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Successful Slack communities organize channels into distinct layers to help members know exactly where to go.

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Creating a New Channel

Desktop App or Web:
1

In your Slack workspace sidebar, click the + icon next to Channels

Or click Channels in the sidebar, then click Create a channel
2

Name your channel

Use lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores
  • Examples: welcome-start-here, general, help
  • Keep it short and descriptive (max 80 characters)
3

Add a description

Explain what the channel is for and what members should post there
4

Choose channel privacy

  • Public: Anyone in the workspace can find and join
  • Private: Only invited members can access (note: private channels cannot have Tightknit feeds)
5

Click Create

6

Click Done

Setting Channel Permissions After creating a channel, set who can post
1

Open the channel

2

Open Channel Details

Click the channel name at the top to open Channel Details
3

Go to Settings tab

4

Under Posting permissions, choose:

  • Everyone: All channel members can post (default)
  • Admins only: Restrict posting to workspace admins and owners
5

Click Save

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Add a Channel Description and Topic

Every channel should have a clear description and a pinned welcome message. Here’s a template:
Purpose: [One sentence explaining what this channel is for]
Post here: [Types of content that belong]
Don’t post here: [What to avoid or where to go instead]
1

Open the channel

2

Click the channel name at the top

3

Click Edit next to the description field

4

Add or update:

  • Description: Permanent explanation of channel purpose (appears in channel browser)
  • Topic: Dynamic updates or current focus (appears below channel name)
5

Click Save

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The 60-Second Test

Your channel architecture passes the test if a brand new member can answer these questions in under 60 seconds:
  • Where do I introduce myself?
  • Where do I ask questions?
  • Where do I find important announcements?
  • Where can I have casual conversations?
  • How do I know which channels are required vs. optional?