This is an advanced feature. For most users, we recommend using the standard Gumloop Slack integration, which is simpler to set up and works great for the majority of use cases. Only use a custom Slack app if you have specific requirements for branding, multiple agents, or enterprise compliance.
When to Use a Custom Slack App
The standard Gumloop integration (@Gumloop) is the fastest way to get agents into Slack—it works out of the box with minimal setup. However, there are scenarios where connecting your own custom Slack app makes sense:
Custom Branding
Give your agent a unique name and avatar that reflects its purpose—like “Sales Assistant” or “Support Bot” instead of “@Gumloop”
Multiple Agents, Same Workspace
Run multiple agents with distinct identities in the same Slack workspace without confusion
Enterprise Compliance
Meet IT security policies that require all Slack integrations to be owned and managed internally
White-Label Solutions
Build products or services with AI agents that appear under your brand, not Gumloop’s
Standard Integration vs Custom Slack App
| Aspect | Standard Integration | Custom Slack App |
|---|---|---|
| Bot Identity | @Gumloop (shared) | Your custom name & avatar |
| Setup Complexity | Simple (minutes) | Advanced (10-15 minutes) |
| Slash Commands | ✅ /gummie add, /gummie remove, etc. | ❌ Not supported |
| Scope | Per channel | Per custom app (works across all channels) |
| Multiple Agents | One per channel | One per custom app |
| Best For | Most users | Enterprise, white-label, multi-agent setups |
Prerequisites
Before setting up a custom Slack app, ensure you have:- Slack Requirements
- Gumloop Requirements
- Admin access to your Slack workspace (to create and install apps)
- Permission to create Slack apps at api.slack.com
Setup Options
Gumloop offers two ways to connect a custom Slack app to your agent:- New App (Recommended)
- Existing App
Best for: Users who don’t have an existing Slack app and want the fastest setup experience.Gumloop provides a pre-configured manifest that automatically sets up all the required permissions and event subscriptions for you. This is the easiest path.
Option 1: Create a New App (Recommended)
This guided flow walks you through creating a new Slack app with all the correct settings pre-configured.1
Open External Channels
In your agent, click “External Channels” in the left sidebar menu.You’ll see the available channel integrations. Click “Connect” next to Custom Slack App.
2
Choose New App
A modal will appear asking how you’d like to connect your Slack app. Select “New App” to create a fresh Slack app with Gumloop’s pre-configured settings.
3
Customize Your App
Enter the details for your custom Slack app:
- App Name: The display name your bot will have in Slack (e.g., “Sales Assistant”, “Support Bot”)
- App Tag: The @mention handle for your bot (e.g.,
@salesassistant) - App Description (optional): A description others will see when viewing your app in Slack
4
Follow the Setup Guide
Gumloop provides a step-by-step setup guide with everything you need:
- Copy the Slack manifest JSON — Click the “Copy” button. This manifest contains all the pre-configured permissions, scopes, and event subscriptions your app needs.
-
Create a new Slack app — Click “Open” to go to api.slack.com/apps, then:
- Click “Create New App”
- Choose “From an app manifest”
- Select your Slack workspace
-
Paste the manifest JSON — In the manifest editor, paste the JSON you copied from Gumloop. This automatically configures:
- All required bot token scopes
- Event subscriptions with the correct webhook URL
- Bot user settings
- Complete installation in Slack — Review the app settings and click “Create”, then “Install to Workspace” and authorize the app.
- Return to Gumloop — Come back to this page and click “Next” to continue.
5
Enter Your App Credentials
After creating your Slack app, you’ll need to provide credentials from Slack’s Basic Information page.
- Client ID — Found under “App Credentials”
- Client Secret — Click “Show” to reveal, then copy
- Signing Secret — Click “Show” to reveal, then copy
6
Ensure Slack App is Installed to the Workspace
Make sure your Slack app is installed to your workspace. If you skipped this step earlier, go to your Slack app settings → OAuth & Permissions → Install to Workspace.
7
Invite Your Bot to Channels
Your custom bot needs to be invited to channels where you want it to work.In Slack, go to each channel and type:Replace 
@YourBotName with the App Tag you configured (e.g., @salesassistant).Option 2: Connect an Existing App
If you already have a Slack app or need custom configurations, you can connect it directly to Gumloop.1
Open External Channels
In your agent, click “External Channels” in the left sidebar, then click “Connect” next to Custom Slack App.
2
Choose Existing App
Select “Existing App” to connect a Slack app you’ve already created.
3
Configure Your Slack App (If Not Already Done)
Before connecting, ensure your existing Slack app has the required configuration:
Required Bot Token Scopes
Required Bot Token Scopes
In your Slack app settings, go to OAuth & Permissions and add these scopes:
| Scope | Purpose |
|---|---|
app_mentions:read | Receive @mentions of your bot |
channels:history | Read messages in public channels |
channels:read | List available channels |
chat:write | Send messages as your bot |
groups:history | Read messages in private channels |
groups:read | List private channels |
im:history | Read direct messages (if needed) |
users:read | Look up user information |
users:read.email | Match Slack users to Gumloop accounts |
files:read | Access file attachments |
reactions:write | Add emoji reactions to messages |
Required Event Subscriptions
Required Event Subscriptions
In your Slack app settings, go to Event Subscriptions:
- Toggle “Enable Events” to ON
- Set the Request URL to:
- Wait for verification (green checkmark)
- Under “Subscribe to bot events”, add:
app_mentionmessage.channelsmessage.groups(for private channels)
- Save changes
Install to Workspace
Install to Workspace
Go to OAuth & Permissions and click “Install to Workspace” if you haven’t already. Authorize the app when prompted.
