how do i add someone to an existing slack conversation

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

05-02-2025

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Adding someone to an existing Slack conversation is easy, whether it's a direct message (DM) or a channel. This guide will walk you through both scenarios. Knowing how to add people to conversations keeps communication flowing smoothly within your workspace.

Adding Someone to a Slack Channel

Channels in Slack are group conversations organized around topics or projects. Adding someone to a channel grants them access to its entire history and future messages. This is useful for onboarding new team members or collaborating on projects.

Method 1: Using the Channel's Details

1. Navigate to the channel: Open the Slack channel you want to add the person to.
2. Access Channel Details: Click on the channel name at the top of the channel window.
3. View Members: Look for the "Members" section or a similar option. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your Slack version.
4. Add Member: Click the "Add people" button or a similarly-worded option. This will open a search bar.
5. Search and Select: Type the name of the person you want to add. Select their name from the suggestions.
6. Confirmation: Slack will confirm the addition. The new member will receive a notification.

Method 2: Inviting from the Member List

1. Open your workspace's member list: This is usually accessible through a dedicated icon or by searching for members.
2. Find the person: Locate the member you want to add.
3. Invite to Channel: Next to their name, you’ll see an option to invite them to specific channels. This option might be represented by a plus sign (+) or an arrow.
4. Select the Channel: A list of channels will appear. Check the box next to the channel you wish to add them to.
5. Send the Invitation: The member will receive an invitation notification in Slack.

Important Considerations for Channel Additions:

• Permissions: Your Slack workspace administrator may have restrictions on who can add members to channels. If you don't see the "Add people" option, you may not have the necessary permissions.
• Private Channels: Adding members to private channels requires explicit permission from existing members or the channel owner.
• Channel Purpose: Consider the channel's purpose before adding someone. Ensure the individual's presence aligns with the channel's focus.

Adding Someone to a Direct Message (DM) Conversation

Direct Messages in Slack are private conversations between two or more people. Adding someone to an existing DM expands the conversation to include them.

How to Add Someone to a DM:

1. Open the DM: Go to the direct message you want to expand.
2. Add Participants: Look for a button or option allowing you to add participants. It's typically near the top of the chat window, often indicated by an icon representing people or a "+" symbol.
3. Search and Select: Enter the name of the person you want to add. Select them from the list of suggestions.
4. Confirmation: Slack will confirm the addition. The new participant will receive a notification.

Important Note on DM Additions:

• Privacy: Adding someone to a DM changes the conversation's privacy. All participants will see the entire conversation history.

Troubleshooting

If you're encountering issues adding someone to a Slack conversation:

• Check your permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions within your workspace. Contact your Slack administrator if you suspect permission issues.
• Verify the person's existence: Make sure the person you're trying to add is actually a member of your Slack workspace.
• Update Slack: Ensure you're using the latest version of the Slack application. Outdated versions may have bugs affecting functionality.

By following these steps, you can efficiently add members to both channels and direct messages in Slack, fostering better communication and collaboration. Remember to always respect the privacy settings and the overall purpose of the conversations you're modifying.