What Are The New Features and Perks of Built for Shopify

Shopify is always coming up with new innovations and updates to improve the quality of its platform. And the introduction of the “Built for Shopify (BFS) program” is a classic example of this unwavering commitment.

This introduction is not just any update - it can prove to be a game changer for app developers and merchants alike. 

Let’s dig in.

Understanding The Built for Shopify (BFS) Program 

More than being just a badge of honour, Built for Shopify (BFS) represents a dedication to excellence. Apps that receive this badge meet Shopify's strictest requirements for usability, performance, and design. 

The results? Remarkable growth! 

Apps with BFS status experience an average 49% increase in installs within just two weeks of earning the badge.

By consistently improving the standard, Shopify guarantees that its merchants have access to the greatest resources possible. 

What Are The New Perks? 

Shopify has rolled out several benefits to help BFS apps gain even more visibility and attract the right audience. Here’s what’s new:

Media Kit to Boost the Success of Your App

In order to assist developers in celebrating and promoting their apps, Shopify has made a Built for Shopify media kit available. Earning the BFS badge is a noteworthy accomplishment. The kit contains ready-to-use marketing materials, official badge assets, and innovative concepts to highlight the benefits of your software.

App developers can efficiently promote their accomplishments on their platforms and throughout Shopify's ecosystem with this toolset.

Ad targeting Based On Merchant Plans

Now, BFS apps can target ads on the Shopify App Store to specific merchant plans. This tool lets you target Shopify Plus merchants or retailers, allowing you to increase app installs from the market segment of your choice.

BFS Apps Standalone Search Filter

Shopify has made it easier for merchants to find BFS apps by introducing a dedicated search filter. For apps that adhere to Shopify's strict guidelines, this stand-alone filter guarantees increased visibility, higher discoverability as well as potential installations.

Enhanced Criteria: Raising the Bar for Quality

To make sure that Built for Shopify apps continue to offer exceptional quality, Shopify has made changes in its criteria. 

These modifications place an emphasis on both broad and category-specific enhancements to guarantee that apps continue to function flawlessly, perform well, and be deeply integrated with the Shopify ecosystem.

General Updates - For All BSF Apps

Using the Newest Technology : In order to maintain the speed and effectiveness of apps, developers must use the most recent version of Shopify App Bridge by July 2025.

Higher Design Standards: Shopify promotes the application of UX best practices, such as intuitive navigation that is easy to use and gives merchants an improved user experience.

Smooth Onboarding: By January 2025, all BFS apps must allow merchants to use the app right away after installation, without the need for sign-up or login procedures.

Benchmarks for Performance: Shopify is updating admin performance metrics by substituting Iteration to Next Paint (INP) for First Input Delay (FID). Additionally, Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) returns as a key measure for app performance.

Category Specific Updates 

To maintain the highest standards across varied app types, Shopify has expanded BFS criteria to new categories. Developers must choose their app’s category and adhere to particular requirements. 

Here’s an overview of some updated category-specific criteria:

Effective July 2025:

• Ads: Apps that handle native, social media, or paid search advertising.
• Affiliate programs: Solutions that help networks promote products.
• Analytics: Apps that provide stores with information or suggestions.
• Email marketing: Campaign management and automation tools.
• SMS Marketing: Applications that manage consumer communications via SMS.

Effective January 2025:

• Product Reviews: Applications that collect and display reviews.
• Bundles: Resources that let retailers group products together.
• Returns and Exchanges: Methods for handling exchanges and refunds.
• Carrier Services: Apps that use carrier integrations to provide shipping rates in real time.

Annual Reviews to Maintain Standards

Shopify will begin implementing yearly inspections for all BFS apps in January 2025. This guarantees that apps keep up with changing standards while maintaining their badge status. Merchants will be able to access just the finest solutions thanks to regular evaluations, while developers will get input for improving their products.

So what does this mean for Shopify merchants?

Shopify’s enhancements to the Built for Shopify program directly benefit merchants by ensuring:

• Access to excellent fully integrated apps.
• Smoother, quicker app experiences.
• Tools designed to meet their unique business requirements.

These modifications give merchants more efficiency and self-assurance when using apps made to help them achieve their objectives.

To Wrap Up 

Shopify’s recent strides in the BFS program signify its dedication to raising the bar for app quality and merchant satisfaction. For app developers, it’s a chance to shine in an ecosystem that values excellence. For merchants, it’s a step toward more powerful tools to grow their businesses.

Shopify continues to lead the way, ensuring its platform remains a trusted partner for merchants worldwide.

Author

Rutvik Boghara

Rutvik, the head of our Shopify department, is your go-to Shopify aficionado, turning complex ideas into smooth-running, scalable stores. With a passion for writing, he blends storytelling with tech to amp up your ecommerce game. When he’s not optimizing or creating content, he’s probably lost in a tech rabbit hole.