Play store 2020: Is there a review process for "promoting" an app from closed testing to production?

Question

So I just submitted an app for closed alpha testing. The release status is "being reviewed".

After this, I will need to promote the exact same app (no new updates/upgrades/APK uploads) to open testing and prod. At each stage, will there again be a separate review process?

There is an almost identical question here but it is a couple of years old, and it seems like the review process has changed recently. So I am asking again.

Leek

I guess they have added a review at each stage. My app is currently in the Open Testing track and it's been 12 hours since they are showing status as "Being reviewed"! I am expecting the same review time delay in my Production as well after seeing that states. – Beilul

Answer 1

it looks like they have indeed implemented a new review process for each of the different release tracks.

However, even though a "Being reviewed" message appears below the release, you'll notice another "Promote release" dropdown below. If you click on it, you'll have the option to promote to any other active track, even straight to Production.

To answer your question - there will be distinct review processes per release track (as you noted), but the option to instantly promote is available.

Carma

What exactly is the reason behind all these reviews, especially the Closed testing? – Lishalishe

I just promoted to Production an already reviewed Closed Testing and got into In Review again. Makes zero sense – Burned