App Store Submission

Learn how to submit your application to the DRIP App Store, navigate the review process, and successfully distribute your app to the DRIP ecosystem.

Overview

The DRIP App Store is the official marketplace where realm administrators can discover, install, and manage applications for their communities. Getting your app published opens up your integration to thousands of DRIP communities.

Draft apps can create API clients and work only in your own realm. To enable other realms to authorize and use your app, you must publish it. App Store listing follows manual verification via email to [email protected].

Temporary Submission Process (Manual)

Until the submission portal is live, email [email protected] to request App Store listing.
Publishing your app enables cross-realm authorization immediately; store listing follows manual verification.

What to include in your email

App name and App ID
Website and contact email
Short description (1-2 sentences)
Scopes requested (list)
Why each scope is needed (1-2 bullets per scope)
Data handling summary (what you store/process)
Screenshots/logo links
Testing instructions or install link
Expected usage/rate-limit profile (if relevant)

Email template

To: [email protected]
Subject: DRIP App Store Listing Request - <Your App Name>

App name: <Your App Name>
App ID: <app_id>
Website: <https://...>
Contact email: <[email protected]>

Short description:
<one or two sentences>

Requested scopes:
- scope.one — why needed
- scope.two — why needed

Data handling summary:
<what data you store/process and where>

Screenshots/logo:
<links>

Testing/install:
<link or instructions>

Expected usage:
<notes on expected traffic if any>

All scopes are granted per realm at authorization; there are no public scopes available across realms. At this time, there is no separate platform scope approval.

Submission Requirements

Technical Requirements

Functionality

App must work as described
Proper error handling implemented
No critical bugs or crashes
Respects rate limits and API guidelines

Security

Secure API key management
No unauthorized data collection
Proper scope usage
Data privacy compliance

Performance

Reasonable response times
Efficient API usage
Proper caching implementation
Handles high load gracefully

Integration

Clean integration with DRIP
Follows DRIP design patterns
Proper webhook handling
Multi-realm support (if applicable)

Content Requirements

Your app submission must include:

App Metadata

{
  "name": "Your App Name",
  "tagline": "Brief one-line description",
  "description": "Detailed description of what your app does",
  "category": "productivity", // analytics, gaming, productivity, social, utility
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "website": "https://yourapp.com",
  "supportUrl": "https://yourapp.com/support",
  "privacyPolicy": "https://yourapp.com/privacy",
  "termsOfService": "https://yourapp.com/terms"
}

Visual Assets

App Icon: 512x512 PNG, clean and professional
Screenshots: 3-5 high-quality screenshots showing key features
Banner Image: 1200x630 for store listings (optional)

Documentation

Setup Instructions: Clear installation and configuration steps
User Guide: How to use your app’s features
API Documentation: If your app exposes APIs
Changelog: Version history and updates

Scope Justification

Clearly explain why your app needs each requested scope:

Good Example
Bad Example

{
  "requestedScopes": ["realm:read", "members:read", "points:write"],
  "scopeJustification": {
    "realm:read": "Display realm name and branding in analytics dashboard",
    "members:read": "Generate engagement analytics and member insights", 
    "points:write": "Award points for completing external challenges and tasks"
  },
  "dataUsage": "Member data is used only for analytics generation and is not stored permanently or shared with third parties"
}

Submission Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Submission

Complete Your App

Ensure your app is fully functional and tested across multiple realms

Gather Assets

Prepare all required visual assets and documentation

Test Thoroughly

Test your app with different realm configurations and permission sets

Review Guidelines

Double-check that your app meets all technical and content requirements

Step 2: Submit Through Developer Portal

Access Developer Portal
- Navigate to Admin → Developer in your DRIP dashboard
- Go to the DRIP Apps tab
Create New Submission
- Click Submit New App
- Fill out the app information form
- Upload your visual assets
Configure Scopes
- Select required scopes
- Provide detailed justification for each scope
- Explain your data usage policies
Submit for Review
- Review all information for accuracy
- Submit your app for platform review

Step 3: Review Process

Review Timeline

Automated Checks: 5-10 minutes
Security Review: 2-3 business days
Functionality Testing: 3-5 business days
Total Time: Usually 5-8 business days

Review Criteria

Automated Checks

Your app will be automatically tested for:

Technical Validation

Valid app metadata format
Required fields completed
Image assets meet specifications
Links are accessible and valid
Privacy policy and terms exist

Basic Functionality

App responds to basic API calls
Authentication works correctly
No immediate crashes or errors
Handles missing permissions gracefully

Manual Review

Human reviewers will evaluate:

