How to Set Up a Slack Account: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

In today's remote work and social landscape, staying connected has never been more essential. Slack, a versatile instant messaging platform bridging email and texting, has become indispensable for teams, friends, clubs, and online communities. Long a staple in professional environments, it's perfect for quick chats, file sharing, and integrations with tools like Google Docs and Microsoft 365.

Slack offers a free tier alongside paid plans. Begin by creating a workspace—your central hub for contacts and channels (dedicated chat spaces). Within channels, collaborate via text, files, app integrations, and calls (note: free version limits video to 1:1).

New to Slack? Our expert-guided walkthrough uses the web version (desktop app is similar). Steps may vary slightly by plan.

Create a New Account and Workspace

Slack revolves around workspaces; create one anew or join existing ones (separate account per workspace required).

Here's how to build your first workspace:

• Visit slack.com and click "Try for free".
• Enter your email (personal addresses work fine, despite prompts).

• Verify via email code: Check your inbox, enter it on Slack.
• Opt to create a workspace (or join suggested invites).

• Click "Create Workspace", name your team/company, and proceed.

• Name a project/channel and continue.

• Invite members via email/link (skip if needed; add later). Notice your sidebar building with channels and DMs.

• Done! Access via browser; download Mac/Windows/iOS/Android apps for seamless use.

On first launch, explore the guided tour. Quick starts: "Add Teammates" from sidebar; hover "Channels" for + to create new ones.

• Select "Add Teammates" in the sidebar to invite people to your workspace.
• Hover over "Channels" on the left for the + sign, then create a new channel.

Join an Existing Workspace

Need an invite from the admin. Options include email links, domain-based access, or SSO (e.g., G Suite, Okta).

Via email invite:

• Click "Register Now".
• Sign in with Google/Apple or create email/password account.
• Redirected to workspace.

Without email:

• Go to slack.com/get-started.
• Enter email, continue.
• Verify with code.

• Choose/create workspace or accept invites.

Public workspaces exist via interest lists, r/SlackHangouts, or Slofile.

Updated Jan 28, 2022 9:30am PT: Originally published March 30, 2020; updated for interface changes.