Softonic at a glance
- Listing price
- Free
- Domain rating
- DR 86
- Captcha
- None
- Backlink or badge
- Not required
- Email confirmation
- Yes, by link or code
- Submit at
- developers.softonic.com
What Softonic is and who it's for
Softonic is one of the world's largest software and app distribution platforms, offering downloads for Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and web apps. It features a catalog of over 1.5 million programs, with categories spanning games, AI tools, productivity, security, and more. Developers can publish and manage their apps for free through the Softonic Publishing Center, which includes tools for localization, analytics, and promotion.
Millions of users worldwide browse Softonic to discover, download, and review software and apps across multiple platforms.
It lists
- Windows apps (.exe, .msi, .msix)
- Mac apps (.dmg, .pkg)
- Android apps (.apk)
- iOS apps (via App Store link)
- Web apps and SaaS tools (via URL)
- Browser extensions (coming soon)
How to submit to Softonic, step by step
Creating an account and publishing apps on Softonic is completely free. You can upload your app, manage updates, and access basic analytics without any cost.
Create a free account
Sign up on the Softonic Publishing Center with your name, email, and password (minimum 8 characters, one uppercase letter, one number, one special character). You can also sign up with Google or GitHub.
Upload or claim your app
From your dashboard, create a new listing by uploading your app file or providing a URL for web apps, or claim an existing Softonic listing if your app is already present.
Add details and versions
Provide descriptions, screenshots, and other listing details. You can use AI-powered translation to localize your listing in up to 18 languages.
Submit for review
Your submission is scanned by antivirus engines and checked against Softonic's publishing requirements. The status will show as pending review, accepted, or rejected.
Go live and manage
Once approved, your app goes live automatically on Softonic.com. You can then manage updates, reply to reviews, track metrics, and run optional paid campaigns.
What the Softonic form asks for
| Field | Limits and format |
|---|---|
| Name | — |
| Email address | — |
| Password | Minimum 8 characters, one uppercase letter, one number, and one special character |
Our free preview drafts your name, tagline, short and long descriptions, categories and tags in the lengths directories like this one ask for. Try it with your URL.
Softonic pricing: free vs paid
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free publishing | Free | Create an account, upload and manage apps, access basic analytics, reply to reviews, and use AI translation tools. |
| Paid campaigns | Optional, self-serve | Boost visibility within the Softonic ecosystem with self-service advertising tools. Control your budget and track performance. |
| Welcome gift | $50 | A welcome gift to boost visibility for new publishers (as shown on the site). |
Why Softonic submissions get rejected or stall
- App file is not digitally signed by a verifiable certificate authority (Windows/Mac) or Google Play distribution key (Android).
- App does not meet Softonic's publishing requirements (e.g., contains malware, violates guidelines).
- App is a duplicate of an existing listing that you do not own or have not claimed.
- App is a browser extension (currently not accepted, but coming soon).
- App file exceeds 1 GB in size.
Tips for a listing that gets approved
- Sign your executables with a valid certificate authority to avoid rejection.
- Use the AI translation feature to localize your listing in multiple languages and reach a wider audience.
- Claim your app if it's already listed to take control of its page and respond to reviews.
- Consider running a paid campaign to boost visibility, especially for new apps.
Our take on Softonic
Softonic is ideal for developers of desktop, mobile, and web apps who want free distribution to a large global audience. The submission process is straightforward, but apps must be digitally signed and meet security standards. Expect a review process with antivirus scanning and manual checks.
Softonic FAQ
Is it free to publish on Softonic?
Yes, creating an account, uploading, and managing apps on Softonic is completely free. Softonic does not take a commission on your revenue.
What types of apps can I upload?
You can upload Windows (.exe, .msi, .msix), macOS (.dmg, .pkg), and Android (.apk) files up to 1 GB, iOS apps via App Store link, and web apps via URL. Browser extensions are coming soon.
Does Softonic review apps before publishing?
Yes, every submission is scanned by antivirus engines and checked against publishing requirements. You'll see a status of pending review, accepted, or rejected, and if rejected, you'll receive an email explaining why.
Can I claim an app already on Softonic?
Yes, register for free, find your app, and claim it. If your account email matches the app's listed email, the claim is instant; otherwise, you can verify with a code or upload proof of ownership.
Does Softonic modify my files?
No, files and listings on Softonic are original and untouched, and they are continuously monitored for security.
Checked against Softonic's own pages on Oct 24, 2026: en.softonic.com, developers.softonic.com, developers.softonic.com/how-it-works/, developers.softonic.com/faq/. Directories change their forms and prices; the submit page has the final word.
