Communities & Messaging

Channels and direct messages

Know when to use a shared channel and when to move into a DM.

Updated August 14, 2026

Channels

Channels keep shared conversations organized around a topic, activity, or group. Use them when the conversation should remain discoverable to the people who share that space.

Direct messages

Direct messages are better for one-to-one conversations or a smaller side discussion. A DM does not replace a channel when the answer would help the wider community.

Keep conversations easy to follow

  • Choose the channel that best matches the topic.
  • Keep related replies together when the interface offers a focused reply flow.
  • Move personal or sensitive details out of a shared channel.
  • Follow the rules of each community you join.

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