Google Play Family Library lets you share purchases across 6 accounts

With this new feature, users can share eligible purchases such as apps, games, movies, TV shows, or books across 6 different accounts. That’s all there is to it! No additional fees, no rigmarole.

Those familiar with Steam, Valve’s video game distribution platform, will recognize this feature right away, and iTunes has been rocking something similar for about two years now. Although Google’s Family Library looks a lot like these, what sets it apart is its ability to share content across platforms: Android, iOS, or in-browser.

There are, of course, some limitations to the cross-platform aspect. Naturally if you’re sharing apps or games designed for Android devices, your family member will only be able to access them on another Android device. For platform agnostic content like books, movies, or TV shows, though, you’re free to consume away on the device of your choice.

You can also share purchasing power with family members by registering a credit or debit card for Family Library purchases. Google learned their lesson from the heat they previously took regarding in-app purchases, and they’ve built safeguards into the Family Library. Primary account holders will have the ability to review any purchases before they’re processed.

Google Play Family Library is still rolling out right now, so you may not quite have access to it yet. Nevertheless, Google says the feature will be available in the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and the UK over the course of the next few days.

What do you think of this new feature arriving for the Google Play Store? Think it will be something you’ll use on the regular? Let us know in the comments below!