If an app is launched but users can’t find it in the Play Store, does it really exist? Discoverability is essential for an app’s success, of course, in order for kids to enjoy a game, they must first be able to find and download it. The Designed for Families Program provides parents a place to find kid-friendly apps in Google Play. Through the opt-in service developers for kids can connect with parents and reach relevant users.
With a sea of apps available today, the Designed for Families section helps kids find the best apps that are engaging and right for their needs and age groups. If you develop children’s apps, joining the program will help users looking for great content for kids find you – in short, the program is awesome and we love it. Here is how to get into the Designed for Families section in the Google Play Store.
1.Focus on Kids Interests
The Designed for Families program is structured to make it simple for parents and kids to find great apps that are appropriate for kids interests and abilities. The section is divided into age-based rating categories, and apps must have a rating to participate. Along with the obvious, that thinking of kids needs helps create apps they love, focusing on their interests will help the right users find your app as well. For example, the parent of a 3 year-old can quickly filter to apps for kids under 5, download an approved Thomas & Friends app, and watch her child play and learn with puzzles.
2. Add Value for Your Users
For an app to be included in the family section it’s not enough to simply be appropriate for kids, it must provide kids with added value. There are a lot of ways an app can provide value for kids, an app can provide a child with a self-learning tool to practice reading, or a means to develop problem solving skills through play. In fact, kids spend more time engaging with apps where they can learn, you can read more about creating apps kids love here.
3. Include a Kid-Friendly Privacy Policy
When working with kids privacy is always a focus, and digital products must be COPPA compliant. For an app to comply with the Designed for Families section a privacy policy must be posted for users. Don’t forget that privacy for kid’s apps means you can’t collect information on users, and must have parent’s consent for any information that is shared.
4. Implement a Kid-Safe Monetization Method
Of course, developers need to generate revenue to continue making great apps and providing users with fun experiences. With kids apps monetization tools should be COPPA compliant, meaning parents consent is required for any payments.
When choosing a monetization method it is important to consider how users are using your app. Most kids apps utilize one of three revenue generation methods: one-time payment, freemium, or in-app ads. Developers shouldn’t be afraid of free aps, there are ways to generate revenue while staying true to your original vision and creating value for kids.
In the KIDOZ Store free apps are downloaded 70 times more than paid apps. Offering a free app might seem scary for developers when thinking about how to generate revenue from their apps for kids, because most advertising networks aren’t designed for kids. The KIDOZ SDK is designed with kids’ behaviour in mind, not only are all promotions approved for kids, the recommended-content is optimized for each app which increases user engagement. And, KIDOZ is certified COPPA compliant and implements the specific requirements of Family ads. Ads in Family apps can only show one promotion at a time, must stand out as separate from the game, and cannot be designed in a way that a user can accidentally click on the offer. Thinking of kids, the content widgets create a native experience, and don’t take away from the user’s play.
Once you have confirmed the appropriate age rating, uploaded a COPPA compliant privacy policy, and implemented a kid-friendly monetization model your app can be submitted to the Designed for Families section through the Developer Console.
If You have an Android App for Kids, the Designed for Families Section is a Must
Creating apps for kids is rewarding, and it’s fulfilling to see the joy and benefit kids get from learning and interacting with games. However to get users, an app must be discoverable. The Designed for Families Program helps developers connect with the right users, and anyone creating children’s apps should apply the necessary steps and join the program.
Image from Official Android Blog
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