will be available.
Key decisions:
- Price: You can’t change a paid app to free later (only vice versa).
- Countries: Select countries or global availability.
- Device types: Choose if your app supports tablets, Wear OS, Android TV, etc.
Do you know – As of May 2025, around 97 percent of all Android apps were available for free, while three percent required payment. Overall, the number of free apps available on the Google Play Store has remained higher than the number of paid apps in the examined period.
Step 9: Launch Your App
You’re almost there! Now it’s time to go live.
To publish:
- Click Review and roll out to production.
- Double-check all fields and requirements.
- Submit your app for Google’s review.
- Review Time: Most apps are approved within 3–7 days, but this may vary.
- Once approved, your app will be live and visible to users worldwide!
Congrats, your app is officially on the Play Store!
Step-By-Step Process Of Uploading Your App To The Google Play Store
| Steps | Actions | Purpose / Details | Requirements |
| 1 | Register a Google Play Developer Account | Gain access to the Google Play Console to publish and manage your app. | Google account + $25 one-time fee |
| 2 | Create a Google Wallet Merchant Account | Required if the app includes in-app purchases or paid features. | Business and tax info |
| 3 | Finalize App Build | Ensure the app is stable, tested, and ready for production use. | Signed .aab (Android App Bundle) file |
| 4 | Create a New App in Console | Start the submission process by registering a new app entry. | App name, default language, type |
| 5 | Complete Store Listing | Add all marketing and compliance content visible to users. | Description, screenshots, icon, privacy policy |
| 6 | Assign Content Rating | Inform users of age-appropriate content via Google’s rating system. | Questionnaire completion |
| 7 | Upload Release Bundle | Upload the actual app file and submit release notes. | Production-ready .aab file |
| 8 | Set Pricing & Distribution | Choose free/paid model, supported countries, and device types. | Monetization strategy |
| 9 | Publish to Production | Finalize and launch your app to the Play Store. | Review all info, click “Rollout” |
How To Get Your App Featured On the Play Store?
Your goal is to ensure that the app gets popularity and thousands of downloads, do not stop here. After completing the processes for publishing a free or premium app on the Google Play Store, it is time to have it highlighted on the Play Store.
Certain practices, such as user interface and graphic design services, working with cutting-edge technology, localization, and so on, can help your app get featured. Getting featured on the Google Play Store app can help your program so much that it raises user attention to your app multiple times.
What To Do After Play Store App Submission?
With the question of “how to publish an app on Google Play Store” answered, you might think, “what is there to do next?”. Well, we have got you covered with this as well. Here are some practices you can do to ensure your application enjoys global exposure onthe Google App Store.
- Promote App On Social Media
Social Media is a great medium to skyrocket the popularity of your application. The fact that 42% of the world’s population uses social media is enough to justify the statement. Some platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, and lot more are constantly in use. So, promoting your app on these platforms promises more traffic and eventually more downloads.
- Initiate Press-Release
Press-release is another way through which you can promote your brand. With this, your brand will come into limelight and many publications will cover your app release which will eventually allow your app to reach a wider user base and develop an authentic connecton. A press release that covers the words, attributes and insights of the mobile app developers and application itself has proved to be an incredible app marketing strategy. It is a great example to show users that what they expect is good.
- Focus On App Maintenance And Update
You cannot just publish your application on the App Store and let it be. You need to efficiently maintain your application and introduce frequent updates, attending to the issues and bugs faced by users. Maintaining something is a constant task rather than a one-time thing. So, make sure you keep your app updated with the latest app stack and fix whatever needs fixing.
- Practice ASO
App Store Optimization is a celebrated practice among all the top Android app development companies. Famously known as ASO, it primarily focuses on the activities which target aspects that can generate more attention and visibility of your application on app store. These practices are focused on increasing the conversion rate of impressions into downloads on the application.
Final Thoughts
Publishing your app isn’t just a technical step—it’s a milestone. You’ve put time, thought, and passion into something real. Now, it’s about getting it into the hands of people who need it.
TechBuilder is a leading app development company that builds scalable, high-performing, AI-powered apps using advanced tech and stacks, seamless integrations, and more. Our expert and professional developers are always ready to help and guide you in uploading your apps to the Google Play Store.
In April 2025, approximately 34 thousand mobile apps were released through the Google Play Store. This figure indicates a notable decrease compared to the previous examined period. In the measured period, the highest number of app releases via the Google Play Store was recorded in March 2019, with over 141 thousand apps released.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a cost to maintain my app in the store?
There is only the one-time $25 fee which you pay when you publish your first application or app – no ongoing maintenance costs from Google. After this, all the apps you publish on google app store for android are cost-free.
- How long does it take for Google to approve an app?
There is no fixed time limit for publishing an application on Google apps store – as approval times vary but usually range between 2 hours to 7 days.
- Do I need a company to publish an app?
No, individuals can publish apps, too, but businesses offer more credibility.
- Can I update my app after it’s published?
Yes, you can push updates anytime via the console.
- What’s the difference between APK and AAB?
AAB is now the standard for app submissions—smaller, more efficient.
- What happens if my app is rejected?
Google provides reasons. You can revise and resubmit.
