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Chat channels allow you to deliver instant, contextual messages to your subscribers via their preferred chat platform and apps.
1

Enable Chat Channel in Novu Dashboard

The Chat channel is not enabled by default. To use it, configure a provider like Slack, Discord, or others.
  • Go to the Novu Dashboard and click “Integrations” on the left sidebar
  • Click “Add a provider”
  • Locate the Chat channel and select the provider you want to use and click “Next”
  • Select for which environment you want to add the Provider
  • (Optional) Add Conditions to activate the provider only under certain conditions, useful for tenant-based providers
  • Click “Create”
  • Add your Chat provider credentials:
Each chat provider requires different type of credentials. There are few providers which does not require any credentials example: Discord
  • Provider-specific credentials such as API key / Auth token, Client ID, Client Secret, or password
  • Save the configuration by clicking “Update”
2

Setup workflow with chat channel in Novu Dashboard

  • Go to the Novu Dashboard and click “Workflows” on the left sidebar
  • Click the “Add a Workflow” button
  • Add a step and select “Chat” as the channel
  • Configure the Chat content:
    • Message body (e.g., {{subscriber.firstName}}, your order {{orderId}} has shipped.)
    • Dynamic placeholders for personalized content
  • Optionally, set fallback channels to ensure reliable delivery if Chat fails
3

Add a workflow Trigger to your backend

Novu’s server-side SDKs make integrating Novu’s REST APIs straightforward, letting you focus on implementing workflows without dealing with repetitive code.

Server-side SDKs

4

Test and Verify Chat Channel

Ensure your Chat configuration is working correctly by testing the setup.
  • Go to the Novu Dashboard, navigate to the “Workflows” section, and locate your configured workflow
  • Click “Test Workflow” and provide sample data, such as a phone number or dynamic variables
  • Verify delivery in the Novu Logs or your Chat provider’s dashboard

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Sending chat message

1

Add Chat Provider Integration

Add a chat provider integration to your Novu account from the integration store. Enter credentials if required and save the integration. Follow corresponding provider documentation to get the required credentials.
2

Create Subscriber

Create a new subscriber.
This step can be skipped if you already have a subscriber. You can use the subscriberId of an existing subscriber.
3

Update Subscriber Credentials

Update the subscriber credential webhookUrl for this provider and integration.
4

Configure Workflow

Create a new worklow or use an existing workflow. Add chat channel and write content for the message.
5

Trigger Workflow

Trigger this workflow to above subscriberId using trigger identifier.
6

Verify Message

Check the chat provider if message is received.