{"id":7444,"date":"2026-10-08T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/?p=7444"},"modified":"2026-10-08T10:49:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T17:49:24","slug":"chatgpt-plugins-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/guides\/chatgpt-plugins-2\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are ChatGPT Plugins and How Do They Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-2-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-34a480d6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:20px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> A <a href=\"https:\/\/help.openai.com\/en\/articles\/20001256-plugins-in-chatgpt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ChatGPT Plugin<\/a> packages tools, instructions and other capabilities for a specific workflow in ChatGPT or Codex. Plugins can include reusable skills, connected Apps, App templates and interactive extensions. <a href=\"https:\/\/help.openai.com\/en\/articles\/11487775-connected-apps-in-chatgpt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apps connect ChatGPT to outside services and data<\/a>; Plugins organize those capabilities into something you can install and use for a particular task.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a ChatGPT Plugin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A ChatGPT Plugin is a package of capabilities designed for a particular type of work in ChatGPT or Codex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OpenAI currently describes four components that a Plugin can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skills<\/strong> give ChatGPT reusable instructions and workflow guidance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Connected Apps<\/strong> connect ChatGPT to outside accounts, information and supported actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>App templates<\/strong> let administrators configure Apps for their own organizations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extensions<\/strong> add interactive views, forms, settings, file tools and other interfaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Plugin does not need all four. Some consist mainly of a skill. Others combine instructions with one or more Apps. More involved Plugins can also add their own interface inside ChatGPT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is the simplest way to distinguish the major terms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Term<\/th><th>What it does<\/th><th>Example<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>ChatGPT Plugin<\/strong><\/td><td>Packages capabilities for a particular workflow<\/td><td>A video-creation Plugin that combines instructions with a video App<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>App<\/strong><\/td><td>Connects ChatGPT to an outside service, data or supported actions<\/td><td>Google Drive, Slack, Visla Video Maker<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Skill<\/strong><\/td><td>Gives ChatGPT reusable instructions, examples or workflow steps<\/td><td>A standard process for preparing a weekly project update<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Extension<\/strong><\/td><td>Adds an interactive interface or another way to work with an App<\/td><td>A panel, form, settings view or supported file editor<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Custom GPT<\/strong><\/td><td>A customized version of ChatGPT built around instructions, knowledge and tools<\/td><td>An older internal assistant being migrated to the newer Plugin system<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do ChatGPT Plugins work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You begin by installing a Plugin from the Plugin Directory. If that Plugin includes an App that connects to another service, you may also need to sign in and authorize the connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once installed, a Plugin can be selected when you need it. On supported ChatGPT surfaces, you can mention it with <code>@<\/code>, choose it from the <code>+<\/code> menu or select Plugins from the composer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some skills can also be selected automatically when ChatGPT determines that they match the request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extensions add another layer. Depending on the Plugin, they can show interactive views, open supported files, let you reference specific items in a prompt or collect information through forms and settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do you install a ChatGPT Plugin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Plugin Directory is available from the <strong>Plugins<\/strong> section of ChatGPT on supported web, desktop and mobile surfaces. Individual Plugins may still vary by plan, region, workspace, role, device or required capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To install one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <strong>Plugins<\/strong> in ChatGPT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Search for the Plugin you want.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open its listing and review its description, included Apps and setup requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select <strong>Install plugin<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If an included App requires authorization, select <strong>Connect<\/strong> when prompted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sign in to the relevant service and review the requested permissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return to your conversation and select the Plugin when you want to use it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Installing a Plugin and connecting an App are separate steps. A Plugin can be installed while an App inside it still waits for authentication or administrator approval. OpenAI provides separate guidance for <a href=\"https:\/\/help.openai.com\/en\/articles\/20001494-connecting-and-managing-app-accounts-in-chatgpt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">connecting and managing App accounts in ChatGPT<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The connection also remains subject to the permissions of the outside service. If an App connects to Google Drive, for example, it can work only with information available to the connected account and permitted by your ChatGPT workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managed workspaces can place additional restrictions on Plugin installation, connected Apps, supported actions and account access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happened to ChatGPT Apps?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ChatGPT Apps still exist. What changed is how OpenAI organizes and distributes them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In July 2026, OpenAI moved App discovery into the <strong>Plugin Directory<\/strong>. Existing App connections remained available, while Plugins became the format used to package Apps with instructions and other workflow components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you connected an App before that change, the connection did not automatically disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are these the same ChatGPT plugins from 2023?