Build a Slack bot

Time to complete: 10 minutes

This guide walks you through building a Slack bot that responds to mentions in channels.

If you just want to send simple Slack messages without interactivity, check out our Slack webhook guide.

Step 1: Remix the bot template

1. Remix this val to get started:

2. Copy the HTTP endpoint URL (via the … menu for main.tsx) - this is where Slack will send events to your Val Town bot.

Step 2: Create a Slack app

1. Go to Slack API and create a new app From Scratch
2. Name your app and select your workspace

Step 3: Add environment variables

In your val’s sidebar, add these Environment Variables:

• slackVerificationToken: From Settings → Basic Information → Verification Token
• slackToken: Leave empty (you’ll fill this after installing)

Step 4: Set up events

1. Go to Features → Event Subscriptions
2. Enable events and paste your val’s HTTP endpoint in Request URL
3. Subscribe to app_mention under Subscribe to bot events

Step 5: Set bot permissions

In OAuth & Permissions → Scopes, add:

• app_mentions:read (should already be there)
• chat:write

Step 6: Install your app

Go to Settings → Install App and install to your workspace.

Step 7: Add OAuth token

1. Copy the Bot User OAuth Token from OAuth & Permissions
2. Update your val’s slackToken environment variable

Step 8: Test your bot

1. Invite the bot to a channel
2. Mention the bot - it will reply!

What’s next?

You can find more Slack examples on our Templates page.