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Adding Subscriptions to your App

Why add a subscription to your app

Subscriptions are one of the most effective ways for app developers to create a stable and predictable revenue stream. Unlike one-time purchases, subscriptions encourage users to stay engaged over time, building long-term loyalty and “stickiness” within your app. They tap into user psychology by reinforcing habits and delivering ongoing value, which not only boosts retention but also increases lifetime revenue per user. With a well designed subscription plan, you can establish trust, enhance the user experience, and ensure that your app continues to grow sustainably.

Tebex payment provider solution

It is important to understand the role payment provider solutions play in your app before diving into subscription strategies. Overwolf's preferred payment provider solution is Tebex. Tebex manages payments, renewals, and entitlements for Overwolf subscriptions. It supports recurring and prepaid plans, growth tools, handles global currencies and compliance, and provides you with tools to track performance and manage users at scale. For more details on how you can set up Tebex for your app, see Overwolf Subscriptions by Tebex.

Subscriber benefits​

Subscriptions should feel like upgrades, not upsells. The more tangible and rewarding the benefits, the higher the adoption and retention. Here are some core benefits you can offer:

  • Ad-Free experience—remove interruptions and deliver a premium, polished feel.
  • Premium perks—unlock deeper features, early access, bonus content, and exclusive cosmetics.
  • Status and recognition—subscriber-only badges, Discord roles, and other visual indicators.

Pro tips:

  • Create a dedicated subscription page to clearly explain plans and value.
  • If you have more complex features to introduce as part of the premium package, add a premium features page that showcases each benefit in detail.

Offer types​

When designing subscription offers, variety and flexibility are key:

  • Monthly basic offer—straightforward, predictable option.
  • Yearly plan incentive—offer a 20–30% discount compared to the monthly rate to encourage longer commitments.
  • 3 or 6 month prepaid plans—users pay once and renew at the end of the cycle. Ideal for those testing premium perks without long-term lock-in.
    tip

    Longer plans should offer better value while still giving users options.

Monetization tools​

Use these tools to drive conversions and keep users subscribed:

  • Timed or limited sales—flash deals, seasonal offers, or one-time discounts.
  • Promo codes—cross promotion with influencers, triggered by in-app milestones or sent to top users.
  • Referral system—reward users who bring in new subscribers.
  • Geo-pricing—adjust pricing by region to match local purchasing power.

Product design tips​

Make sure that you make your offer visible, accessible, and compelling.

  • Prominent placement—add a Go Premium CTA above in-app ads and create a persistent subscription section.
  • Strong UI—make plans clear and attractive by using badges, icons, comparison tables, and value tags.
  • Timely upgrade prompts—if certain features are capped or partially available, surface the premium offer at the right moment to maximize relevance.

  • Tiered Structure:

    A tiered subscription model is a great way to give users options without overwhelming them. The golden rule: keep it to three tiers, it’s the magic number that balances choice with clarity. Too many options can create decision fatigue. A three tiered offering gives a clear entry point, a mid-level plan, and a premium all-inclusive option.


    To maximize conversions, highlight the best-value tier with a badge, color accent, or “Most Popular” label. Use rounded, easy-to-read pricing and make sure discounts or added perks are clearly indicated (e.g., “Save 25% with yearly”). This not only simplifies decision making but also nudges users toward the plan that best supports both their needs and your app’s growth.


    Here’s an example of what a three tier model could look like. The details can vary, but the main idea is to give users a solid starting point and then add more value as they move up.:

    • Tier 1 (Basic)—lowest-priced entry tier, e.g., Discord role or supporter badge (must always include digital goods for Tebex payment process compliance).
    • Tier 2 (Mid)—includes ad removal plus Tier 1 perks.
    • Tier 3 (Premium)—all of the above plus a killer feature unique to your app.

User behavior hacks​

Encourage conversion by letting users experience value before committing:

  • Offer a “freemium” option—allow limited use of a premium feature (e.g., 5 free uses per month), then prompt them to upgrade for full access.
  • Well timed prompts—trigger popups at high-intent moments (First sign up, on a blocked feature, or after unlocking new content).
  • Urgency and incentives—highlight limited discounts, expiring offers, and exclusive slots.

Final Thoughts​

Subscriptions aren’t just a monetization tool, they’re a loyalty engine. They provide developers with a safe, recurring revenue stream while giving users ongoing value that keeps them engaged. By crafting thoughtful offers, delivering clear benefits, and designing with user psychology in mind, you can create a sustainable business model that strengthens both your revenue and your relationship with players.