4
Enter Your App Credentials
Provide the credentials from your Slack app’s Basic Information page:
- Client ID — Found under “App Credentials”
- Client Secret — Click “Show” to reveal, then copy
- Signing Secret — Click “Show” to reveal, then copy
5
Assign to Your Agent and Invite to Channels
Select your custom Slack app credential from the dropdown and click “Add”.Then invite your bot to channels in Slack:
Using Your Custom Slack App Agent
Once set up, interacting with your custom Slack app agent works similarly to the standard Gumloop integration, with a few key differences.Starting a Conversation
@mention your custom bot in any channel where it’s been invited:
- Process your request using its configured tools and workflows
- Respond in a thread to keep conversations organized
- Continue the conversation within the thread based on your agent’s settings
Key Differences from Standard Integration
No Slash Commands
No Slash Commands
Custom Slack apps don’t support
/gummie slash commands. You cannot use:/gummie add— Bot is added by inviting to channels instead/gummie remove— Remove bot by kicking from channels/gummie active— You know which bot is in a channel by its name/gummie help— Not available
- Add to channels:
/invite @YourBotName - Remove from channels:
/kick @YourBotNameor remove via channel settings
Works Across All Channels
Works Across All Channels
Unlike the standard integration which is channel-specific, your custom Slack app works in any channel where it’s invited. You don’t need to “add” the agent to each channel—just invite the bot.
Distinct Bot Identity
Distinct Bot Identity
Your agent appears with whatever name and avatar you configured in Slack’s app settings. Team members interact with
@YourBotName instead of @Gumloop.Slack Preferences
All the same Slack preferences available for standard agents apply to custom Slack apps:- Thread Response Trigger: Control whether the agent responds to all messages in a thread or only when @mentioned
- Stream Reasoning: Show or hide the agent’s thought process
- Hide Flow Run Results: Show or hide workflow execution details
Credential Ownership Options
When creating your custom Slack app credential, you can choose who has access:| Credential Type | Who Can Use It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Only you | Testing, personal projects |
| Workspace | All workspace members | Team-shared agents |
| Organization | All organization members | Enterprise-wide deployments |
Troubleshooting
Bot doesn't respond to messages
Bot doesn't respond to messages
Check these items:
-
Is the Slack app installed to your workspace? This is the most common issue. Go to your Slack app settings → OAuth & Permissions → Install to Workspace.
-
Is the bot invited to the channel? (
/invite @YourBotName) - Did you @mention the bot in your message?
- Are the event subscriptions configured correctly in Slack?
-
Is the webhook URL verified? (
https://api.gumloop.com/api/v1/external/slack/events) - Is the credential properly assigned to your agent in Gumloop?
- Does the user have a Gumloop account with matching email?
Bot works in some channels but not others
Bot works in some channels but not others
Check:
- Is the bot invited to the non-working channels?
- For private channels, do you have
groups:historyandgroups:readscopes configured? - Is there a different agent assigned via the standard integration in that channel?
Webhook URL verification fails in Slack
Webhook URL verification fails in Slack
The URL
https://api.gumloop.com/api/v1/external/slack/events should verify automatically.If it fails:- Check for typos in the URL
- Ensure you’re using HTTPS (not HTTP)
- Try again after a few minutes (temporary network issues)
- Contact Gumloop support if the issue persists
Can't find credentials in Slack
Can't find credentials in Slack
In your Slack app at api.slack.com/apps:
- Client ID, Client Secret, Signing Secret: Found in Basic Information → App Credentials
- Click “Show” next to each secret to reveal it, then copy
Important Limitations
One Agent Per Custom App
Each custom Slack app credential can only be assigned to one Gummie agent. Create separate Slack apps for each agent you need.
No Slash Commands
Custom Slack apps don’t support
/gummie commands. Manage your bot by inviting/removing it from channels directly.Credential Exclusivity
A custom Slack app credential cannot be shared between multiple agents. Assigning it to a second agent removes it from the first.
Manual Channel Management
Unlike the standard integration, you must manually invite your custom bot to each channel where you want it to work.
Security Considerations
Credential Protection
Credential Protection
Your Slack app’s Client Secret and Signing Secret are stored securely in Gumloop and used to verify that incoming webhooks are actually from Slack. Never share these secrets or expose them in logs.
User Matching
User Matching
Users must have matching email addresses in Slack and Gumloop for the integration to work. This ensures proper authentication and prevents unauthorized access.
Permission Verification
Permission Verification
Before processing messages, Gumloop verifies:
- The user has a valid Gumloop account
- The user has permission to access the agent
- For workspace agents, project membership is verified
FAQ
Can I use both the standard @Gumloop bot and a custom app in the same workspace?
Can I use both the standard @Gumloop bot and a custom app in the same workspace?
Yes! They operate independently. The standard bot uses channel-based mapping with
/gummie commands, while custom apps use bot-based mapping with direct invites. You can have both active in different channels.What's the difference between New App and Existing App setup?
What's the difference between New App and Existing App setup?
New App uses a pre-configured manifest that automatically sets up all required permissions and events—it’s faster and less error-prone. Existing App lets you connect a Slack app you’ve already created, but you’re responsible for ensuring all scopes and events are configured correctly.
What happens if I delete my custom Slack app in Slack?
What happens if I delete my custom Slack app in Slack?
The credential in Gumloop will stop working immediately. You’ll need to create a new app and set it up again.
How do I update my bot's name or avatar?
How do I update my bot's name or avatar?
Update these in your Slack app settings at api.slack.com/apps. Changes will reflect in Slack automatically—no changes needed in Gumloop.
Can I have multiple custom apps assigned to one agent?
Can I have multiple custom apps assigned to one agent?
Yes! This is useful when you want the same agent available in multiple Slack workspaces. Each workspace installation creates a separate credential, and you can assign all of them to a single agent.