Preview Slack links in ClickUp
With ClickUp, you can preview links that point to Slack messages or threads directly inside tasks, comments, and other locations where URLs are supported. This helps your team quickly understand the context of a shared Slack message without needing to switch apps or lose focus.
This guide explains how Slack link previews work, how to enable and manage them, and what security and visibility rules apply to your workspace.
How Slack link previews work in ClickUp
When you paste a URL from Slack into a supported field in ClickUp, the platform attempts to show a visual preview of the linked message. This preview gives additional context so team members can understand the content at a glance.
Slack link previews can appear in several places, including:
- Task descriptions and rich text fields
- Task comments and threaded comments
- Chat views and conversation-style spaces
- Other ClickUp areas that support link expansion
The preview normally includes details such as the Slack channel or conversation, the sender, and a portion of the message content, when permissions allow.
Requirements to preview Slack links in ClickUp
Before Slack links can be expanded in ClickUp, a few conditions must be met. These requirements are designed to respect both tools' access controls.
Slack workspace connection to ClickUp
For link previews to appear, your Slack workspace must be connected to ClickUp using the official integration. Without this connection, pasted Slack URLs will remain as plain links.
Once the integration is in place, ClickUp can securely request message details from Slack when a supported URL is detected. If your organization works across multiple Slack workspaces, each workspace must be connected separately for its links to be previewed.
User access and permissions
Slack link previews in ClickUp always respect the Slack permissions of the person viewing the page. ClickUp does not expose any message information that a viewer would not normally be allowed to see in Slack.
For a viewer to see a full preview, both conditions must be true:
- The Slack workspace containing the message is connected to ClickUp.
- The viewer has access in Slack to the channel or direct message where the content resides.
If a viewer does not have the required permissions in Slack, the link will not show sensitive content. Instead, they may see a restricted preview or only the raw URL.
How to preview a Slack link in ClickUp
Once your Slack workspace is connected and users have the proper permissions, using Slack link previews in ClickUp is straightforward.
Step-by-step: Paste and preview a Slack message URL
- In Slack, open the message or thread you want to share.
- Copy the message link from Slack using the message menu or copy link option.
- Open the appropriate location in ClickUp, such as a task comment or task description.
- Paste the Slack message URL directly into the field.
- Click outside the field or save your changes, depending on the area of ClickUp you're using.
If the integration and permissions are configured correctly, ClickUp attempts to generate a preview. You should see an embedded block that summarizes the Slack message and shows key context.
Where ClickUp shows Slack link previews
You can view Slack link previews in several collaborative areas of ClickUp. Common use cases include:
- Adding a Slack message reference to a task to document decisions.
- Sharing support conversations from Slack within a task to guide follow-up work.
- Including a thread link in a project discussion so teammates can quickly understand the background.
Whenever someone scrolls through the task or comment, the preview helps them stay aligned without needing to open Slack every time.
Security and privacy for Slack previews in ClickUp
Security is central when sharing content across tools. The integration uses Slack's permission model and does not bypass access controls.
What ClickUp can and cannot display
When a viewer has adequate Slack permissions, ClickUp can show:
- The Slack channel name or DM context
- The display name of the message sender
- A snippet of the message content or thread
- Basic timestamp or message metadata, where supported
When a viewer does not have access, ClickUp cannot reveal message content. In those cases, the preview is limited or omitted, and only the original link is available, prompting the user to sign in or request access in Slack itself.
Respecting Slack workspace policies
Slack workspace administrators may have policies that affect whether external tools like ClickUp can display message content. If your organization enforces additional security settings, some links may not generate previews even when the integration is active.
If you encounter missing or partial previews, check with your Slack workspace admin to confirm:
- Whether the ClickUp integration is allowed and configured properly.
- Whether message content sharing is restricted by workspace policies.
- Whether any compliance or retention rules limit previews.
Troubleshooting Slack link previews in ClickUp
If Slack links do not expand as expected, work through these common troubleshooting steps to restore previews.
Check the Slack integration in ClickUp
First, confirm that the Slack integration is still connected. If the connection expired or was removed, ClickUp cannot request message details for previews.
- Verify the integration in your workspace settings.
- Reconnect the Slack workspace if necessary.
- Test again by pasting a fresh message URL.
Verify user access to the Slack resource
Next, make sure the person viewing the link has permission to access the Slack message. If they do not belong to the relevant channel or conversation, the preview will not show content.
To confirm:
- Ask the viewer to open the same URL in Slack directly.
- If Slack denies access, add them to the channel or adjust Slack permissions if appropriate.
- Reload the page in ClickUp to see if the preview becomes available.
Review Slack workspace limitations
Even with proper permissions, workspace rules can prevent previews from appearing. Common limitations include:
- Strict data loss prevention policies in Slack
- Locked-down private channels with restricted apps
- Custom security configurations that limit API data sharing
In these cases, contact your Slack admin for guidance. They may be able to adjust settings or confirm that message previews are intentionally disabled for certain content.
Best practices for using Slack links in ClickUp
To get the most value from Slack link previews in ClickUp, use them strategically in your workflows and documentation.
Organize context around tasks
Instead of leaving important decisions buried in Slack, attach key message links to related tasks in ClickUp. This ensures that:
- Project stakeholders can easily reference the original conversation.
- New team members quickly understand past discussions.
- Decisions and rationale remain visible alongside work items.
Combine Slack previews with structured task details
Slack previews are most effective when paired with clear summaries in ClickUp. After pasting a link, add a short explanation describing why the message matters and how it impacts the task.
This keeps your workspace organized and reduces the need to reopen threads in Slack, while still giving people access to the original message when they need it.
Learn more about Slack previews in ClickUp
For the original documentation and the most up-to-date details on supported behavior, see the official guide on previewing Slack links in ClickUp.
If you need broader help with workspace organization, process design, or optimization for collaboration tools, you can explore additional guidance and consulting options at Consultevo.
By connecting your Slack workspace and following these practices, you enable reliable Slack link previews in ClickUp, giving your team faster access to context while keeping communication secure and aligned with existing permissions.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.
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