When building your Uscreen apps, you'll need to decide how users will access your content.
This choice affects how new users sign up, how existing users log in, and ultimately how you monetize your video content.
ℹ️ INFO: This guide explains the key differences between Sign-In Only and In-App Purchase access methods to help you make the best decision for your business.
How Users Access Content in Your Apps
| Website Options | App Options |
Purchases (Offers) | Subscriptions, Bundles, Rentals, One-Time Purchases | Auto-renewing subscriptions |
Payments (Transactions) | User enters payment information directly | Handled by the App Marketplace using the connected payment method |
Coupons & Gift Cards (Marketing features) | Supported | Not yet supported |
🔗 Learn more about the Marketing Features
💡 TIP: While traditional in-app purchases are limited to subscriptions, Uscreen now offers Mobile TVOD (one-time purchases) in beta for videos, collections, and paid bundles on the Plus plan.
🔗 Learn more about Mobile TVOD (Beta)
Sign-In Only vs In-App Purchase
Understanding how users will access your content is crucial for your app strategy. Sign-In Only focuses on serving existing customers, while In-App Purchase opens your content to new audiences directly through app stores.
Each approach offers distinct advantages depending on your business goals and content monetization strategy.
Key Comparison
Sign-In Only | In-App Purchase |
 |  |
The app is free to install | The app is free to install |
Existing users can sign in and access content | Existing users can sign in and access content |
Users cannot create a new account in the app | Users can create a new account in the app |
Users cannot purchase an offer within the app | Users can purchase an offer within the app |
Apps are a bonus for existing users | Apps allow you to gain new users |
Cannot direct users to a website to purchase access | Cannot direct users to a website to purchase access |
 | 
|
When to Choose Sign-In Only
Best for: Businesses where most or all content is free, or when you prefer to manage all subscriptions through your website.
Benefits
No app store revenue sharing fees
Complete control over the customer relationship
Simplified app experience focused on content delivery
Ideal for businesses with established website audiences
📝 NOTE: For iOS/tvOS apps, Apple typically rejects Sign-In Only apps if your content requires paid access. We generally don't recommend Sign-In Only for Apple platforms if you offer paid content.
When to Choose In-App Purchase
Best for: Businesses offering paid content who want to maximize audience growth through app stores.
Benefits
New users can sign up and subscribe directly in the app
Tap into app store discovery and marketing
Simplified user experience with familiar payment methods
Higher conversion rates for mobile-first audiences
Required for iOS/tvOS apps with paid content
💡 TIP: In-app subscriptions should be your top-tier subscriptions that grant access to all content. This ensures users have a consistent experience regardless of where they subscribe.
Additional In-App Information
Apple App Store Requirements
If you want your app on the Apple App Store and your content requires payment, Apple requires In-App Purchase options (App Store Guideline 3.1.1).
If you're on the Plus plan, you can choose Sign-In Only for other platforms while using In-App Purchase only for iOS.
In-App Purchase Details
When using In-App Purchase:
Your app must offer at least one subscription option
Subscriptions must be linked to matching Website Subscriptions
You should use a Private Subscription for apps
🔗 Learn more about Creating In-App Subscriptions
Changes made in your dashboard do not automatically sync with apps
Include access to all top-tier content in your In-App Subscriptions
You can offer one subscription per period
Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annual, Yearly
🔗 Learn more about In-App Subscription Pricing & Free Trials
Revenue Sharing
When offering in-app purchases, each platform (Apple, Google, Amazon, and Roku) requires a percentage of earnings from subscriptions purchased in the app.
This is essentially a service fee for distribution.
🔗 Learn more about Revenue Sharing
📝 NOTE: In-app subscriptions and payments are managed by the platform, not Uscreen. You'll be paid directly by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Roku.
FAQs
Can some apps offer IAP and others be Sign-In Only?
Can some apps offer IAP and others be Sign-In Only?
Yes. iOS apps with paid content must use In-App Purchase, but all other platforms can be Sign-In Only if you prefer.
Can you offer multiple subscriptions in the apps?
Can you offer multiple subscriptions in the apps?
Yes. You can offer one subscription for each duration period (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, yearly).
Will changing from IAP to Sign-In Only affect app store visibility?
Will changing from IAP to Sign-In Only affect app store visibility?
No, your app will still be listed in the stores just the same.
What happens to existing members if I switch from IAP to Sign-In Only?
What happens to existing members if I switch from IAP to Sign-In Only?
Existing subscribers will continue their current subscription plan. The change only affects new users.
Does Sign-In Only mean users can't create accounts at all?
Does Sign-In Only mean users can't create accounts at all?
Users can still create accounts on your website, just not directly in the app.
Can I direct users to my website to sign up from a Sign-In Only app?
Can I direct users to my website to sign up from a Sign-In Only app?
No. App stores prohibit directing users to external websites for purchases or sign-ups. The app is built to comply with this requirement.