> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://boundbot.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Channels overview
> Understand how BoundBot connects bots to customer-facing surfaces.
export const BrowserWrapper = ({src, alt, title, description, height = '280px', caption, imgStyle = {}, children, imagePadding = '0px'}) => {
const legacyDocsImagePrefix = '/images/';
const productionDocsImagePrefix = '/docs/images';
const rawSrc = typeof src === 'string' ? src : src && (src.src || src.default) || '';
const imageSrc = rawSrc.startsWith(legacyDocsImagePrefix) ? `${productionDocsImagePrefix}/${rawSrc.slice(legacyDocsImagePrefix.length)}` : rawSrc;
return
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};
A channel is the connection between BoundBot and a customer-facing platform. Every channel points to a bot, and every conversation that enters through that channel is handled by that bot unless you add other automation on top.
## Available channels
BoundBot currently exposes these channel types in the dashboard:
* **WebChat**
* **WhatsApp**
* **Messenger (Beta)**
* **Telegram**
* **Slack**
* **Discord**
## Plan availability
* WebChat: available on all plans
* WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram: available on Starter and above
* Slack, Discord: available on Pro and above
## Match the channel to the job
**WebChat** is the best fit when you want real-time lead generation and support directly on your site—especially on landing pages and marketing pages where every visitor is a potential conversation.
**Best for**
* Capturing leads and answering pre-sales questions while the visitor is still on the page
* Support and triage without forcing users to leave your domain or open another app
* A consistent, on-brand experience because you control where and how the widget appears
**Key benefit**
* Full **UI customization** (theme, position, colors, copy) so the widget matches your brand identity
* Public key + optional origin controls let you align embeds with production, staging, or testing safely
* Fastest path to a live bot on your own properties—see WebChat for setup and embed
**WhatsApp**, **Messenger**, and **Telegram** put the bot where your customers already message, which lowers friction for sales and routine queries and keeps conversations in apps they use daily.
**Best for**
* Re-engagement and follow-ups in channels customers check often
* Sales and support threads that do not need a browser session on your site
* Regions and audiences that prefer chat apps over email or phone
**Key benefit**
* **Asynchronous, long-term support**—threads persist and users can reply when it suits them
* Less friction than asking users to switch context; you meet them on their preferred platform
* Strong fit for ongoing conversations rather than one-off page visits—see WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram
**Slack** and **Discord** are the go-to when the bot supports **internal team productivity**, **developer or partner support**, or **large community groups** where many people share a space.
**Best for**
* Internal teams (ops, support, sales) who already collaborate in Slack
* Developer communities, open-source projects, or technical audiences on Discord
* Member-heavy communities that need moderation-aware, thread-based help at scale
**Key benefit**
* Operators and members stay in a single workspace; the bot answers where work already happens
* Better suited to **structured channels** and roles than one-off web chats alone
* Pro and above—see Slack and Discord for OAuth, activation, and permissions
## Before you connect a channel
Make sure you already have:
1. a bot to attach to the channel
2. the right provider account or bot token
3. the permissions, business assets, or bot credentials required by that provider
## Channel status
Each channel can appear as:
* **Active**: healthy and ready to receive messages
* **Disconnected**: configured but not currently usable
* **Error**: connected with a credential, webhook, or provider issue
## Choose the right channel
Use **WebChat** when you want the fastest path to a live bot on your own site.
Use **WhatsApp** or **Messenger** when you want customer support or sales inside Meta-owned messaging apps.
Use **Telegram**, **Slack**, or **Discord** when your audience already lives inside those environments.
## Channel-specific setup guides
Create a website chat widget, customize it, and embed it on your site.
Connect a WhatsApp Business setup with Embedded Signup or redirect OAuth.
Link a Facebook page and route Messenger threads into BoundBot.
Connect with a bot token from BotFather.
Connect internal or community chat environments on Pro and above.
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