Security Assessment

Scope usage is appropriate and justified
No unauthorized data collection
Secure handling of API keys and tokens
Proper data encryption and storage
Compliance with privacy regulations

User Experience

App works as described
Clear and intuitive interface
Proper error handling and feedback
Good performance under normal load
Professional presentation

Content Review

App description is accurate
Screenshots represent actual functionality
No misleading claims or features
Appropriate for all audiences
Follows DRIP brand guidelines

Common Rejection Reasons

Technical Issues

Scope Overreach

Problem: Requesting more permissions than neededSolution: Only request scopes your app actually uses and provide clear justification

Poor Error Handling

Problem: App crashes or shows unclear errorsSolution: Implement comprehensive error handling with user-friendly messages

Security Concerns

Problem: Insecure data handling or API key exposureSolution: Follow security best practices and never expose sensitive data

Performance Issues

Problem: Slow response times or excessive API usageSolution: Optimize performance and implement proper caching

Content Issues

Misleading Description

Problem: App functionality doesn’t match descriptionSolution: Ensure description accurately reflects your app’s features

Poor Quality Assets

Problem: Low-quality screenshots or unprofessional iconSolution: Create high-quality, professional visual assets

Missing Documentation

Problem: Insufficient setup or usage instructionsSolution: Provide comprehensive documentation and support resources

Policy Violations

Problem: Violates DRIP’s app store policiesSolution: Review and comply with all platform policies

After Approval

App Store Listing

Once approved, your app will appear in the DRIP App Store with:

App tile with your icon and basic info
Detailed page with screenshots and full description
Installation button for realm administrators
Ratings and reviews from users
Support links and contact information

Managing Your App

Updates
Analytics
Support

// Submitting app updates
const updateData = {
  version: "1.1.0",
  changelog: [
    "Added new analytics dashboard",
    "Fixed member search bug",
    "Improved performance"
  ],
  newFeatures: ["Advanced filtering", "Export functionality"],
  bugFixes: ["Fixed memory leak", "Resolved auth issues"]
};

Update Process:

Submit update through developer portal
Automated testing of new version
Review of changes (faster for minor updates)
Deployment to app store

Marketing Your App

App Store Optimization

Compelling Description

Write a description that clearly explains your app’s value:

# Good Example
**Community Analytics Pro** gives realm administrators deep insights into member engagement, activity patterns, and growth trends. 

Key Features:
- Real-time engagement dashboards
- Member activity heatmaps  
- Custom report generation
- Automated insights and recommendations

Perfect for community managers who want to understand and grow their communities with data-driven decisions.

High-Quality Screenshots

Show your app in action:

Use actual data (anonymized)
Highlight key features
Show different use cases
Include mobile views if applicable

Keywords and Categories

Choose the right category and keywords:

Analytics: Data, insights, reporting, metrics
Productivity: Automation, management, efficiency
Gaming: Leaderboards, competitions, rewards
Social: Community, engagement, interaction

Promoting Your App

Community Engagement

Share in DRIP Discord community
Write blog posts about your app
Create tutorial videos
Engage with potential users

Content Marketing

Case studies from early users
Feature comparisons
Integration tutorials
Best practices guides

Partnerships

Partner with popular realms
Collaborate with other developers
Sponsor community events
Offer exclusive features

Social Proof

Collect user testimonials
Showcase success stories
Display usage statistics
Highlight positive reviews

Monetization Strategies

Pricing Models

Freemium
Per-Realm
Usage-Based

const pricingTiers = {
  free: {
    price: 0,
    features: ['Basic analytics', 'Up to 100 members', 'Standard support'],
    limitations: ['Limited data retention', 'Basic reporting only']
  },
  pro: {
    price: 9.99,
    features: ['Advanced analytics', 'Unlimited members', 'Custom reports', 'Priority support'],
    limitations: []
  }
};

App Store Policies

Prohibited Content

Apps cannot:

Collect unnecessary personal data
Spam users or communities
Violate intellectual property rights
Contain malicious code or security vulnerabilities
Mislead users about functionality
Compete directly with core DRIP features

Content Guidelines

Apps must:

Provide clear value to communities
Respect user privacy and data
Follow accessibility best practices
Use appropriate and professional language
Comply with applicable laws and regulations

Technical Policies

Apps must:

Use APIs as intended and documented
Respect rate limits and quotas
Handle errors gracefully
Provide adequate user support
Maintain reasonable uptime and performance

Support and Resources

Developer Support

Get help with your submission:

Email: [email protected]
Discord: #app-developers channel
Office hours: Fridays 2-4 PM PST

Documentation

Additional resources:

App Store Guidelines (full document)
Technical Requirements Checklist
Design Guidelines
Marketing Best Practices

Community

Connect with other developers:

Developer Discord community
Monthly developer meetups
App showcase events
Beta testing programs

Tools

Development tools:

App submission checklist
Testing frameworks
Analytics SDKs
Design templates

App Installation & Configuration

Once your app is approved and published, you need to properly configure it for realm installations.

