What is Slack?

If you’ve been wondering ‘what is Slack?’, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about the instant messaging service used by countless businesses

Custom image for what is Slack article with the Slack logo in the middle of the screen

Whether you’re on your first day of work in a new role, looking for a messaging system for your own business, or simply want to keep up to date with tech happenings, there are lots of reasons to ask “what is Slack?”. As a relatively contemporary instant messenger compared to the alternatives, it’s still unknown to many possible users, so we’re going to go over exactly what Slack does, how you can use it, and how it lines up against its competitors.

For more tech assistance, check out our guides on what is Zoom, what is Trello, and what is Apple Arcade. Or, if you’re looking for some groovy tunes to keep you busy while you’re working, check out our YouTube Music download, Spotify download, and Apple Music download guides.

What is Slack?

Slack is an instant messaging service predominantly for workplaces, but can be used in other instances too. With similarities to Discord, Slack is one of the most streamlined messenger services you can need, with the functionality of creating multiple different channels within the same organisation, linking Google events from your calendar, and plenty more.

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How do I download Slack?

While Slack has an in-browser application, it’s often quicker and easier to use the client app. To download Slack for PC check out the steps below. There is a slight difference depending on if you’re already signed into the web browser, so follow the method accordingly or check out our Slack download guide.

If you’re not signed into Slack:

  • Hit this link or go to the Slack site
  • Select the products drop-down menu in the top left
  • Select download
  • Install the program
  • Sign in using your credentials

If you’re signed into Slack:

  • Hit this link or go to the Slack site
  • Scroll down to the ‘Slack for Windows’ button
  • Hit download
  • Install the program
  • Sign in using your credentials

If instead, you’re looking to download Slack on Mac, you can follow these steps:

  • Hit this link or search for Slack in the App Store
  • Download the app
  • Sign in using your credentials

If it’s iPhone you want to download Slack for, follow this method:

  • Hit this link or go to the App Store
  • Search for Slack
  • Download the application
  • Sign in using your credentials

If instead, you need a guide on how to download Slack for Android, see below:

  • Go to the Google Play Store
  • Search for Slack
  • Download the application
  • Sign in using your credentials

Screenshot example of a Slack conversation for what is Slack guide

How much is Slack?

As with most subscription services, there are various packages for Slack, each with a set amount of features to suit the price. Of course, all the pricings are available on the Slack website, but we’ve got a table laying out the basics below.

Slack package Price Features 
Free Free
  • 90-day message and file history 
  • Data encryption and two-factor authentication 
  • One workspace
Pro $8.75/£7 monthly or $87/£69 annually 
  • Unlimited message and file history 
  • Unlimited integration with other apps 
  • Data encryption and two-factor authentication 
  • One workspace
  • Slack huddles and screen sharing 
  • Custom user groups
  • 24-hour support
Business+  $15/£11.70 monthly or $180/£117 annually 
  • All Pro features
  • SCIM user management 
  • Data residency and exports 
Enterprise Grid Only available through contacting the Slack sales team 
  • All Business+ features
  • HIPAA compliance 
  • Unlimited channels 
  • Custom terms of service 

There you have it, our answer to the question “what is Slack?”. If you’re looking for something to stream after a long day taking messages and meetings on Slack, why not take a load off and try something new with our Hulu download, Amazon Prime download, and Paramount Plus download guides?