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The Slack Message Reader node retrieves messages, threads, sender details, and attachments from Slack channels. It supports triggers for automation and can be customized to filter and fetch specific data for your workflows.

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Channel Access Requirements

To read messages from any Slack channel (public or private), you must be a member of that channel. Channels you’re not a member of won’t appear in the dropdown.
1

Authenticate with Slack

Go to the Credentials page and connect your Slack workspace.
2

Join the Channel

Make sure you’re a member of the channel you want to read from. Private channels require an invite from an existing member.
3

Select the Channel

The channel will now appear in the dropdown menu in the node configuration.

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Node Configuration

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Message Information Options

Select which data elements you want to retrieve from Slack messages:
OutputDescription
MessagesThe actual text content of messages, including formatted text, emojis, and timestamps. If “Read Full Thread” is enabled, this includes replies.
Thread IDsUnique identifiers for each message thread. Useful for replying to specific threads using the Slack Message Sender node.
Thread LinksDirect URLs to specific message threads in Slack for quick access to original discussions.
Attachment NamesFiles shared in messages including documents, images, and videos.
Sender NamesNames of users who sent the messages. Useful for filtering or routing based on sender.
Channel NameThe name of the channel where messages were posted.
Channel IDThe unique identifier for the Slack channel, useful for API integrations.
DateThe datetime in UTC when the message was sent.

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Basic Settings

  1. Channel: Select target Slack channel
  2. Message Count: Number of messages to fetch (default: 10)
    • Set to 1 for single message processing
      • The output in this case is in the Text format
    • Higher numbers return lists of messages
      • The output in this case is in the List format

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Optional Settings

Filter messages by a specific time period:
  • Use Dates?: Enable to filter messages by time period
  • Date Range: Choose from preset ranges (Last 24 Hours, Last Week, Last Month, Last 3 Months, Last 6 Months)
  • Use Exact Dates?: Toggle to specify custom date ranges with precise Start and End dates
When “Use Exact Dates?” is enabled, connect the Start Date and End Date inputs to a Datetime node for dynamic date ranges.
  • Read Full Thread: When enabled, retrieves the main message plus all replies in the thread, including participant information. Perfect for tracking complete conversations or support threads.
  • Ignore Bot Messages: When enabled, skips messages from all Slack apps and integrations, processing only messages from human users. Useful when multiple automations are active in the channel.

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Configure Inputs

Make these parameters dynamic by enabling them in “Configure Inputs”:
  • Channel: Switch channels based on conditions or other node outputs
  • Message Count: Adjust the volume of messages processed based on workflow needs
  • Start Date: Dynamically adjust your date window (requires “Use Dates?” enabled)
  • End Date: Pair with Start Date for dynamic date ranges

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Trigger Mode

The Slack Message Reader can function as a trigger to start your flow when new messages arrive.
Slack trigger configuration

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Trigger Settings

  • No (Default): All messages trigger your flow, including those from bots and integrations
  • Yes (Recommended): Only human-generated messages trigger your flow
    • Prevents trigger loops where your flow output triggers itself
    • Reduces noise from system notifications
    • Essential when your flow posts back to the same channel
  • No (Default): All messages trigger your flow, including replies in threads
    • Best for monitoring ongoing conversations
    • Useful for support bots tracking entire discussions
  • Yes: Only new standalone messages trigger your flow
    • Replies within conversation threads are ignored
    • Focuses automation on new topics only
When building response bots, always enable “Ignore Bot Messages” to prevent infinite loops where your bot responds to its own messages.
For most automations:
  • Ignore Bot Messages: Yes - Prevents trigger loops and focuses on human communications
  • Ignore Replies: No - Captures all relevant communications including thread discussions
Note: When building response bots, always enable “Ignore Bot Messages” to prevent infinite loops where your bot responds to its own messages.

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Example Workflows

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Customer Support Monitor

Slack Message Reader -> Ask AI -> Notion Page Writer
  • Channel: #support
  • Read Full Thread: Yes
  • Ignore Bot Messages: No
  • Purpose: Analyze and document support conversations

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Team Updates Trigger

Slack Message Reader [Trigger] -> Categorizer -> Gmail Sender
  • Channel: #team-updates
  • Message Count: 1
  • Ignore Bot Messages: Yes
  • Purpose: Send important updates to stakeholders

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Resource Archival

Slack Message Reader -> Attachments Output -> Google Drive File Writer
  • Channel: #resources
  • Read Full Thread: Yes
  • Date Range: Last 7 days
  • Purpose: Archive shared resources and documentation

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Weekly Channel Report

Current DateTime -> Slack Message Reader -> Ask AI -> Gmail Sender
  • Use Dates?: Yes
  • Use Exact Dates?: Yes
  • Start Date: Connected to Current DateTime with -7 days modifier
  • End Date: Connected to Current DateTime
  • Purpose: Generate weekly summary reports of channel activity

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Output Format

The output format changes based on Message Count:

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Multiple Messages (Count > 1)

Returns lists:

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Single Message (Count = 1)

Returns single values [text]:

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Important Considerations

  1. Authentication: Set up Slack authentication in the Credentials page
  2. Channel Membership: You must be a member of the channel for it to appear in the dropdown
  3. Thread Messages: Thread messages will trigger flows when using as trigger
  4. Bot Filtering: Bot message filtering applies to thread replies as well
  5. Timezone: Date filtering uses UTC timezone, which may not match your local time

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Advanced Slack Features

Need more advanced Slack capabilities like managing channels, uploading files, or adding reactions? Use the Slack MCP node to create custom Slack integrations with natural language prompts.