Step-by-Step Guide: Getting Your Facebook Developer App Approved In 2024

With the recent changes and deprecation of the Groups API by Meta, it’s important to adapt and ensure your Facebook developer application for auto-publishing and user login plugins meets the new standards. Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to getting your first Facebook developer application approved.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand the Requirements

• Review Meta’s Guidelines: Thoroughly read and understand Meta’s Developer Policies and Community Standards.
• Define App Functionality: Clearly define the functionalities of your app, such as auto-publishing to Facebook pages, user logins, and other web services.

2. Create a Meta Developer Account

• Sign Up: Go to the Meta for Developers website and sign up for a developer account if you don’t already have one.
• Verify Your Identity: Complete the identity verification process, which may involve providing personal identification and business details.

3. Set Up Your App

Create a New App: In the Meta Developer Dashboard, click “Create App” and select the appropriate type for your application.

Provide App Details: Enter the app name, contact email, and purpose.

Configure Settings: Add a privacy policy URL and ensure your app complies with Meta’s data use policies.

4. Configure Permissions and Features

• Select Permissions: Choose the permissions your app will need. For auto-publishing, you will likely need
  permissions such as publish_pages, manage_pages, and pages_show_list.
• Add Features: Depending on your app’s functionality, add the relevant features and APIs. Note that the Groups API is deprecated, so focus on permissions that are still supported.

5. Submit for Review

• Prepare Your Submission: Ensure your app meets all guidelines. Provide a detailed description of your app’s functionality, including how it handles user data and complies with privacy policies.

1. Submit Your App: Go to the App Review section in the Meta Developer Dashboard and submit your app for review. Include a detailed screencast or video demonstrating your app’s functionality.

6. Monitor the Review Process

Respond to Feedback: Be prepared to respond promptly to any feedback or requests for additional information from Meta’s review team.

Approval Time: The review process can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your app and the volume of submissions.

Launch and Promote Your App

App Approval: Once approved, you will receive a notification, and your app will be live.
Promotion: Use Meta’s tools to promote your app, such as integrating with Facebook Login for user authentication or sharing content to Facebook pages.

Tips for Success

Detailed Documentation: Ensure your app has comprehensive documentation and help resources.

Community Engagement: Actively engage with users and gather feedback to continuously improve your app.

Compliance: Stay updated with Meta’s policies to ensure ongoing compliance.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting your Facebook developer application approved and effectively using it for web services like auto-publishing and user login plugins.