How to Start and Use a Slack Huddle

A Huddle turns a channel or DM into an instant voice call with one click, without booking a meeting or sending a calendar invite.

  1. Open the channel or DM you want to talk in

    Go into the channel or one-on-one conversation where you want to start a Huddle.

  2. Click the headphone-shaped Huddle icon

    Click the headphone icon at the top of the channel to start a live voice conversation instantly.

  3. Invite others to join

    Anyone in that channel gets a Huddle notification and can join immediately by clicking the join button.

  4. Share your screen if needed

    Use the screen share icon at the bottom of the Huddle window to show what's on your screen at any point.

Why a Huddle beats scheduling a meeting

Not every conversation needs a calendar invite. When something is too complicated to type out but doesn't warrant a formal meeting, a Huddle lets you jump straight into a live voice conversation with the people already in that channel. Anyone who isn't available can simply ignore the notification, so it's a low-pressure way to talk things through.

Getting the most out of a Huddle

You can keep working in other channels while a Huddle stays active in the background, and Slack shows a small status so teammates know you're currently in one. Huddles also support lightweight extras like reactions and a shared drawing space in some plans, which can be handy for quick brainstorming without switching to a separate video tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do people need to schedule a Huddle in advance?

No. A Huddle starts the moment someone clicks the icon β€” there's no scheduling step, which is the main difference from a formal video meeting.

Can I use a Huddle for more than two people?

Yes, anyone in the same channel can join an active Huddle, so it works for both one-on-one conversations and small group discussions.