How to Integrate Your OpenAI Assistant with Slack (No-Code Solution)
Unlock the full potential of your OpenAI Assistant by seamlessly connecting it to Slack. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore two powerful integration methods, helping you choose the perfect solution for your needs – whether you're a coding novice or an experienced developer.
About Slack
Slack is a channel-based messaging platform. With Slack, people can work together more effectively, connect all their software tools and services, and find the information they need to do their best work — all within a secure, enterprise-grade environment.
Using Agenthost
Agenthost is a no-code platform for creating amazing AI agents that can do useful things with over 2000+ creators including Ivy League universities, startups and more.
- No-coding required so it's perfect for non devs or people who want to save time.
- Link your Assistant to Slack and 7,000+ other apps with just a few clicks
- Access fine-tuning and powerful style customizations
- Easily integrate your Assistant directly into your website + other channels
- Set up your integration in just 5-10 minutes
- Monetize your Assistants with subscriptions/paywalls
Available Actions on Agenthost
Find Message
Find a Slack message.
Verify Slack Signature
Verifying requests from Slack, slack signs its requests using a secret that's unique to your app.
Upload File
Upload a file.
Update Profile
Update basic profile field such as name or title.
Update Message
Update a message.
Update Groups Members
Update the list of users for a User Group.
Set Status
Set the current status for a user.
Set Channel Topic
Set the topic on a selected channel.
Set Channel Description
Change the description or purpose of a channel.
Send Message
Send a message to a user, group, private channel or public channel.
Send Message to User or Group
Send a message to a user or group.
Send Message to Channel
Send a message to a public or private channel.
Send Message (Advanced)
Customize advanced setttings and send a message to a channel, group or user. See
Send a Large Message (3000+ characters)
Send a large message (more than 3000 characters) to a channel, group or user. See
Build and Send a Block Kit Message
Configure custom blocks and send to a channel, group, or user.
Reply to a Message Thread
Send a message as a threaded reply. See
List Users
Return a list of all users in a workspace.
List Replies
Retrieve a thread of messages posted to a conversation.
List Members in Channel
Retrieve members of a channel.
List Group Members
List all users in a User Group.
List Files
Return a list of files within a team.
List Channels
Return a list of all channels in a workspace.
Kick User
Remove a user from a conversation.
Invite User to Channel
Invite a user to an existing channel.
Get File
Return information about a file.
Find User by Email
Find a user by matching against their email.
Delete Message
Delete a message.
Delete File
Delete a file.
Create Reminder
Create a reminder.
Create a Channel
Create a new channel.
Archive Channel
Archive a channel.
Approve Workflow
Suspend the workflow until approved by a Slack message.
Add Emoji Reaction
Add an emoji reaction to a message.
+ plus more!
Steps to connect to Slack via Agenthost
Create an Agenthost account
If you don't have an account, create one by clicking the "Sign Up" button on the Agenthost homepage. They have a free tier so no need to worry about paying.
Create or import your Assistant
In your workspace you can create a new assistant from scratch or import an existing assistant from OpenAI. Please note that assistants are not the same as Assistants. If you're new to assistants or Agents, we recommend starting with a blank agent or creating a website chatbot and using the default settings.
Link your Agent to Slack
Now that your agent is created, you can easily link it through Agenthost by going to Custom Actions. Then select the specific actions from Slack that you want your agent to use then go to the chat page to test it out!
Activate your Agent based on Slack triggers
If you want your agent to be able to activate when something happens in Slack, you can use the following triggers and use the Agenthost Create Message action to send a message to your agent.
Trigger actions on Slack when your Agent sends a message
If you want your agent to be able to trigger actions on Slack when it sends a message, you can use the following actions and use the Agenthost New Message trigger to active the following actions on Slack.
Find Message
Find a Slack message.
Verify Slack Signature
Verifying requests from Slack, slack signs its requests using a secret that's unique to your app.
Upload File
Upload a file.
Update Profile
Update basic profile field such as name or title.
Update Message
Update a message.
Update Groups Members
Update the list of users for a User Group.
Set Status
Set the current status for a user.
Set Channel Topic
Set the topic on a selected channel.
Set Channel Description
Change the description or purpose of a channel.
Send Message
Send a message to a user, group, private channel or public channel.
Send Message to User or Group
Send a message to a user or group.
Send Message to Channel
Send a message to a public or private channel.
Send Message (Advanced)
Customize advanced setttings and send a message to a channel, group or user. See
Send a Large Message (3000+ characters)
Send a large message (more than 3000 characters) to a channel, group or user. See
Build and Send a Block Kit Message
Configure custom blocks and send to a channel, group, or user.
Reply to a Message Thread
Send a message as a threaded reply. See
List Users
Return a list of all users in a workspace.
List Replies
Retrieve a thread of messages posted to a conversation.
List Members in Channel
Retrieve members of a channel.
List Group Members
List all users in a User Group.
List Files
Return a list of files within a team.
List Channels
Return a list of all channels in a workspace.
Kick User
Remove a user from a conversation.
Invite User to Channel
Invite a user to an existing channel.
Get File
Return information about a file.
Find User by Email
Find a user by matching against their email.
Delete Message
Delete a message.
Delete File
Delete a file.
Create Reminder
Create a reminder.
Create a Channel
Create a new channel.
Archive Channel
Archive a channel.
Approve Workflow
Suspend the workflow until approved by a Slack message.
Add Emoji Reaction
Add an emoji reaction to a message.
There's even more you can do
The actions we've shown here are just a subset of the total actions available on Agenthost. Not only can you connect to Slack, but you can also connect to 7,000+ other apps. You can even deploy your agent to your website, finetune it to make it better and start monetizing it just as easily. There's so much more you can build with Agenthost
Option 2: Creating a Custom Assistant Action (For Advanced Customization)
For those seeking more granular control over their OpenAI Assistant's interaction with Slack, creating a custom Assistant action provides a powerful, albeit more complex, solution.
Steps to Create a Custom Assistant Action:
- Understand API authentication: Many apps, including Slack, require OAuth credentials instead of simple API keys
- Study the developer documentation: Familiarize yourself with Slack's API guidelines and authentication process
- Create an OpenAPI schema: Define the endpoints your Assistant will access
- Configure Assistant actions: Add the schema and appropriate credentials to your OpenAI Assistant
While this method requires more technical expertise, it offers unparalleled flexibility in tailoring your Assistant's capabilities to your specific needs. Once set up, your Assistant can make direct API calls to Slack, opening up a world of advanced automation and interaction possibilities.
Choosing the Right Integration Method for You
When deciding between Agenthost and custom Assistant actions for integrating your OpenAI Assistant with Slack, consider the following factors:
- Technical expertise: Agenthost is ideal for non-coders, while custom actions suit those comfortable with API integration
- Time constraints: Agenthost offers rapid setup, whereas custom actions require more development time
- Customization needs: Custom actions provide more flexibility, while Agenthost offers a balance of ease and functionality
- Scale of integration: Consider the number of apps you need to connect and the complexity of your workflows
Both methods have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific requirements, resources, and long-term goals for AI integration.