“Built for Shopify” Badge & App Approval Process (2025)
In a crowded Shopify App Store with over 10,000 apps, visibility and trust matter more than ever. For developers, the “Built for Shopify” badge is the ultimate seal of approval. For merchants, it’s a signal that an app meets Shopify’s highest standards of performance, security, and usability.
In 2025, earning this badge has become both more rigorous and more rewarding. Let’s break down how the process works, what’s changed, and how to maximize your chances of approval.
What is the “Built for Shopify” Badge?
- A designation given to apps that meet Shopify’s strictest guidelines.
- Signals that the app is optimized for performance, security, UX, and integration.
- Appears on app store listings, boosting click-through and install rates.
For merchants, it’s shorthand for “safe, reliable, Shopify-endorsed.” For developers, it’s a differentiator in a crowded market.
What’s New in 2025?
- Stricter Performance Benchmarks
- Apps must now load within 200ms on storefront and minimize API calls.
- Liquid, Hydrogen, and Checkout Extensibility integrations are tested for speed.
- UI/UX Standards
- Apps must follow Polaris 12.0 (Shopify’s latest design system).
- Accessibility (WCAG 2.2 compliance) is non-negotiable.
- Security & Privacy
- OAuth 2.1 is required.
- Stronger data protection (encryption in transit + at rest, minimal scope requests).
- Apps undergo Shopify’s automated penetration testing.
- App Store Algorithm Boost
- Badge apps are featured higher in search results, giving them a significant growth advantage.
The App Approval Process in 2025
- Pre-Submission Checklist
- Follow Shopify’s .
- Ensure your app is Polaris-compliant and performs within benchmarks.
- Document every requested scope with justification.
- Submission
- Developers submit via the Partner Dashboard.
- Automated checks run (performance, permissions, installation flows).
- Human Review
- Shopify’s App Review team tests the app across stores, devices, and workflows.
- Apps are scored on performance, integration quality, merchant experience, and documentation.
- Iteration & Resubmission
- Very few apps pass first time. Developers usually get feedback, make changes, and resubmit.
- Badge Awarded
- Once approved, the badge is automatically added to the app listing.
Best Practices to Earn the Badge
- Design with Polaris from Day 1: Don’t bolt it on later.
- Keep Permissions Minimal: Only request what’s absolutely required.
- Test Performance Early: Use Lighthouse, Shopify CLI, and Partner tools to measure speed.
- Invest in Merchant Experience: Provide onboarding, clear docs, and support.
- Plan for Accessibility: Alt text, keyboard navigation, ARIA labels — all required.
The Business Impact
Earning the badge isn’t just about prestige — it drives installs:
- Badge apps see up to 2x higher conversion rates on listings.
- Featured placement leads to more organic installs.
- Merchant trust reduces churn and support overhead.
Conclusion
In 2025, the “Built for Shopify” badge is a must-have for serious app developers. The bar is higher than ever, but the reward — visibility, trust, and growth — is worth it.
For developers: bake compliance into your roadmap. For merchants: use the badge as a shortcut for finding the best apps in the ecosystem.