How ChatGPT suggests plugins in a chat, and how to get picked
ChatGPT suggests plugins by searching its plugin directory for tools that fit the job described in a prompt, then showing a "found plugins that could be helpful" picker with an Install button for each. This has been live since OpenAI's DevDay on September 29, 2026. The user does not need to name your plugin. Your tool names, descriptions and listing determine whether ChatGPT sees you as a match. The picker shows only a few plugins, so your place in it matters.
What OpenAI launched on September 29, 2026
Before that date, users found plugins only in the plugin directory or by name. Since DevDay on September 29, 2026, ChatGPT can offer plugins in the middle of a chat, to users who never opened the directory.
Track your plugin ranking in the directory and in these new suggestion slots every day.
The four steps ChatGPT follows to suggest a plugin
- The user describes a job. For example: "Book me a hotel in Lisbon for next weekend."
- ChatGPT searches the plugin directory. It runs a search step (
search_plugins). The search is not exhaustive. - ChatGPT suggests a few plugins. A suggest step (
suggest_plugins) shows the picker with Install buttons. - The user installs and connects. The plugin reads live data only after the user signs in.
See which chats suggest your plugin with AI prompt tracking.
Four metadata fields ChatGPT reads to match your plugin
- The conversation. What the user asked, and what came before in the chat.
- Tool names and descriptions. OpenAI tells developers to start descriptions with "Use this when..." and to say when not to use the tool.
- Parameters and hints. Clear parameter docs, and the readOnlyHint, destructiveHint and openWorldHint settings.
- Brand and past use. Whether the user named your brand, and whether they already linked your app.
Five steps to increase your plugin's suggestion rate
- Build a golden prompt set. Write direct prompts (they name you), indirect prompts (they describe the job) and negative prompts (where you should not appear).
- Rewrite your tool descriptions. Say what each tool does and when to use it, in the user's words.
- Test in developer mode. Run your prompt set and note which tools ChatGPT calls.
- Track your suggestion rate. Run each prompt about 20 times and count how often you appear.
- Change one thing at a time. Then run the set again, so you know what moved the rate.
Measuring plugin suggestions with gaintage chat keywords
gaintage calls the prompts where ChatGPT may suggest an app "chat keywords". For each one, gaintage runs the prompt many times and logs whether your plugin appeared and in which slot. Answers change between runs, so one run proves nothing. The rate over many runs is the number to watch. You can track your plugin's position in the directory next to these suggestions.
Directory rank and in-chat suggestions compared
| Directory rank | In-chat suggestions | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it shows | Plugin directory search and categories | The picker inside a chat |
| What decides it | Name, description, starter prompts, user satisfaction | Conversation, tool metadata, brand mentions, past links |
| How to measure | Daily rank per keyword and category | Suggestion rate per prompt over many runs |
Plan the whole channel with ChatGPT app store optimization.
How Claude handles app suggestions differently
Claude does part of it. It brings an app you already connected into a chat on its own when it fits the request. It does not suggest new connectors you have not added. Read how Claude connectors work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay to be suggested?
No paid placement has been announced as of October 2026.
Does the user need the plugin installed?
No. ChatGPT can suggest plugins the user has never installed. The user installs from the picker.
How many plugins does the picker show?
The number can change by prompt.
Can I see which prompts suggest my competitors?
Yes. App competitor analysis shows which prompts suggest each competitor. New to plugins? Learn what ChatGPT plugins are in 2026. Selling a website, not a plugin? Learn how to rank in ChatGPT answers.