Slack work often slows down around thread catch-up, reply drafting, and message lookup. In October 2025, OpenAI introduced two official integration paths between ChatGPT and Slack: ChatGPT app for Slack and ChatGPT connector for Slack.
This guide explains how they differ, where each one is used, and what to check before rollout.
Table of Contents
- Two official integrations
- When to use which
- Feature overview
- Shared capabilities
- ChatGPT app for Slack
- ChatGPT connector for Slack
- Plans and requirements
- Implementation steps
- Use cases
- Governance and operations
- Common misconceptions
- Summary
Two official integrations
OpenAI released two integration surfaces that serve different workflows:
- ChatGPT app for Slack
Use ChatGPT inside Slack through a dedicated sidebar for summarization, reply drafting, and Slack search.
- ChatGPT connector for Slack
Use Slack context directly in ChatGPT (web/mobile), including Chat, Deep Research, and Agent Mode.
These can be used together. If you install the Slack app, the connector still needs to be enabled on the ChatGPT side.
When to use which
The simplest decision rule is: where does the work happen?
| Integration | Work location | Primary use | Supported modes | Search behavior | Setup prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT app for Slack | Slack sidebar | Thread summary, draft replies, Slack search | App only (no Deep Research or Agent Mode) | Keyword by default, semantic search with Slack AI on Business+/Enterprise+ | Paid Slack + ChatGPT (Plus/Pro/Business/Enterprise/Edu); connector must be enabled |
| ChatGPT connector for Slack | ChatGPT web/mobile | Slack context in analysis and drafting | Chat, Deep Research, Agent Mode | Same as above | ChatGPT (Plus/Pro/Business/Enterprise/Edu), one workspace connected at a time |
Feature overview
The integration model is intentionally split:
- The app is for fast execution inside Slack.
- The connector is for cross-context work inside ChatGPT.
Shared capabilities
Both paths provide common foundations:
- Permission-aware access
Search and retrieval respect Slack visibility and access control.
- Message and file lookup
Keyword lookup is broadly available. Semantic search is available with compatible Slack AI settings.
- Thread summarization
Long threads can be compressed into key points and action items.
ChatGPT app for Slack
The app is optimized for quick execution in day-to-day Slack operations:
- One-to-one chat with ChatGPT in the Slack UI
- Fast draft generation for replies
- In-place thread summaries for faster handoffs
- Conversation continuity between Slack and ChatGPT sidebar views
ChatGPT connector for Slack
The connector is optimized for analysis and synthesis in ChatGPT:
- Pull Slack context into Chat, Deep Research, and Agent Mode
- Combine Slack knowledge with other sources while drafting deliverables
- Controlled workspace access with account-level connection boundaries
Plans and requirements
Before rollout, confirm these points:
| Area | Key check |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT plan | Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu can use app/connector capabilities |
| Slack plan | App usage depends on Slack workspace and admin approval settings |
| Search mode | Keyword search by default; semantic behavior depends on Slack AI configuration |
| Workspace scope | One ChatGPT account can connect to one Slack workspace at a time |
Implementation steps
Recommended rollout sequence:
- Enable Slack connector in ChatGPT settings (or apply org policy for Business/Enterprise).
- Install and approve the ChatGPT Slack app in the target workspace.
- Connect user accounts through OAuth.
- Validate summary quality, search relevance, and permission boundaries in a pilot channel.
- Expand scope after governance checks are complete.
Use cases
- Inside Slack
Summarize long issue threads, draft stakeholder replies, and search prior decisions quickly.
- Inside ChatGPT
Use Deep Research or Agent Mode with Slack context to build reports, task plans, and decision memos.
Governance and operations
For stable production use:
- Keep least-privilege permission design.
- Define acceptable usage and review flows.
- Document retention and compliance boundaries clearly.
- Pilot with a small group before broad rollout.
Common misconceptions
- Installing the Slack app alone does not complete setup.
- The app and connector are not interchangeable.
- Search quality depends on both workspace permissions and Slack AI settings.
Summary
Use ChatGPT app for Slack when speed inside Slack matters. Use ChatGPT connector for Slack when research and synthesis happen in ChatGPT. Most teams get the best result by combining both with clear access policy and staged rollout.