💰 Updates to our Monetization programs for Canva Developers

Announcements
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Hey everyone :waving_hand:

We’ve got some important updates to share about our monetization programs, starting June 1st.

What’s changing

  • App Adoption Awards is sunsetting on June 1st. Over 3 years, we awarded over $900k to 100 developers across 228 apps — and it genuinely helped build the marketplace. But we’ve learned a lot along the way. With AI increasingly able to replicate simpler app functionality, we want to focus on high-quality, actively maintained apps that solve problems AI can’t — think deep integrations with third-party tools or solutions for more niche workflows. That’s where Premium Apps is focused, and where we think the real opportunity is for developers too.

  • Premium Apps Program is continuing and absorbing Developer grants. If you’re already in the program, nothing changes for you. If you’re looking to get up-front funding for your app or idea, please apply to the Premium Apps Program.

  • External payment links are continuing. The ability to charge for your app isn’t going anywhere. This has been a meaningful source of revenue for many in our community, and off-platform monetization remains supported.

  • Developer Directory (NEW — Pilot). We’re piloting a new directory connecting enterprise customers with trusted community builders — a new way to find work and grow your business with Canva customers directly. We’re starting with a small group of Premium Apps and App Adoption Awards developers, and plan to open it up to more App Adoption Awards alumni in the coming months. Stay tuned!

Got questions? Drop them below — we’re here to help.

Thanks for building with us :blue_heart:

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:trophy: Adoption Award Winners for April 2026!
:trophy: Adoption Award Winners for May 2026!
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Thank you for the thoughtful update, Meredith. I’ve been building on Canva for over two and a half years now, and it has been a truly wonderful journey — one that’s far from over. The marketplace gave a solo developer like me a real platform to grow, and I’m grateful for everything the team has put into supporting builders along the way. Still here, still building. Thank you all :folded_hands:

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Thank you for being a part of our community over the years!

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We know External Payments is an important way to continue supporting your development, so we worked with one of our community members on some tips and tricks for your external payments system.

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Thank you for the transparency Meredith — this is really helpful context.

I am the developer behind HexGrid Overlay (just launched June 20th) with Click-to-Cut
and Prismatic currently in review. My background is in computer vision and machine
learning through Syscon Australia, so the focus on technically sophisticated apps that
AI cannot replicate is very much aligned with what I am building.

I am very interested in the Developer Directory pilot — is there a way to register interest or apply early? The enterprise integration angle is particularly relevant to our work.

Best regards,

Syscon Australia — sysconaustralia.com.au

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ooooo love this! Learned these lessons over the last many months, hopefully it helps new Devs hit the road much much faster :slight_smile: