by EmilyHow to Use In-App Subscriptions
As a freelance mobile app developer, your job doesn't end at building an appโit extends to helping your clients generate steady revenue from it. ๐ผ One of the most effective monetization models today is in-app subscriptions.
In-app subscriptions offer recurring income and long-term user retention. From fitness apps to content platforms, subscription models allow users to access premium features, content, or services for a fee. With tech giants like Apple and Google supporting subscription frameworks, it has become easier than ever to integrate this system into your mobile apps. ๐ณ๐ฑ
In this blog, youโll learn how in-app subscriptions work, the tools available, pricing models to consider, and how freelancers can pitch and implement this strategy for clients effectively.
๐ Long Description: The Freelancerโs Guide to In-App Subscriptions in Mobile Apps
๐ What Are In-App Subscriptions?
In-app subscriptions allow users to pay on a recurring basis (weekly, monthly, or yearly) for access to premium features or content. This is different from one-time in-app purchases (IAPs), as subscriptions drive ongoing revenue.
They are ideal for:
โ SaaS-based mobile tools
โ Meditation or workout apps
โ eLearning and language apps
โ News/media platforms
โ Audio or video streaming apps
โ Productivity tools
๐ฏ Freelancer Tip: Propose subscription models to clients who want predictable cash flow, better customer retention, and a scalable business model.
๐งพ Types of In-App Subscriptions
Depending on your clientโs goals, choose from:
Auto-Renewing Subscriptions
Automatically renew unless canceled
Most common (used by Spotify, Netflix)
Great for long-term revenue
Non-Renewing Subscriptions
Ends after a set time
Users must manually re-subscribe
Useful for short-term access (e.g., seasonal content)
Freemium Model
Core app is free; subscription unlocks more features
Great for attracting users, then converting them
๐ Freelancer Strategy: Recommend freemium + auto-renew for maximum user acquisition and revenue generation.
๐ผ Platforms Supporting In-App Subscriptions
Both Apple and Google offer robust subscription frameworks:
Apple App Store:
Offers flexible billing cycles, promotional offers, free trials
Requires revenue share: 30% in Year 1, 15% from Year 2 onward
Google Play Store:
Similar structure with more trial/flexible pricing options
๐ก You can also use Stripe, Paddle, or RevenueCat for cross-platform apps or web+mobile combos.
๐ง Tools and APIs for Freelancers
As a freelancer, you donโt need to build everything from scratch. Use these tools:
RevenueCat โ Abstracts all billing logic (best for cross-platform)
Firebase Cloud Functions โ Useful for custom logic and validations
Apphud โ No-code/low-code support for subscriptions
Qonversion โ Monetization analytics + subscription API
๐ง Freelancer Tip: These tools help you save time, manage subscriptions, and reduce client costs.
๐ธ Pricing Strategies for In-App Subscriptions
Hereโs how you can help your clients choose the best pricing model:
Tiered Pricing
Basic, Pro, Premium versions
Allows users to upgrade based on need
Free Trial Period
7, 14, or 30-day trials help users explore the app
Converts better than upfront payments
Introductory Offers
50% off for the first 3 months
Ideal for converting price-sensitive users
Content Gating
Lock premium videos, articles, or services behind a paywall
Encourage FOMO (fear of missing out)
๐ฐ Freelancer Insight: Suggest starting with a low entry price and increasing as value grows. Monitor metrics to tweak pricing.
๐ Benefits of In-App Subscriptions for Clients (And Freelancers)
Benefit Description
๐ Recurring Revenue Clients earn steadily instead of one-time payments
๐ฏ User Retention Subscribers are more loyal & engaged
๐ Data Insights Subscription analytics offer better business decisions
๐ผ Freelance Upsell You can offer ongoing support, analytics, & optimization as paid services
๐จโ๐ป How Freelancers Can Pitch In-App Subscriptions
When onboarding a new client, suggest a subscription model by highlighting:
โ Revenue stability over unpredictable ad income
โ Competitive edge vs. free-only competitors
โ Ability to scale and upsell premium features
๐ Example pitch:
"Letโs build a free version of the app for user acquisition, and offer a premium monthly plan that unlocks features like offline access, priority support, and exclusive content. This will help generate monthly income and scale your app sustainably."
๐ Steps to Implement In-App Subscriptions
As a freelancer, follow this flow:
Define the Subscription Tiers
What features are free? Whatโs premium?
Choose Platform (iOS, Android, or both)
Select SDKs or use RevenueCat for cross-platform
Design Subscription UI/UX
Clear, attractive pricing page
Highlight features and benefits
Integrate Subscription APIs
Use App Store Connect / Google Play Billing
Or use 3rd party like RevenueCat
Test Payments Thoroughly
Emulate sandbox environments
Make sure cancellation and renewal flows work
Analyze & Optimize
Monitor churn rate, conversion rate
Use A/B tests to improve conversion
๐ Freelancer Advantage: Clients will often retain you for ongoing maintenance, analytics, and price tweaks.
๐ค Freelancers: Add Subscription Expertise to Your Services
Hereโs how you can add subscription services to your freelance portfolio:
โ App Monetization Consulting
โ Subscription Setup & Configuration
โ Subscription Analytics and Optimization
โ A/B Testing for Plans and Pricing
โ Revenue Recovery & Churn Reduction Strategies
Add these to your Upwork/Fiverr profiles, LinkedIn, and website to attract higher-ticket clients. ๐ผ
๐ซ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced freelancers can slip up with subscriptions. Watch out for:
๐ซ Confusing pricing page
๐ซ No free trial โ low signups
๐ซ Forgetting to handle subscription cancellation
๐ซ Not complying with Apple/Google refund policies
๐ซ Ignoring user churn and renewal data
โ Solution: Create a checklist and automate flows wherever possible.
๐ In-App Subscription Niches You Should Target
Here are some high-potential niches to target:
๐ง Fitness and wellness
๐ Language learning and education
๐ง Music and podcast streaming
๐ Audiobook and eBook apps
๐ Productivity and task managers
๐๏ธ Digital magazines or newsletters
๐ Business tools and SaaS
๐ Conclusion: Subscription-Based Apps Are the FutureโLead the Way
For todayโs freelancers in mobile development, knowing how to build and implement in-app subscriptions is no longer optionalโitโs essential. ๐
Clients are constantly seeking better ways to monetize their apps and retain users. If you can confidently pitch, build, and optimize subscription-based systems, you become a valuable asset to any project.
So, start adding in-app subscription services to your offering, master the tools mentioned, and become a revenue architect for your clients. ๐ผ๐