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OpenAI launched a different plugin system in 2023 and later discontinued it. The company reused the <strong>Plugin<\/strong> name in 2026 for its newer architecture, which can combine reusable instructions, connected Apps, templates and extensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That distinction matters because older articles and tutorials may still describe the original Plugin Store and its installation process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a guide tells you to enable a plugin beta, select GPT-4 from an old model menu or visit the original Plugin Store, it is describing the previous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s happening to custom GPTs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OpenAI announced in September 2026 that it plans to retire custom GPTs and migrate supported workflows to Plugins. OpenAI explains the transition in its <a href=\"https:\/\/help.openai.com\/en\/articles\/20001519-custom-gpt-retirement-and-migration-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">custom GPT retirement and migration guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During migration, a GPT\u2019s instructions can become a Plugin skill, its knowledge files can become Plugin reference files and connected Apps can move into the new Plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OpenAI currently schedules standard custom GPT retirement for <strong>Dec. 11, 2026<\/strong>, although some Enterprise workspaces may have different timelines or approved extensions. Migration availability can also vary by account and workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The formats are not perfectly interchangeable. OpenAI says custom actions do not transfer automatically, so some integrations will need to be rebuilt and tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you use ChatGPT with Visla?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start directly in Visla when your source material is ready and you want to begin making the video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/ai-video-agent\">Visla\u2019s AI Video Agent<\/a> can create videos from ideas, scripts, webpages, documents, presentations, audio, images and existing footage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/chatgpt.com\/plugins\/plugin_asdk_app_69474d7e29408191ba6fd0af7001ac9c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Visla Video Maker Plugin for ChatGPT<\/a> makes more sense when the content is still taking shape in ChatGPT. You might be researching a subject, analyzing a document, comparing possible angles, shortening a report or revising a script for a particular audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the script is ready, you can send that work to Visla from the same conversation and generate the video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does the Visla Video Maker Plugin work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chatgpt.com\/plugins\/plugin_asdk_app_69474d7e29408191ba6fd0af7001ac9c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Visla Video Maker<\/a> is Visla\u2019s Plugin for creating narrated videos from work developed in ChatGPT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can begin with an idea or provide source material such as text, a document, a PDF or a URL. ChatGPT can help turn that material into a script. Once the script is ready, Visla uses it to create a narrated video with matching stock footage and background music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical workflow looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Install the <strong>Visla Video Maker Plugin<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect your Visla account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop or provide the content you want to use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refine the script in ChatGPT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask Visla Video Maker to create the video.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review the generated project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open the project in Visla for further editing, exporting or downloading.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project remains editable after generation. When you open it in Visla\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/scene-based-video-editing\">Scene-Based Editor<\/a>, you can continue adjusting scenes, footage, timing, voiceover, text, graphics, music and other video elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That workflow can turn research into an explainer, a report into an executive update, a webpage into a short video or a longer ChatGPT discussion into a finished script before generation begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can ChatGPT Plugins access my data?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Plugin can use information made available through its included Apps, your account authorization and applicable ChatGPT or workspace permissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Installing a Plugin does not give it unrestricted access to an outside service. An App connected to a work account, for example, cannot automatically access information that account is not authorized to see. Workspace administrators can also restrict available Apps and actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Third-party Apps are governed by their own terms and privacy policies, so review those before connecting an account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chatgpt.com\/plugins\/plugin_asdk_app_69474d7e29408191ba6fd0af7001ac9c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Try the Visla Video Maker plugin<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Are ChatGPT Plugins available on every ChatGPT plan?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Plugin Directory is available across ChatGPT plans, but individual Plugins and capabilities may have their own requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access can depend on your plan, region, account, workspace role, administrator settings, device and the Apps or other capabilities included in the Plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you can see a Plugin but cannot install or use it, check whether an included App still needs authentication or whether a workspace administrator needs to enable it.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can ChatGPT use a Plugin automatically?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Installed skills can be selected automatically when ChatGPT determines that they match your request. You can also invoke a Plugin directly with an <code>@<\/code> mention or through the available Plugin controls.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I need a Visla account to use the Visla Video Maker Plugin?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Visla Video Maker Plugin requires a Visla account for sign-in. Once connected, you can create the video from ChatGPT and open the generated project in Visla to continue editing, export it or download the finished video.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quick answer: A ChatGPT Plugin packages tools, instructions and other capabilities for a specific workflow in ChatGPT or Codex. Plugins can include reusable skills, connected Apps, App templates and interactive extensions. Apps connect ChatGPT to outside services and data; Plugins organize those capabilities into something you can install and use for a particular task. What [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":7865,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"slim_seo":{"description":"Learn what ChatGPT Plugins are, how they work, how they differ from Apps and custom GPTs, and how to install and use Visla Video Maker.","title":"What Are ChatGPT Plugins and How Do They Work? - The Visla Blog"},"_slim_seo_primary_term_category":0,"_slim_seo_primary_term_post_tag":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7444","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7444"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7444\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7858,"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7444\/revisions\/7858"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visla.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}