How to submit an app to ChatGPT, step by step
To submit an app to ChatGPT, package it as a plugin ZIP (an MCP server, skills, or both), upload it on the Plugins page of the OpenAI Platform, fix the automated findings, then submit it for review and publish once it is approved.
Org owners, or members with Apps Management Write access, can submit after the org completes identity checks. After the first publish, changes to your MCP server go live without a new ZIP.
What you need before you submit your app to ChatGPT
Six things to have ready.
- A verified org. Your OpenAI org and identity must be verified.
- An MCP server URL. Hosted on HTTPS, if your plugin has tools.
- A plugin ZIP. It holds your MCP server details, skills, or both.
- Listing details. Name up to 30 characters, subtitle up to 30, long description up to 4,000, and up to 3 starter prompts of 128 characters each.
- Four URLs. Website, support, privacy policy and terms of service, all on HTTPS.
- Test material. 5 positive and 3 negative test cases, reviewer credentials and a demo video.
Before you upload, grade your AI app listing against OpenAI's limits.
How to submit your app to ChatGPT
From access check to publish.
- Confirm access. Make sure you are an org owner or have Apps Management Write access, and finish identity checks.
- Upload the plugin ZIP. Go to Plugins and choose "Upload new or existing plugin". Include your MCP server in the first ZIP. You cannot add one to a skills-only plugin later.
- Fix automated findings. Open the Metadata & Skills tab and the MCPs tab. Read each issue, fix it and upload again.
- Submit for review. Add your test cases and reviewer credentials. Set the tool annotations
readOnlyHint,destructiveHintandopenWorldHinton every tool. - Publish. After approval, you choose when the plugin goes live.
Why ChatGPT apps get rejected
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Generic single-word name | Use a specific name, such as your brand plus the task |
| Comparisons or pricing in the description | Describe tasks, users and limits only |
| Missing tool annotations | Set all three hints to true or false on every tool |
| Unclear tool descriptions | Say what the tool does and when to use it |
| Failing test cases | Run every case yourself before you submit |
| Broken auth | Test sign-in from a new account |
| Banned category | Adult content, gambling, drugs, prescription medicine, counterfeit goods, weapons, tobacco, malware and fraud are not allowed |
How to update a published ChatGPT plugin
Some changes need a new review.
Changes to your MCP server go live after automated checks, with no new ZIP. Changes to the name, description, starter prompts or skills need a new ZIP and a new review.
How to get your app found in ChatGPT
Users find plugins in the ChatGPT plugin directory, through search and categories. Since 2026-09-29, ChatGPT can also suggest a plugin inside a chat when it fits the task. Read how ChatGPT suggests plugins. After launch, get your plugin found in ChatGPT search and suggestions.
ChatGPT app submission checklist
- Org verified and you have the right role.
- Name is specific and 30 characters or fewer, with no "MCP" or "Plugin" in it.
- Subtitle is 30 characters or fewer.
- Long description covers tasks, users and limits, with no prices or comparisons.
- Three starter prompts, each 128 characters or fewer.
- Website, support, privacy and terms URLs work on HTTPS.
- Every tool has a clear name, a description and all three annotations.
- 5 positive and 3 negative test cases pass.
- Reviewer credentials and a demo video are ready.
- MCP server is in the first ZIP.
Run the listing grader before you upload.
For more on listing copy, see these connector description examples.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add an app to ChatGPT?
As a user, open the Plugin Directory in ChatGPT, pick a plugin and connect it. As a developer, upload a plugin ZIP on the OpenAI Platform and pass review.
How long does ChatGPT app review take?
OpenAI does not publish a target time.
Can I submit an app without an MCP server?
Yes. You can submit a skills-only plugin. You cannot add an MCP server to it later, so include one in the first ZIP if you will need it.
Can I submit to Claude too?
Yes. Claude lists remote MCP servers as connectors. Learn how to submit a Claude connector.