Google Play Newsstand will be rolled out this week and the FT is a launch partner.
Users can read eight articles a month for free before subscribing for full access, in line with the FT’s metered access model. For the first time, readers will be able to subscribe to the FT directly through the third party platform.
FT.com managing director Rob Grimshaw said: “We have long made it a priority to offer FT journalism in a variety of formats and where our readers want to find it, whether on FT.com, through our mobile apps or on third party platforms. Our launch on Google Newsstand is an important development, providing a new avenue for the more than one billion Android users worldwide to access the FT. We are delighted to be able to offer seamless signup through the app while maintaining our direct relationship with customers.”
According to the publishers, the FT on Newsstand is a rich multimedia experience including global news and analysis, comment, blogs and videos. Content is seamlessly integrated into the platform, with navigation and content display controlled by the FT’s web development team. Articles are available offline or can be bookmarked to read later.
The FT on Newsstand also offers new opportunities for advertisers, who will be able to display ads within the FT on the platform, from small mobile handset banners to full screen tablet ads.
Mobile is an increasingly important channel for the FT, driving almost 60% of subscriber consumption, over 40% of total traffic and a quarter of digital subscriptions.
