Trackli
Use Case|Google Play

Affiliate Tracking for Google Play Android Apps

Google Play offers referral URL parameters that most developers underutilize. Trackli combines Play Store campaign links with server-side purchase verification to build a complete affiliate attribution system for Android apps, from click to install to purchase.

How to Set Up Google Play Affiliate Tracking

Get up and running in minutes with these simple steps.

1

Set Up Google Play Campaign Links

Generate Play Store URLs with UTM and referrer parameters for each affiliate. Google Play passes these parameters to your app on first launch.

2

Add Trackli SDK to Your Android App

Integrate the Trackli SDK which reads the Play Store install referrer. On first launch, the SDK reports the attribution data including the affiliate identifier.

3

Connect Google Play Developer API

Link your Play Console via service account credentials. Trackli uses the Purchases API to verify subscriptions and in-app purchases server-side.

4

Configure Android-Specific Commission Rules

Set commission rates accounting for Google's 15-30% service fee. Define rules for one-time purchases, subscriptions, and consumable in-app purchases.

5

Monitor Install Quality Metrics

Track install-to-activation rates, day-1 and day-7 retention, and purchase conversion by affiliate to identify your most valuable partners.

How It Works

From referral link to commission payout — fully automated with Google Play.

Affiliate tracking flow diagram for Google Play

Trackli vs Traditional Affiliate Tracking

See how Trackli compares to manual or legacy affiliate solutions.

FeatureTrackliTraditional
Install Referrer TrackingUses Play Install Referrer API for deterministic attributionFingerprint-based matching with high error rates
In-App Purchase VerificationServer-side verification via Google Play Developer APIClient-side reporting vulnerable to manipulation
Google Fee AdjustmentCommissions on net revenue after Google's service feeCommissions on gross price before platform fees
Subscription TrackingTracks renewals, grace periods, and account holdsNo awareness of Play subscription lifecycle
User Quality ScoringRetention and engagement metrics per affiliate sourceInstall count only, no quality indicators
Regional Pricing SupportHandles country-specific Play Store pricing correctlySingle currency tracking, no regional awareness

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Trackli use Google Play's install referrer?
Google Play passes campaign parameters to your app through the Install Referrer API. Trackli embeds affiliate identifiers in these parameters, giving you deterministic attribution that's far more reliable than fingerprinting methods.
Does Trackli verify in-app purchases through Google's APIs?
Yes. Trackli connects to the Google Play Developer API to verify every reported purchase server-side. This prevents fraudulent commission claims from spoofed purchase events or modified client-side reports.
How are Google Play subscription renewals tracked?
Trackli uses Google Play's Real-time Developer Notifications (RTDN) to receive push notifications about subscription events. This covers renewals, cancellations, grace periods, and account holds in real time.
Can I track apps distributed outside Google Play?
Trackli's primary integration is with Google Play, but the SDK can also work with direct APK distribution. For sideloaded apps, attribution uses a combination of device fingerprinting and deferred deep links.
How does Trackli handle different prices across countries?
Google Play allows region-specific pricing. Trackli uses the actual transaction amount in the buyer's currency, converted at the time of purchase, to calculate commissions accurately regardless of the buyer's country.

Ready to launch your affiliate program?

Start tracking affiliate referrals in minutes. No complex setup, no enterprise pricing.