Buying testers fails three ways: Play's fraud detection flags dormant accounts, bought testers never open the app (so engagement doesn't count), and you're dependent on a third party to satisfy a store requirement.
Three source pools that work: your existing audience (highest quality), community trades on r/androiddev and r/indiedev (fastest), and your personal network (last resort).
A warm-list invite converts 40–50%. Anonymous forums convert 5–10% — which is why you need multiple pools.
Play watches for meaningful engagement, not just opt-ins. Four touches over 14 days keeps testers active.
You need 12 opted-in testers for 14 days before Google Play will let you ship. Buying them looks like the shortcut.
