ChatGPT App Integrations: How to Use Spotify, DoorDash, and More

OpenAI has expanded ChatGPT's capabilities by integrating third-party applications directly into the chat interface. This update allows users to interact with services such as Spotify, DoorDash, and Expedia without leaving the conversation.

The primary goal of these app integrations is to streamline user workflows. By connecting external accounts, users can execute complex tasks—like ordering food or booking travel—using natural language commands within ChatGPT. This functionality transforms the AI from a passive information tool into an active assistant capable of performing real-world actions. The integration supports a growing list of popular services, offering a centralized control point for digital activities.

The recent update to ChatGPT introduces a system where the AI can communicate directly with authorized third-party services. This functionality relies on API connections that link the user's ChatGPT account with their accounts on other platforms. When a user requests an action, such as playing a song or ordering a ride, ChatGPT sends the necessary instructions to the connected app to execute the task.

Supported applications currently include a diverse range of categories, from entertainment to logistics. Key entities involved in this rollout include:

• Spotify (Music streaming)
• DoorDash (Food delivery)
• Uber (Ride sharing)
• Expedia (Travel booking)
• Canva (Design)
• Figma (Design)

This ecosystem allows for a seamless experience where the AI acts as an intermediary. For example, a user can ask ChatGPT to "play relaxing music," and if Spotify is connected, the AI will trigger playback on that platform. This eliminates the friction of manually opening apps and navigating menus.

To utilize these new capabilities, users must first establish a connection between ChatGPT and the desired third-party application. This process typically involves navigating to the settings or plugins section within the ChatGPT interface. Users will see a list of available integrations and can select the apps they wish to link.

Once a user selects an app, they will be redirected to that service's authentication page to log in and grant permissions. This step is crucial for security, ensuring that ChatGPT only accesses data authorized by the user. After successful authentication, the connection is established.

Using the integrated apps is straightforward. Users simply type their request in natural language. For instance:

1. "Order dinner for two from the nearest Italian restaurant on DoorDash."
2. "Book a car to the airport for tomorrow morning using Uber."
3. "Find flights to Paris next month on Expedia."

ChatGPT interprets the request, confirms details if necessary, and executes the action through the connected service.

The integration of apps into ChatGPT offers significant benefits for productivity and convenience. One major advantage is the ability to automate multi-step tasks. Instead of switching between a map app, a ride-sharing app, and a calendar, a user can simply ask ChatGPT to "schedule a ride to the meeting location 30 minutes before the event."

In the entertainment sector, the Spotify integration allows for hands-free music control. Users can request specific playlists, artists, or genres, making it ideal for smart home setups or while multitasking. Similarly, the DoorDash integration simplifies meal ordering by allowing users to re-order favorites or explore new options through conversation.

For creative professionals, integrations with Canva and Figma offer the potential to generate design concepts or modify files via text commands. The overarching benefit is the consolidation of digital tools into a single, conversational interface, reducing cognitive load and saving time.

This move by OpenAI signals a broader trend in the AI industry toward creating "super apps" or central hubs for digital life. By allowing third-party developers to build connectors for ChatGPT, the platform is evolving into an operating system of sorts, capable of controlling various aspects of a user's digital ecosystem.

As the list of supported apps grows, the utility of ChatGPT increases exponentially. We can expect to see further developments in how AI handles transactions, manages schedules, and interacts with IoT (Internet of Things) devices. The focus will likely shift from simple information retrieval to proactive task management and execution. This evolution positions ChatGPT not just as a chatbot, but as a comprehensive digital assistant capable of handling complex, real-world requests securely and efficiently.