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Add Billy to a channel

Click the ➕ Add Channel button​

add a channel to billy birthday

Fill out the first part of the form​

After clicking on ➕ Add Channel, a form will appear in a modal window:

settings for billy birthday

Let's review each question one by one:

1. Channel​

Choose the channel where you want Billy to post birthday and work anniversary announcements.

info

For private channels, you must add Billy first by using the /invite @Billy command.
Failing to do so will result in the following error:

private channel birthday bot

2. Scope​

This determines who you want to celebrate in the selected channel.

You have two options:

  1. All workspace members
  2. Channel members only
tip

Choose option 2 if you intend to use Billy for a specific team or department.
Otherwise, option 1 is the default choice for celebrating all workspace members.

3. Work anniversary​

Activate this option for Billy to announce work anniversaries, using the same process as for birthdays.

4. Language​

Select your preferred language from the following options: English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish.

5. Auto collection of dates​

This option authorizes Billy to contact your workspace members directly to gather their birthday and work anniversary dates. It is highly recommended for its time-saving benefits. Billy will also contact newcomers automatically, keeping your records up to date.

After completing the form, click Next ➡️.

Billy will introduce himself in the selected channel, followed by a second modal offering further customization options, though this step is optional.

Fill out the second part of the form (optional)​

set up billy birthday for slack

Let's review each question one by one:

6. Announcement time​

Select the ideal time for announcements, aiming for maximum visibility and engagement from your team.

7. Announcement timezone​

Choose a timezone that suits all team members, particularly important for global teams, to ensure inclusivity.

8. Announcement frequency​

Feature for grouping events weekly or monthly if you want to avoid daily notifications. This is especially useful for large Slack workspaces.

Options are:

  1. Post on the actual day (recommended)
  2. Group weekly (announced on Mondays)
  3. Group monthly (announced on the 1st)

We strongly recommend Option 1, as it will generate more engagement in your Slack workspace!

9. Events management for weekends/public holidays​

If you select a daily announcement frequency, you'll need to define the behavior of announcements during weekends and public holidays.

Options for celebrating events that fall on weekends and public holidays:

  1. On the actual day
  2. Move to Friday / Before
  3. Move to Monday / After

If you choose option 2 or 3, please refer to the guide on how to Manage public holidays.

tip

To avoid notifications on weekends and public holidays, we recommend choosing either "Move to Friday / Before" or "Move to Monday / After".

10. GIF option​

Selecting this option will add a GIF to each celebration announcement, making them more engaging:

gif for birthdays and work anniversaries

11. @channel tag​

By enabling this option, each announcement will begin with a @channel tag, ensuring that everyone in the channel is notified.

12. Announcement style​

You have two options:

  1. Formatted: Showcases the profile picture of the celebrated individuals with a sophisticated layout.
  2. Classic: Uses simple text for the announcement.

Example of the Formatted style:

format message for birthdays in slack


Example of the Classic style:

classic formating for birthday messages in slack


Check out this page for more examples.