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.
Differentiate between a single workspace app, a distributed app and a published App Directory app.
~8 min read · 5 practice questions ·
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
- Detail
- A new app installs only in its associated workspace
- Detail
- Only Marketplace-listed apps are reviewed against Slack's requirements and guidelines
- Detail
- Unlisted for pilots with early customers; listing for commercial distribution
- Detail
- Listed apps only; URL must 302-redirect to slack.com/oauth/v2/authorize
- Detail
- Ephemeral prompt on domain links, only once listed
- Detail
- New apps and new installs since May 29, 2025:
conversations.historyandconversations.repliesat 1 per minute, 15 objects
- Detail
- Some workspaces allow only Marketplace-listed apps
- Detail
- Sign in with Slack only; no in-Slack functionality; message export or backup
- Detail
- Not currently allowed in the public Slack Marketplace
- Detail
- Currently not eligible for listing
- Detail
team.id, orenterprise.idwithis_enterprise_installfor org installs
Sources for this section (6)
- App lifecycle & distributiondocs.slack.dev (opens in a new tab)
- Submission guidelinesdocs.slack.dev (opens in a new tab)
- Slack Marketplace review processdocs.slack.dev (opens in a new tab)
- Rate limit changes for non-Marketplace appsdocs.slack.dev (opens in a new tab)
- Using Socket Modedocs.slack.dev (opens in a new tab)
- Installing with OAuthdocs.slack.dev (opens in a new tab)
- 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?
The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.
Keep reading with the Slack Developer pack
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