Automatically create Slack channels for launches

With auto-created Slack channels, teams can spend more time on reviewing launches rather than on manually setting up Slack channels. This feature is configured per launch type. Learn more about creating and configuring launch types.

Setting Up Auto-Created Slack Channels 

Before you can enable auto-created Slack channels, make sure the Slack integration is set up for your org. Users with the Launch Manager role can enable and configure auto-created Slack channels. 

1. Go to Org Settings > Launch Types.
2. Click on the launch type that you would like to configure, or click Add Launch Type to create a new launch type.
3. Navigate to the Slack Channels section and click Configure.
   
4. Select Yes to automatically create Slack channels for this launch type. Alternatively, select No to turn the feature off. Users can still create Slack channels manually for a launch.
5. Enter your preferred Channel Naming Convention. When configuring your team’s preferred naming convention, keep in mind:
   1. Channel names can only use lowercase letters, numbers, and dashes.
   2. The $Launch ID token must be included to ensure uniqueness. To add a token, type $ and select from the menu of available tokens. Currently supported tokens are Launch ID and Launch Title. 
      
   3. Static text (i.e. any text that is not a token) cannot exceed 75 characters.
   4. If the total channel name exceeds 80 characters due to the launch title, the launch title will be truncated.
   5. At any point after editing the Channel Naming Convention, you can click Reset to Default to revert to the default naming convention.
      
6. Click on Save. 

How Do Auto-Created Slack Channels Work? 

Once a launch type with auto-created Slack channels is published, every new launch of that type will automatically: 

• Create a public Slack channel. It will follow the naming convention configured by the Admin.
• Add key participants to the Slack channel:
  • The launch creator.
  • All reviewers assigned to the launch. Reviewers are automatically added to the channel when they are assigned, whether it happens when the launch is created or at a later time.
  • Each person automatically added to the Slack channel will be notified in Slack. 

You can also view the auto-created Slack channel on the launch details page.

FAQs

Does this feature work with integrations?

Yes. This feature works with integrations that create launches automatically, as long as the launch type is configured to enable auto-created Slack channels. 

Can I enable auto-created Slack channels for an existing launch type?

Yes. Navigate to Org Settings > Launch Types, select the launch type you want to configure, and update the Slack Channels settings. Note: Only launches created after this setting is enabled will have an auto-created Slack channel. Existing launches won’t be affected. 

Can I turn off auto-created Slack channels after enabling them?

Yes. You can select No in the Slack Channels configuration to turn off automatic channel creation for future launches. Users can still create Slack channels manually for a launch.

Do auto-created Slack channels support private channels?

No. Currently, all auto-created Slack channels are public.