Tarun Nagar 
“Slack is where work happens.” – Stewart Butterfield, CEO of Slack.
Have you ever considered how to build chat apps like Slack? If you answered yes, then you certainly aren’t alone. But a lot of business owners put their hands up because there are already so many chat apps. The good news is that 2.52 billion people around the world use a chat app at least once a month.
Plus, these numbers keep going up. Now for the twist! Various entrepreneurs want to make an app like Slack, but only a few actually do.
What makes it possible for new ideas to come up? The answer is a well-thought-out plan, features, and the quality of the work. You can find your place in this area with an amazing app like Slack that helps you deal with a lot of people.
After going over the specifics of the Slack clone development process with one of our project managers, I was able to provide a more detailed explanation on our blog for the Slack messaging app. So, let’s begin!
Table of Contents
What is Slack Application?
Slack is a popular messaging app used at work that individuals, teams, and companies use on a variety of platforms. It lets users send messages, share files and media, make voice and add tools and add-ons that make projects run more smoothly.
However, Slack is a huge step forward for shared workspaces today, and users can get a lot out of it. So, if you have a similar app idea like Slack and want to create your own messaging app. It is advisable to validate your Slack message app idea with a messaging app development company.
Is It Worth Investing In Slack Clone App Development?
Simply put, yes! There are a lot of statistics that back up that point if we really look into the question. Let’s have a look at the market stats of Slack:
Source: Statista
- Research firm GP Bullhound says that Slack will make about $4.22 billion in sales around the world by 2025.
- Sixty million people use Slack every month, and that number will rise to 79 million by 2025.
- At the moment, 38.8 million people use the app every day. By 2025, that number will have grown to 47.2 million.
- About 90% of Slack’s users stay with the app from week to week, which is higher than most apps in the same group.
- Slack is used by more than 750,000 groups.
- 32% less email is sent by companies that use Slack.
- Using Slack can help a business make more money by almost 340%.
- 85% of people say that communication has gotten better.
With these numbers, it’s clear that an idea for slack app development solutions could reach the right people and stay in business.
“As a product manager, it’s been hard for me to make a messaging app like Slack that people really like. Not everything went smoothly. My team and I made a few different chat apps before we finally came up with one that worked really well. Because of these experiences, I’d like to share some useful information with you about how to make apps like Slack that people love”.
— Navneet Singh Rajput (Project Manager).
Major Steps To Build An App Like Slack
At this point, it’s evident that apps like Slack will significantly enhance an organization’s operational procedures. Now you must have a question “ how to develop slack apps?”. No worries! Let’s now examine the steps you will need to take to develop slack apps.
1. Validate Your App Idea
Validating an app idea makes you clear about why and how to build programs like Slack. So, before you begin the corporate messenger app development, it is crucial to validate your messaging app idea with a messaging app development services team.
There are various aspects that must have in every app whether it is your messaging app or fintech app. You must decide what feature you want to add when you develop a video chat app like Slack. Besides, you must brainstorm ideas that make your slack-like app stand out as there are multiple apps in the market.
2. Analyze the Project
The next step to develop an app like Skype or Slack is to study the market and identify what type of messaging app and business model will be the best. Once you set the budget for Slack app development, pay attention to corporate app review before you build apps like Slack.
You must know your intended audience and their pain point. However, you may also perform a brief interview session with your target audience. It will assist you in knowing the idea to create your messaging apps like Slack much better.
3. Make User Interface
Easy and simple messaging app designs help in grabbing more eyes of users. So, it is good for apps like Slack to have a simple user interface. You can check the examples, note down your tastes and hire a mobile application development company to make a great layout.
They will begin with wire framing after analyzing the alternatives of Slack. This stage makes it clear to identify the working mechanism and procedure of the app. If you have expertise, make a full screen by integrating details to the wire frames.
Creating new screens is made easier for users. It is not always mandatory to begin from scratch. You may assemble utilizing the aspects your app already has.
4. Build Your Slack App
Now set your objectives for the project and outline the features of your messaging apps like Slack. When you develop an app like Tango or Slack, select the platform. On which you want your Slack web application to be created like iOS or Android.
Also, determine the issues which need to be fixed and consult with a slack app development company to share your messaging app idea which then they will build your Slack-like app. Additionally, if you need corporate messenger app development, you first create an MVP.
It is an awesome method to check whether your app idea works in the real world. It’s important to remember, though, that the app doesn’t make money, so the Slack instant messaging app development company can ditch it or modify it for free. But if the people it’s meant for like it, it’s easy to expand it.
