Secret Slack Features You Didn't Know Existed

Slack is built to move fast, but most people only use the basics—channels, threads, and pings. What’s missed are the quiet tools sitting behind the scenes. These small features can keep conversations cleaner, cut down on manual work, and ensure no one misses key info. If your workspace feels cluttered or chaotic, chances are you haven’t unlocked everything Slack can do.

Top Slack Hidden Features That You Might Not Know

1. Use Custom Keyword Alerts to Never Miss Critical Topics

You don’t need to be tagged to stay informed. Slack lets you set alerts for specific words or phrases. Add keywords like client names, project codes, or technical terms. The platform will flag any message that includes them. It’s a simple way to monitor what matters without watching every channel.

2. Set Up Email Forwarding Into Slack

Every Slack workspace has a unique forwarding address. Use it to send emails straight into a channel or a direct message. It’s useful for passing along meeting invites, approvals, or third-party notifications. You get fewer back-and-forths and keep conversations in one place.

3. Create Custom Slackbot Responses for Repetitive Tasks

Slackbot isn’t just for reminders. You can teach it to reply automatically. Set it up to respond when someone types “vacation policy” or “onboarding checklist.” It’s a quiet way to reduce repeated questions. Especially helpful for HR, support, and onboarding.

4. Use the /remind Command for Personal and Team Nudges

Type /remind to prompt Slack to send a message later. You can remind yourself, someone else, or even a channel. Use plain language like “/remind me to submit the report at 4 pm.” It's built-in and works without any apps.

5. Schedule Messages to Send Later

Not everything needs to be sent now. Right-click the “send” button and schedule a future time. Perfect if you're working late and don’t want to ping someone outside work hours. Or if you just want a message to hit first thing in the morning.

6. Build Simple Automations with Workflow Builder

Slack’s Workflow Builder doesn’t need code. Use it to automate check-ins, approvals, or status updates. You can also collect info with simple forms. Even non-technical users can create helpful flows that save time and reduce repetitive asks.

7. Organize Channels Using Custom Sidebar Sections

Too many channels? Drag them into custom sections. Label them by project, team, or urgency. This is especially helpful if you’re part of multiple workspaces or juggling cross-functional tasks.

8. Set Message Reminders Directly from Any Message

Click the three-dot menu on any message. Choose “Remind me about this.” You can set a time for later today, tomorrow, or next week. It’s a fast way to track tasks without leaving Slack or opening a separate tool.

9. Use Slack Huddles with Screen Drawing and Live Reactions

Slack Huddles let you hop into a quick call without scheduling anything. You can now draw on shared screens and use real-time emoji reactions. This is great for explaining things quickly or giving feedback during informal chats.

10. Collapse Images, GIFs, and Files with /collapse

Visuals can crowd the thread in busy channels. Use /collapse to hide previews. If you change your mind, type /expand to bring them back. This is clean and reversible.

11. Use Advanced Search Modifiers to Find Anything Fast

Search smarter with filters. Use from:@alex, in:#design, or has: link to narrow results. Combine them to find exactly what you need. No more digging through dozens of threads.

12. Activate Compact Theme to Fit More on Screen

The compact theme reduces padding and lets you view more messages at once. This makes a real difference if you work on a laptop or deal with fast-moving threads. You can change it under Preferences → Messages & Media.

13. Bookmark Items with Stars or Save for Later

Use “Save” or the star icon to flag key messages. This is like a personal inbox. You can use it to collect tasks, links, or information you need to return to.

14. Create and Share Docs with Slack Canvas

Canvas is a built-in document tool inside Slack. Use it for meeting notes, checklists, or onboarding steps. You can keep everything in one place—no switching to Google Docs or Notion.

15. Pin Messages for Teamwide Visibility

Pin key messages in a channel so others can find them later. It’s ideal for rules, schedules, or shared links. Anyone in the channel can view pinned items by clicking the 📌 icon.

16. React with an Emoji as a Read Receipt or Vote

Use ✅ or 👀 to show you’ve read something. Emojis also work well for quick polls. Ask a question, then assign reactions to each option. The team can vote without adding more messages.

17. Set Default Channels for New Hires

Slack lets admins assign default channels for new members. This ensures everyone joins key spaces like #announcements, #team-intros, or #resources on day one.

18. Forward Messages to Yourself for Cross-Device Syncing

Need to move info between devices? Click “More actions” on any message, then choose “Send to myself.” It’s faster than emailing a link or copying text to a note-taking app.

19. Mute Channels Without Leaving Them

You don’t need to leave a channel just because it’s noisy. Use the mute option to stop notifications without losing access. You can still visit the channel and search its messages, without alerts.

20. Use Slack’s Do Not Disturb Mode

Turn on DND to pause notifications when you're heads-down or offline. It’s customizable, and teammates will see that you're not available.

Bonus for Admins: How Chronicle Helps You Stay in Control

These features can help any team. But if you're managing a whole workspace, you need more. That’s where Chronicle steps in.

Chronicle is a tool built for Slack admins. It monitors sensitive content, tracks workspace events, and identifies inactive channels. It flags things like app installs, deleted messages, and custom keywords. You also get daily, weekly, or monthly reports delivered right into Slack. Everything stays visible without adding noise.

Chronicle doesn’t replace Slack features. It works behind the scenes to support them. If you want to keep your workspace clean, safe, and organized, Chronicle gives you the oversight that Slack doesn’t provide by default.

Master Slack by Using What’s Already There

Slack has more to offer than you might think. These 20 features can help you work faster, reply smarter, and clean up your workspace. Start small. Try one or two. If you’re an admin, tools like Chronicle can help you keep the whole environment easier to manage. Slack isn’t just a chat app. It’s a quiet system of tools waiting to be used.