1. Prepare Your App

Before inviting realms to authorize your app, make sure your app is properly configured:

Fill in Required Information

Go to the Overview tab in the app configuration
Provide key details such as App Name, Description, Website URL, Support URL, etc.
Upload logos or graphics as needed

Create an App Client & Specify Scopes

Navigate to the Client Settings (or App Client section, depending on your UI)
Generate or retrieve your client credentials
Specify the appropriate scopes you need for your app to function correctly
Save your changes

2. Publish Your App

When you’re ready for others to use your app:

Go to the Overview Page

In the app settings, open the Overview tab again
Review all of your app details to ensure accuracy

Publish the App

Click the Publish button (or “Make Public”) to make your app available
Confirm any prompts to finalize the publishing process

Note: Publishing means that realms (communities) can now add and authorize your app.

3. Invite Realms

After your app is published, you can share an Invite Link with realms who want to install or authorize the app.

Locate the Invite (Install) Link

Go to the Help & Resources page (or “Help” tab)
Look for the Installation or Invite link builder

Customize (Optional)

You can add query parameters such as platformType or platformId to keep track of your integrations
You will be able to search authorized realms by these parameters using the API
Copy the link when you’re done

Share the Link

Send it to any realm or community you wish to onboard
When they visit the link, they’ll be prompted to grant permission for your app

4. Manage Future Updates

Updating App Information

If you need to revise your app’s description, images, or settings:

Return to the Overview tab
Make your changes and save

Managing Scopes

If you need additional scopes or wish to remove some:

Revisit the Client Settings
Realms may need to re-authorize your app to grant newly requested scopes
This can be done by clicking the “Re-authorize” button in the app settings of their realm

Unpublishing

If you need to temporarily hide your app from new realms:

Use the Unpublish feature in the app settings

Next Steps

Prepare Your App

Ensure your app meets all requirements and is thoroughly tested

Gather Materials

Create all required documentation, screenshots, and assets

Submit for Review

Submit through the developer portal and wait for review feedback

Launch and Promote

Once approved, actively promote your app to the DRIP community

Ready to submit? Make sure to review our Best Practices guide and test your app thoroughly before submission. Good luck! 🚀

Overview

Developer Guide

Apps

Drip Academy

FAQ

Links

​Overview

​Temporary Submission Process (Manual)

​What to include in your email

​Email template

​Submission Requirements

​Technical Requirements

Functionality

Security

Performance

Integration

​Content Requirements

​App Metadata

​Visual Assets

​Documentation

​Scope Justification

​Submission Process

​Step 1: Prepare Your Submission

​Step 2: Submit Through Developer Portal

​Step 3: Review Process

​Review Timeline

​Review Criteria

​Automated Checks

​Manual Review

​Common Rejection Reasons

​Technical Issues

Scope Overreach

Poor Error Handling

Security Concerns

Performance Issues

​Content Issues

Misleading Description

Poor Quality Assets

Missing Documentation

Policy Violations

​After Approval

​App Store Listing

​Managing Your App

​Marketing Your App

​App Store Optimization

​Promoting Your App

Community Engagement

Content Marketing

Partnerships

Social Proof

​Monetization Strategies

​Pricing Models

​App Store Policies

​Prohibited Content

​Content Guidelines

​Technical Policies

​Support and Resources

Developer Support

Documentation

Community

Tools

​App Installation & Configuration

​1. Prepare Your App

​2. Publish Your App

​3. Invite Realms

​4. Manage Future Updates

​Next Steps

Overview

Temporary Submission Process (Manual)

What to include in your email

Email template

Submission Requirements

Technical Requirements

Content Requirements

App Metadata

Visual Assets

Documentation

Scope Justification

Submission Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Submission

Step 2: Submit Through Developer Portal

Step 3: Review Process

Review Timeline

Review Criteria

Automated Checks

Manual Review

Common Rejection Reasons

Technical Issues

Content Issues

After Approval

App Store Listing

Managing Your App

Marketing Your App

App Store Optimization

Promoting Your App

Monetization Strategies

Pricing Models

App Store Policies

Prohibited Content

Content Guidelines

Technical Policies

Support and Resources

App Installation & Configuration

1. Prepare Your App

2. Publish Your App

3. Invite Realms

4. Manage Future Updates

Next Steps