# Single-workspace, distributed and Marketplace apps compared

*Slack Developer Study Guide · Distribute Your App · Last updated October 21, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/slack-developer/distribute-your-app/single-workspace-distributed-and-marketplace-apps-compared*

The three distribution models side by side: undistributed apps in one workspace, unlisted distributed apps installed through OAuth, and Slack Marketplace apps that passed Slack's review; which apps can never be listed, what admin Marketplace-only policies mean, and how token storage changes when an app goes multi-workspace.

- Certification: Salesforce Slack Developer
- Exam section: Distribute Your App
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/slack-developer

**Official exam objective:**

> Differentiate between a single workspace app, a distributed app and a published App Directory app.

## What the exam expects

- Differentiate a single-workspace (undistributed) app, an unlisted distributed app and a Slack Marketplace-listed app by who can install it, how, and whether Slack reviewed it.
- Recommend unlisted distribution for a pilot and a Marketplace listing for commercial distribution.
- Recognise apps that cannot be listed (Sign in with Slack only, no in-Slack functionality, Socket Mode, coded workflows) and workspaces that only allow listed apps.
- Change token handling from one token to one stored token per installation when an app goes multi-workspace.

Key terms: **undistributed app** (installable only on its associated workspace); **unlisted distributed app** (installable by any workspace through OAuth, not reviewed); **Slack Marketplace app** (a distributed app approved and listed after review; the exam guide's "Slack Directory" or App Directory); **direct install** (installing straight from the Marketplace listing); **installation** (the tokens and IDs one workspace or org produced through OAuth).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Default reach | A new app installs only in its associated workspace | [App lifecycle & distribution](https://docs.slack.dev/app-management/distribution/) |
| Unlisted vs listed | Only Marketplace-listed apps are reviewed against Slack's requirements and guidelines | [App lifecycle & distribution](https://docs.slack.dev/app-management/distribution/) |
| Recommended use | Unlisted for pilots with early customers; listing for commercial distribution | [App lifecycle & distribution](https://docs.slack.dev/app-management/distribution/) |
| Direct install | Listed apps only; URL must 302-redirect to slack.com/oauth/v2/authorize | [Submission guidelines](https://docs.slack.dev/slack-marketplace/slack-marketplace-app-guidelines-and-requirements/) |
| App suggestions | Ephemeral prompt on domain links, only once listed | [Slack Marketplace review process](https://docs.slack.dev/slack-marketplace/slack-marketplace-review-guide) |
| Unlisted commercial apps | New apps and new installs since May 29, 2025: `conversations.history` and `conversations.replies` at 1 per minute, 15 objects | [Rate limit changes for non-Marketplace apps](https://docs.slack.dev/changelog/2025/05/29/rate-limit-changes-for-non-marketplace-apps) |
| Listed-only workspaces | Some workspaces allow only Marketplace-listed apps | [App lifecycle & distribution](https://docs.slack.dev/app-management/distribution/) |
| Not listable | Sign in with Slack only; no in-Slack functionality; message export or backup | [Submission guidelines](https://docs.slack.dev/slack-marketplace/slack-marketplace-app-guidelines-and-requirements/) |
| Socket Mode | Not currently allowed in the public Slack Marketplace | [Using Socket Mode](https://docs.slack.dev/apis/events-api/using-socket-mode) |
| Coded workflows | Currently not eligible for listing | [Slack Marketplace review process](https://docs.slack.dev/slack-marketplace/slack-marketplace-review-guide) |
| Installation keys | `team.id`, or `enterprise.id` with `is_enterprise_install` for org installs | [Installing with OAuth](https://docs.slack.dev/authentication/installing-with-oauth/) |

## Check yourself

- What separates an unlisted distributed app from a Marketplace-listed one?
- When is unlisted distribution the recommended choice?
- Why can a Sign in with Slack-only app not be listed?
- Why must a distributed app store tokens per installation?

## Sources

- [App lifecycle & distribution](https://docs.slack.dev/app-management/distribution/)
- [Slack Marketplace review process](https://docs.slack.dev/slack-marketplace/slack-marketplace-review-guide)
- [Submission guidelines and requirements](https://docs.slack.dev/slack-marketplace/slack-marketplace-app-guidelines-and-requirements/)
- [Installing via OAuth authorization code flow](https://docs.slack.dev/authentication/installing-with-oauth/)
- [Using Socket Mode](https://docs.slack.dev/apis/events-api/using-socket-mode)
- [Managing organization-ready apps](https://docs.slack.dev/enterprise-grid/organization-ready-apps)
- [Rate limit changes for non-Marketplace apps](https://docs.slack.dev/changelog/2025/05/29/rate-limit-changes-for-non-marketplace-apps)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 5 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Slack Developer pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams