In Slack, conversations happen in channels and direct messages (DMs). Channels are spaces where you can work with your co-workers on specific topics. DMs work well for one-off conversations that don't require an entire channel to weigh in.
Channels
DMs
Conversations in channels are transparent and accessible to people in your company. If you want to stay up to date with a specific team, you can find and join their channel and scroll up to see past messages. DMs are for smaller conversations outside of channels, like if you wanted to ask a teammate to reschedule a 1:1 meeting.
Did you know? You can also work with people outside of your company in channels and DMs. To learn more, visit our guide to Slack Connect.
Start a conversation
Start a conversation with the right people by sending a message or starting a huddle in a channel or a DM.
Send a message
Start a huddle
Say that you have a question about a project. Send a message to the dedicated project channel to get an answer from the right people. If your question is only for a specific teammate, you can send them a DM.
Try it: Use the compose button to draft a message.
Sometimes it’s easier to talk things through, whether you’re brainstorming or just catching up. If you use Slack on a paid subscription, open a channel or DM to start a huddle. You can even share your screen.
Try it: Open a conversation and click the headphones toggle in the bottom left corner of your sidebar to start a huddle.
