How to start a huddle on Slack

Want to talk to your coworkers, but you don’t want to schedule a meeting? Try starting a huddle on Slack.

A huddle is Slack’s version of an audio call, but it’s much easier and an informal alternative to a scheduled call. When you start a huddle in a channel or direct message anyone in that channel or direct message can join. Sending an invite to a huddle notifies users in the channel or direct message that you started a huddle.

It’s not difficult to start a huddle, but you may need to give Slack permission to access your microphone. The process differs slightly from desktop to the mobile app.

Follow the steps below to start a huddle on Slack.

How to start a huddle on Slack desktop:

1. Open Slack

2. Select the channel or direct message you want to start the huddle in

3. Select the circle next to the headphones in the lower left hand corner

The gray button starts a huddle.
Credit: screenshot: slack

Alternatively you can use the shortcut: command, shift, four.

You may have to give Slack permission to access your microphone.

The headphone icon turning blue indicates you have successfully started a huddle.

4. To invite people to the huddle select the person icon and search for who you want to invite.

Select the person icon to invite someone to the huddle.
Credit: screenshot: slack

5. To leave the huddle select the headphone icon

To leave a huddle you tap the headphone icon.
Credit: screenshot: slack

How to start a huddle on the Slack app:

1. Open Slack

2. Select the channel or direct message you want to start the huddle in

3. Tap the ringed icon in the upper right corner

Tap the icon in the upper right hand corner to start a huddle.
Credit: screenshot: slack

4. To invite people to the huddle tap the middle gray circle. Then search for you user you want to invite and tap “Invite.”

Tap the “Invite” icon to invite a user to the huddle.
Credit: screenshot: slack

5. Tap the red circle to leave the huddle

Select the “Leave” icon to leave the huddle.
Credit: screenshot: slack

There you have it! Huddles are a great way to chat something out quickly with an impromptu call instead of typing away back and forth. If used properly it can be a great time saver, or a fun way to connect with friends or coworkers.