Agent Interface
MCP Server (community)REST API (Web API)WebhooksSocket Mode
What an agent can do
- ✓Send messages to channels and DMs
- ✓Read channel history and thread replies
- ✓Upload files and attachments
- ✓Search messages across workspace
- ✓Create and manage channels
- ✓React to messages with emoji
- ✓Retrieve user and channel metadata
- ✓Post interactive Block Kit components
What it can't do
- ✗Access Enterprise Grid org-level data without Enterprise token
- ✗Read DMs between other users (privacy restriction)
- ✗Modify another user's messages
- ✗Access Slack Connect channels from external orgs
- ✗Real-time streaming of new messages (polling required or Socket Mode)
Auth Model
OAuth 2.0 (Slack App)Bot TokenUser Token
Builder Notes
Slack's Web API is comprehensive and well-documented. For agents, use a Bot Token with granular scopes. Socket Mode enables real-time event reception without a public webhook endpoint — useful for agent-embedded Slack bots. No official MCP server; community options available.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-03-01