Threads
Threads let you reply to a specific message without cluttering the main channel conversation. When you start a thread on a message, all replies are grouped together in a side panel. This keeps the main channel clean while allowing detailed discussions on particular topics.
Why use threads
Busy channels can quickly become overwhelming when multiple conversations happen at the same time. Without threads, messages about different topics interleave, making it difficult to follow any single discussion. Threads solve this by creating focused sub-conversations attached to a specific parent message.
| Without threads | With threads |
|---|---|
| All replies appear in the main channel | Replies are grouped in a side panel |
| Multiple topics interleave | Each topic has its own thread |
| Hard to follow a specific discussion | Easy to follow one conversation |
| Every reply notifies all channel members | Only thread participants are notified |
Start a thread
- Hover over the message you want to reply to.
- Click the thread icon (speech bubble with lines) in the action toolbar.
- The thread panel opens on the right side of the chat window.
- Type your reply in the thread input field.
- Press Enter to send.
Your reply appears in the thread panel, and a "replied in thread" indicator appears on the original message in the main channel. This indicator shows how many replies the thread has and who participated.
TIP
You can also start a thread by clicking the reply count on a message that already has thread replies.
Thread panel
The thread panel is a side panel that opens alongside the main channel view. It displays:
- Parent message — the original message that started the thread, shown at the top
- Thread replies — all replies in chronological order
- Reply count — the total number of replies
- Participant avatars — profile pictures of everyone who has replied
- Input field — the compose area for your reply
The thread panel does not replace the main channel view. You can read the main channel and participate in a thread simultaneously.
Navigate between threads
- Click any thread indicator on a message in the main channel to open its thread.
- Opening a new thread replaces the current thread panel.
- Close the thread panel by clicking the X button or pressing Escape.
Thread notifications
Thread notifications are scoped to participants rather than the entire channel:
| Who | When they are notified |
|---|---|
| Thread participants (anyone who has replied) | Every new reply in the thread |
| The original message author | Every new reply in the thread |
| Channel members not in the thread | Only if @mentioned in a thread reply |
| Followers (explicitly followed the thread) | Every new reply in the thread |
This means starting a thread does not send notifications to the entire channel. Only people involved in or following the thread receive updates.
How thread notifications appear
Thread notifications appear in your notification center with context:
- The channel name and parent message preview
- The reply that triggered the notification
- A direct link to open the thread
Thread vs main channel
Understanding when to reply in a thread vs the main channel:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Answering a specific question | Reply in thread |
| Providing additional context on a message | Reply in thread |
| Starting a new topic | Post in the main channel |
| Quick acknowledgment (one word) | Use a reaction instead |
| Information everyone in the channel needs to see | Post in the main channel |
| Detailed technical discussion on a specific point | Reply in thread |
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A good rule of thumb: if your reply only makes sense in the context of a specific message, it belongs in a thread. If it is a new topic or a general update, post it in the main channel.
Follow and unfollow threads
You automatically follow a thread when you:
- Reply to the thread
- Are the author of the parent message
You can also manually follow a thread without replying:
- Open the thread panel.
- Click the Follow button (bell icon) at the top of the panel.
Following a thread means you receive notifications for all new replies.
Unfollow a thread
If a thread becomes noisy or no longer relevant to you:
- Open the thread panel.
- Click the Unfollow button (bell icon with a slash) at the top of the panel.
After unfollowing, you stop receiving notifications for new replies unless you are @mentioned directly.
Thread features
Threads support the same message features as the main channel:
| Feature | Supported in threads |
|---|---|
| Rich text formatting | Yes |
| File and image attachments | Yes |
| Emoji reactions | Yes |
| @mentions | Yes |
| Code blocks | Yes |
| Edit messages | Yes (your own) |
| Delete messages | Yes (your own or with admin permission) |
| Pins | No (pins are channel-level only) |
Thread indicators in the main channel
When a message has thread replies, the main channel shows:
- A reply count (e.g., "5 replies") below the message
- Participant avatars — small profile pictures of thread participants
- Last reply time — when the most recent reply was posted
Click any of these elements to open the thread panel.
Best practices
- Use threads liberally in busy channels to keep the main feed scannable.
- Start with context — your first thread reply should make sense even if someone opens it without reading the full channel history.
- Unfollow threads that no longer concern you to reduce notification noise.
- @mention people in thread replies if you need their attention and they are not following the thread.
- Avoid long threads for decisions — if a thread grows past 20-30 replies, consider moving the discussion to a dedicated channel or a synchronous meeting.
Related pages
- Chat Overview — introduction to SetGet Chat
- Messages — formatting, editing, and media sharing
- Reactions — emoji responses on messages
- Channels — shared conversation spaces
- Chat Notifications — configure notification preferences