PPlatformAppStores

Intercom App Store

Helpdesk

Intercom, Inc. · Service & helpdesk platforms

Best for: Conversational-support and messaging tools targeting Intercom's modern SaaS customer base.

Overview

The Intercom App Store is the distribution surface for the Intercom & Fin Developer Platform, aimed at ISVs who want to embed functionality directly into the Intercom agent Inbox and the customer-facing Messenger. UI apps are built with the Canvas Kit framework, which renders server-driven card components inside the Inbox side panel and Messenger, so an agent can see and act on external data without leaving the conversation. Private apps authenticate with a workspace Access Token; public apps must implement OAuth 2.0 so each installing customer grants scoped access.

Publishing a public app requires submitting it to Intercom for review, completing an App Store listing, and passing OAuth and functional checks. On publish you are automatically enrolled in the App Partner Program, which provides co-marketing and partnership opportunities, though revenue-share terms are negotiated rather than published. The platform is a strong fit when your target buyers already run support and sales on Intercom, and you want a native in-Inbox panel plus the ability to plug into Fin, Intercom's heavily promoted AI agent, via the Fin Agent API.

How to build & ship

  1. 1Create an app in the Intercom Developer Hub and configure its capabilities (Messenger, Inbox, webhooks)
  2. 2Build interactive UI with Canvas Kit by hosting endpoints that receive POST requests and return canvas JSON
  3. 3Set up OAuth so the app accesses customer data with granted scopes (never ask users for tokens)
  4. 4Use the REST API and webhooks to sync conversations, contacts, and events with your service
  5. 5Complete the App Listing and Partner Program pages, record the required install/OAuth demo video, and submit for review

Key APIs & SDKs

Canvas Kit
Intercom REST API
Webhooks / topics subscriptions
OAuth 2.0
Messenger / Inbox app capabilities

Integration types

Embedded app
Connector
Bot
Workflow action

Authentication & security

  • Primary auth: OAuth 2.0
  • Also supports: API key
  • Security review: Required
  • Public apps must be submitted to Intercom for review before publishing; private apps that only touch own-workspace data are exempt.
  • Intercom reviews the listing, OAuth flow, and end-to-end functionality (a demo video is required), and review typically takes about 7-14 business days with resubmission if rejected.
  • Rate limits are enforced per app/workspace and vary; not published as a single fixed number.
Auth docs Store policies

Monetization

Free
Paid app
Revenue share
Listing fee
Onboarding
None to list
Commission
App Partner Program terms are negotiated, not publicly published
Merchant of Record
Partner-managed pricing for paid apps

Pros & cons for builders

Pros

  • Canvas Kit gives native-feeling UI inside Messenger and the Inbox without an iframe
  • Strong fit for modern conversational-support and Fin/AI-adjacent use cases
  • Clear Developer Hub workflow and documentation

Cons

  • Canvas Kit's server-driven JSON model constrains complex custom UI
  • Requires hosting endpoints and OAuth infrastructure even for simple apps
  • Mandatory demo video and listing requirements add submission overhead

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my app approved on Intercom App Store?

Intercom reviews the listing, OAuth flow, and end-to-end functionality (a demo video is required), and review typically takes about 7-14 business days with resubmission if rejected.

What authentication does Intercom App Store use?

Intercom App Store apps primarily authenticate with OAuth 2.0, also supporting API key.

How is Intercom App Store monetized?

Intercom App Store supports Free, Paid app, Revenue share, Listing fee. Typical commission: App Partner Program terms are negotiated, not publicly published. Onboarding fee: None to list.

Is a security review required to list on Intercom App Store?

Yes, Intercom App Store requires a formal security or listing review before apps go live. Public apps must be submitted to Intercom for review before publishing; private apps that only touch own-workspace data are exempt.