Expert Advice:“If you’re short on time but still want your messaging app to be available on all mobile devices, I recommend cross-platform development. In this case, you can make both apps with the same app. It reduces the amount of time and money you need to spend.
5. Test & Release Your App
Finally, it is time to test your app which shows whether it is working properly or not. For better outcomes, you can avail software testing services to ensure your apps like Slack works smoothly without any error.
It is essential to make sure that the Slack web app or mobile app works on multiple devices. Once the app is tested, release your messaging on the Play Store and App Store. After that, you can ask the users about the feedback and what changes they need.
Must-Have Features Of Slack App Development
Slack is, without a shadow of a doubt, a top business chat app. So, it takes the right kind of research and a committed iOS or Android app development services provider to make an app like Slack. However, the slack apps developer would do well to study Slack’s design philosophy to replicate its success.
● High Personalization
Want your apps like Slack to look more cool? From messages to themes for the office, apps like Slack give you a lot of ways to make it your own. Every user can add apps to their workspace in any way they want. With the help of slack mobile app development services provider, you can add high customization features when you develop apps like Slack.
● Search Power
The search features are extremely powerful when you build an app like Viber or any other messaging app. You can look for both files and comments. This feature can save a lot of time. On top of that, apps like Slack suggest search modifiers! So, when you develop apps like Slack, consider integrating the search power feature.
● Makes Remote Work Easier
What does the remote work approach scare startup founders the most? Sharing private information can be risky when it comes to security. The team boss can set up places for people to talk with the help of apps like Slack channels. So, the privacy and secrecy of the business are still protected.
● Automated Reminders
People tend to lose track of when meetings are when they’re swamped with work. You can make notes in apps like Slack messaging software to assist you recall things. The warning sound for each channel can be changed. This is why you must add automated reminders when you develop apps like Slack with the help of a chat app development company.
● Integrating Apps
Are you sick of switching over and over? Users can focus on one workplace with the help of Slack apps clone and connections. With apps like Slack features, you can get to tools right from the app. You say that it “cuts down the bulk of the workload.” If you are the founder of a startup or the boss of a slack app development company, you can add Google Calendar.
● Helpful Bots
Variety isn’t just limited to app integrations. Apps like Slack bots also talk to users and make conversation better. Bots come in a lot of different types. So you can also add chatbots in social media app development.
Advanced Features To Include In Apps Like Slack
You can definitely release an MVP with just the most basic features. But users today expect more because the industry is always coming up with new ideas.
Adding extra features to the basic ones can make users happier and help you make your app fit the needs of your target audience. As per the slack mobile app development services provider, here are some advanced features that your Slack clone messaging app should have:
● Disappearing Messages
Users have the ability to configure the time after which messages are automatically deleted. You can create an app like WhatsApp or Slack with a disappearing messaging feature.
● Multi-Device Support
When you develop apps like Slack, add multi-device support features. So users can access the slack messaging apps on multiple devices simultaneously.
● QR Code Scanning
As an alternative to the best private messaging app like Signal, it is possible to scan QR codes to swiftly add new contacts.
● Payment Integration
With payment gateway integration, users can use built-in payment services to send and receive money within the app.
● Channels
The purpose of this is to enable people to join and follow channels to receive updates from businesses or other groups.
● Chatbot
You should hire mobile app developers to add a chatbot feature in apps like Slack. Users are able to interact with bots in order to receive automated assistance or support for customers.
● Scheduled Messages
Users are able to plan messages to be sent at a later point or date by using this feature. However, it is also good to develop a video conferencing app like Slack with a schedule message feature for better user experience.
5 Best Messaging Apps Like Slack
If you want to develop apps like Slack, it is crucial to be aware of your competitors. We have listed down the best messaging apps that have been doing amazing in the market and have a huge user base.
Apps Like Slack |
Available Platform |
Ratings |
Downloads |
| Android | iOS | 4.2 | 5B+ | |
| Signal | Android | iOS | 4.5 | 100M+ |
| Viber | Android | iOS | 4.3 | 1B+ |
| Discord | Android | iOS | 3.1 | 100M+ |
| Skype | Android | iOS | 4.3 | 1B+ |
Tech Stack Used To Develop Messaging Apps Like Slack
To make apps like Slack with flexible messaging, you need a full set of technologies like front-end, back-end, database technologies, and more. Some of the most popular technologies Slack app development are mentioned below:
Component |
Technologies |
| Frontend | React Native, Flutter, Swift, Kotlin |
| Backend | Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), Java (Spring Boot) |
| Database | SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Firebase |
| API Integration | RESTful APIs, GraphQL, SOAP |
| Authentication | OAuth, JWT |
| Push Notifications | Firebase Cloud Messaging, Apple Push Notification Service |
| Analytics | Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics |
| Version Control | Git, GitHub, Bitbucket |
| Deployment | Google Play Store, Apple App Store, TestFlight, Firebase App Distribution |
How Much Does It Cost To Develop Apps Like Slack?
