Team messaging apps are a crucial productivity tool, especially when you’re working from home and collaborating with teams in different remote locations. They cut down on communication time and do so much more to increase productivity.

But, with so many different communication tools out there, it can be hard to choose the best team messaging app for your needs. In this article, we’ll break down some of the key features you should be on the lookout for in messaging apps for teams to help make your decision easier.

Top 10 Features To Look for in the Best Team Messaging Apps

Video and audio chat

Text-based chat is great, but sometimes it’s more efficient to have a quick call or a video meeting. The best messaging apps for teams offer video and audio communication features, for when typing out your messages isn’t quite enough.

Easy chat organization

Another key feature of the most productive communication apps is the ability to organize different team members into different chats. That way, people only see the messages that apply to them. For example, you can create a general channel for company-wide announcements, then organize team members into smaller chats by department or project.

Search and filters

Sometimes you need to refer to an old message or find a link that someone sent you a long time ago. That’s why advanced search and filtering functionalities are a vital part of any team chat app worth using. Instead of scrolling through old chats to maybe find what you’re looking for, you can simply filter or search for it.

Simple navigation

Even with all the right features and functions, a messaging app that’s hard to use and navigate is not worth your time. Look for team messenger apps with simple, intuitive navigation that you and everyone on your team can quickly learn how to use efficiently.

Integration with other apps

Switching between tons of different apps and platforms wastes time and hurts productivity, so third-party app integration can make a team messaging app an even more productive tool.

For example, some chat platforms integrate with Google (News - Alert) Calendars, so you can access your schedules from right within the app. Or, you might be able to integrate your communication app with the CRM software or project management platform you use to quickly access data.

File sharing

Another great feature to look for during your hunt for the best team messaging tool is the ability to share files back and forth within the platform. That way, you don’t have to waste time sending them via email.

Status updates

You’re not always going to be available to answer questions or discuss projects — you have work to do! The ability to change your chat status may seem small, but it can really help boost your team’s productivity.

For example, if someone sees that your status is set to “Do Not Disturb,” they know they can try to get what they need from someone else instead of sending you a message and waiting a long time for a response.

Cloud storage

You and your team should be able to access all your messages from any device, in any location, so make sure the chat app you decide to use stores all your data in the cloud. That way, everyone can stay on top of their messages from their laptops and mobile devices, both at their desks and on the go.

External contacts

Your team members are always going to be your primary contacts in your team messaging app, but sometimes you might want to add people you don’t directly work with to easily communicate with them.

For instance, if you hire freelancers or work with external vendors, you should be able to add them to your chat platform with certain permissions that allow for the level of communication you need with them.

Pricing

Of course, the cost is always a factor to consider when you’re looking for a workplace chat app. The best messenger apps for teams offer several different pricing tiers, so you can choose the best option for your team and budget.

For example, look for a platform that offers a free version you can try out first and an enterprise plan you can upgrade to in order to get full functionality when you’re sure it’s right for you.

Conclusion

Productive communication apps are an integral part of the modern workplace. When you choose the best team messenger app for you and your co-workers, it promotes collaboration and increases overall productivity in your company.

There are lots of workplace chat apps out there to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. Make sure to choose a messenger with most or all of the important features listed above to get the most out of it.

Author Name: Eddie Davis

Author Bio: Having produced content in a number of technical fields, it's fair to say that my experience in these markets is superior to most. Whether it's cybersecurity, editing software or anti-virus products (and many other areas) I've worked and written for some of the key players in the industry and as such my work comes from a place of experience. I try to inform and educate, while making sure not to alienate those with less know-how. It's a tricky bridge to cross but it's one I've journeyed on for some years.