Is a ChatGPT app the same as a ChatGPT plugin?

An app is the integration that connects ChatGPT to your product. A plugin is how it is listed: it packages one or more apps, and can add skills.

Do we need a separate build for ChatGPT?

No. ChatGPT uses MCP like Claude and Grok, so one server covers all three. Each directory has its own submission.

Can you guarantee a ChatGPT listing?

No. Approval is OpenAI's decision. We deliver a submission that passes the automated scan and handle one round of reviewer fixes.

A ChatGPT app for your SaaS

Updated October 21, 2026

The short answer

A ChatGPT app connects ChatGPT to your product's data and actions. It is built on an MCP server.

Since July 2026, ChatGPT lists apps inside plugins in its Plugin Directory, which is shared with Codex. The same MCP server also works in Claude, Grok and other assistants.

How it reaches your customers

Before listing: you test it by connecting your MCP server in ChatGPT directly
After approval: customers find it in the Plugin Directory and sign in with your OAuth
Workspace admins can enable or restrict it for their team

What OpenAI's review asks for

A production MCP server over HTTPS
OAuth, plus reviewer test credentials without MFA
Domain verification on the server's host
Tool metadata that passes the portal's scan
Test prompts, and website, support, privacy and terms URLs
A verified OpenAI organization to submit from

OpenAI reviews every submission and decides the listing. After approval you choose when to publish.

One build, every assistant

Build the MCP server once and submit it to ChatGPT, Claude and xAI from your own accounts. See Claude connectors.

Questions

Is a ChatGPT app the same as a ChatGPT plugin?: An app is the integration that connects ChatGPT to your product. A plugin is how it is listed: it packages one or more apps, and can add skills.
Do we need a separate build for ChatGPT?: No. ChatGPT uses MCP like Claude and Grok, so one server covers all three. Each directory has its own submission.
Can you guarantee a ChatGPT listing?: No. Approval is OpenAI's decision. We deliver a submission that passes the automated scan and handle one round of reviewer fixes.