Convert a group direct message to a private channel

Group direct messages (DMs) are conversations between three or more people outside of channels. When they turn into long-term discussions, or you need to include more than nine people in the conversation, you can convert a group DM to a private channel.

What to expect

  • When you convert a DM to a private channel, messages and files from the DM will be visible to any new members that you add to the channel.
  • Members of the group DM will be notified about the move with a Slackbot message posted to the new channel. 
  • Owners and admins can restrict permissions for creating private channels and converting DMs with external people. If you don’t see the option to convert a DM, find an owner or admin to ask for help.


Convert a group DM to a private channel 

  1. From your desktop, open a group DM. 
  2. Click on the member names in the conversation header.
  3. Select the Settings tab.
  4. Click on Change to a private channel.
  5. Enter a name for the new channel.
  6. Click on Change to private.

Note: In an Enterprise Grid organisation, converted DMs will automatically become multi-workspace channels.

Who can use this feature?