Google tests subscription tools for publishers
- Monday, August 21st, 2017
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Google is reportedly taking a leaf out of Facebook’s book by developing tools to help boost subscriptions for news publishers through its Accelerated Mobile Pages, or AMP, platform.
Google’s move to lend a helping hand to publishers is taking place on three fronts, reports Bloomberg. These will include the internet giant overhauling its ‘first click free’ feature, as well as exploring publishers’ tools around online payments and targeting potential subscribers.
Google’s AMP enables news websites to be presented higher up search results and load more quickly. Through the new tools, Google is looking to use AMP to let publishers identify who may subscribe, determine how many readers would pay and speed up the process. 
The tools are currently being tested with New York Times Co. and the Financial Times, but Google is in talks with dozens of other outlets about utilising the tools.
Last month, Facebook confirmed reports that it was working on subscription models within Instant Articles for publishers.
