Google is allowing Android developers to offer free trials for in-app subscription content.

According to Google’s Android developer site, users must purchase a full subscription through the standard in-app billing flow and provide a valid form of payment. Google Play then records the transaction as costing zero, and users are informed by email.

When the trial ends, the normal subscription cost is applied against the payment card initially entered. Users can cancel the subscription during the free trial if they want to avoid the payment kicking in.

The length of the free trial period can be set via the Developer Console without the need to change the existing Android application package file.