Technology
Channel Types in Microsoft Teams
Last modified 9/9/2024
There are three types of channels available to all team members in Teams: standard, private, and shared.
Standard channel
Most channels are standard channels.
Standard channels are open for all team members and anything posted is searchable by others.
By default, all members of a team can create standard channels.
You can't convert a standard channel to a private channel and vice versa.
Private channel
Private channels are for discussions that shouldn’t be open to all team members. Use a private channel if you need a smaller, specific audience for a particular subject. Invitations to join the channel are required before you can view it within a team.
By default, any team owner or team member can create a private channel and add members. Guests can't create them.
Private channels cannot be converted to a standard channel. When a private channel is created, it's linked to the parent team and cannot be moved to a different team.
- Files that you share in a channel (viewable on the Files tab) are stored in SharePoint.
Shared channel
Shared channels are for collaborating with people inside and outside your team or organization.
Shared Channels with External Organizations
Inviting external users to shared channels and joining external shared channels is currently not available at ISU. Once this option is available, this warning will be removed.
Additionally, shared channel creation is not available for Students, Guests, Annuitants, and Grace status users.
Only team owners can create shared channels.
Only shared channel owners can add members or share the channel.
Only people who are owners or members of a shared channel can access it; invitations to join the channel are required before you can view it within a team.
You cannot convert a shared channel into a standard or private channel and vice versa.
Additional Information
- Vendor resource (this link will take you to a link outside of Illinois State University): Standard, private, or shared channels in Microsoft Teams
How to Get Help
Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:
- Phone: (309) 438-4357
- Email: SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu
- Submit a Request via Web Form: Help.IllinoisState.edu/get-it-help
- Live Chat: Help.IllinoisState.edu/get-it-help