Turn Slack into a productive workspace with automation. Learn the difference between Slack apps, bots, and the native Slackbot, then use proven commands and workflows to save time.
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What Is a Slack Bot
A Slack bot is a workspace agent that listens for triggers and performs actions to automate work.
It can post messages, collect inputs with forms, sync with tools, or schedule jobs. A bot usually ships inside a Slack app. The native Slackbot is built in and focuses on reminders and keyword replies.
If you need tool data, choose a marketplace app. If you need internal systems and custom logic, build a custom bot.
Slack Bot Basics
A Slack bot is a software agent that lives in your workspace. It listens for triggers and performs actions, such as posting updates, creating tasks, or opening forms.
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Quick definition: A Slack bot automates work inside Slack. It responds to triggers like keywords, /slash commands, mentions, scheduled times, clicks on buttons, or events from other tools.
Slack App
The container that you install. It may include a bot user, slash commands, and interactive UI. See our guide on what Slack is for context.
The native helper built into every workspace. It handles /remind and simple custom responses. Learn more in our Slack features primers.
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Why it matters: Bots reduce context switching and keep conversations, tickets, and updates in one place. Explore omnichannel support and ticketing systems to see where bots fit.
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Types of Slack Bots
Choose the right approach based on budget, security, and workflow complexity.
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Native Slackbot
Great for reminders and quick auto replies. No setup required. See Slack on mobile if your team is phone first.
FreeFast
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Marketplace Bots
Prebuilt integrations for tasks and alerts. Try Trello, Notion, or GitHub.
Freemium5 Min Install
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Custom Bots
Purpose built for internal workflows and security controls. Pair with a Slack native ticketing app like support stacks for end to end flows.
Custom PriceDev Needed
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Using Slackbot
Open any channel and type the command you need. Use <remind me>, <remind @user>, or <remind #channel> to create reminders with natural language like tomorrow at 2pm or every Friday. In workspace customization, add trigger phrases for common FAQs to post helpful replies.
Keep phrases short, test in a DM, and avoid private channels since custom replies do not post there. For deeper workflows, connect tools such as Trello, Asana, or GitHub and keep updates inside Slack.
How To Use Slackbot
Start with reminders and simple auto responses. These features work in every workspace.
Command
What It Does
Example
/remind me
Creates a personal reminder
/remind me to follow up in 2 hours
/remind @user
Sends a reminder to a teammate
/remind @sarah share the report at 4pm
/remind #channel
Posts a recurring channel reminder
/remind #design-team weekly sync every Tuesday at 2:45pm
/remind list
Shows your pending reminders
/remind list
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Natural phrases work: tomorrow at 2pm, in 3 hours, every Friday at 3pm, on the 1st of every month.
Set Up Custom Responses
Use this for FAQs like the Wi-Fi password or a brand guide link.
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Open Slackbot Settings
Workspace name, then Settings and Administration, then Customize, then Slackbot tab.
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Add Trigger Phrases
Use comma separated phrases, such as wifi, wi fi, office wifi.
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Write the Reply
Paste text or a link. Use multiple lines for random responses to keep it fresh.
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Test in a DM
Try the trigger in a DM with Slackbot before using it in channels.
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Limitations: Custom responses work in public channels and your DM with Slackbot. They do not work in private channels or Slack Connect.
Slackbot vs Marketplace Bots vs Custom Bots
Pick based on speed, control, and depth of integration.