When thinking about a messaging app from a business standpoint, the question – how much will it cost to build an app like Slack?” is obvious. On an average, the cost to develop a mobile app like Slack can lie between $8,000-$25,000 but it can vary.
It all depends on the complexity of your project and features you want to add along with the design. We’ve built a lot of chat apps like slack, so here are a few figures based on how complicated the whole app is:
Factor / Integration |
Cost Range ($) |
| Basic UI/UX Design | $1000 – $3000 |
| Frontend Development | $2000 – $6000 |
| Backend Development | $2000 – $6000 |
| Database Setup | $500 – $1500 |
| API Integration | $1000 – $3000 |
| Authentication System | $500 – $1500 |
| Push Notifications Setup | $500 – $1500 |
| Analytics Integration | $500 – $1500 |
| Version Control System | $200 – $500 |
| Deployment Setup | $500 – $1500 |
| Testing and QA | $1000 – $3000 |
| Project Management | $500 – $1500 |
| Contingency (10-20%) | $800 – $5000 |
| Total Cost | $8000 – $25000 |
Besides, you can calculate the Slack messaging app development cost by suing the below formula:
Total Slack App Development Cost = Hourly Rate Of Developers * Development Time
As we said before, these numbers are just approximations. The real cost can change a lot based on what you want the finished result to be. If you want an exact estimate, talk to an Android or iPhone app development company about your project’s needs and the costs that come with them.
What Is the Maintenance Cost Of An App Like Slack?
Now you know the cost to build Slack apps, it is mandatory to know about the maintenance cost. Usually, the cost to maintain a mobile app like Slack will be 15-20% of the initial messaging app development cost.
For example, if your Slack app development cost is $16000, then you need to pay around $1000-$5000 annually on its maintenance. Let’s get a more clear picture about the different aspects of maintenance cost:
App Maintenance Type |
Cost(approx.) |
| Hosting Charges | $35 to $120 Per Month |
| Bug Fixing and Updates | $1000 to $2000 |
| Functional Services | $2000 Per Year |
| API Integration | $3000 Per Year |
| IT Support | $1000-$5000 per year |
This table is just the basic estimation. To know the actual maintenance cost of a Slack-like app, it is vital to avail mobile app maintenance and support services for a detailed maintenance cost analysis.
Ready To Build A Messaging App Like Slack?
Every day there is more and more competition in the market for messaging apps. But the top messaging apps haven’t taken over the market. Also, there are a lot of great ideas for new instant corporate chat apps that have yet to be made.
While you build Verizon messaging apps like Slack, you should check the features and USPs of popular apps like Slack, WhatsApp, and Viber. If you are not proficient in technology, the process might look hard.
For your business and growth goals, you will want messaging app development solutions that look at all the options and doesn’t leave any stone unturned. Get in touch with us and we will develop an amazing Slack like app for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Long Does It Take To Build An App Like Slack?
The time to develop an app like Slack may primarily be based on project complexity. It can take 2-4 months for a basic messaging app while a complex app can take 5-9 months. The Slack web app development may have different time frames as compared to mobile apps.
2. How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like Slack?
The cost to make a slack app may vary from $10000-$25000. It can fluctuate with factors like features, slack apps developer location, app complexity and platform type.
3. What Are the Benefits Of Creating An App Like Slack?
The benefits to create a Slack like apps are mentioned below:
- Simple to use
- Real-time communication
- Eliminate unproductive meeting time
- Increased productivity
- Easier project management
4. What Is the Slack App Built With?
Front-end: For making the user interface, React, Redux, and webpack are used. Back-end: Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB are used for the reasoning and storage on the server side. WebSockets is used for real-time chat, and WebRTC is used for voice and video calls for slack chat apps.
5. How Does Slack Make Money?
- Paid Subscriptions: This is their main way of making money. They have different levels of subscription plans with more functions and more storage space. Plans like these can cost up to $15 a month for each person, and business plans can cost even more.
- Large Organizations: Slack’s paid plans are designed to meet the needs of big businesses. These plans are good for bigger teams because they include features like better security and safety.
