Send or reply to a channel message in Microsoft Teams

When you go to any channel in Teams, you'll either see Posts or Conversation tabs at the top of the page. This is where messages in a channel take place. Everyone with access to the channel can see messages on the Posts or Conversation tab.

Start a new message in a posts layout channel

To start a new conversation in a posts layout channel, select Start a new post at the top of the Posts tab or Start a post at the bottom of the Posts tab. What you see depends on the order you've chosen for your posts to appear.

Tip: To flip the order of your channel posts, select More channel options,then choose where you'd like to see your posts.

After selecting Start a new post or Start a post, you'll see a compose box to type your message. Choose a subject for your post, then add a message. When you're done, select Post.

Note: The Start a new post button might be unavailable depending on channel settings. If it is unavailable, only channel moderators can create new conversations.

Start a new message in a threads layout channel

If your channel uses the threaded layout, begin a new conversation by typing a message, then select Send.

Start a new message by searching for a channel

Select New message at the top of your list of chats and channels.
In the To box, type the channel name or part of the channel name. Select the channel from the list.

Add your subject or message, then select Post or Send.

Reply to a message

Replies to a channel message stay attached to the original message. This way, the whole thread of the conversation can be easily followed by anyone reading it.

Reply to a message in a posts layout channel

To reply to a channel message, select the Reply link below the message.

Reply to a message in a threads layout channel

In a threads layout channel, you have the option to reply to a message in the thread only, or in both the thread and the main channel conversation.

Screenshot showing options to reply to a channel message in the thread only or both the thread and main channel conversation.

Hover over the message you want to respond to.
Select Reply in thread to open the threaded conversation in a side panel.
Above the compose box, select the dropdown to reply to the Thread only or the Thread and channel.

Send a video or audio clip in a channel

Record up to a minute of video or audio and share it in a channel discussion by selecting Actions and apps Cross icon at top of the screen . Learn more about recording a video or audio clip in Microsoft Teams.