The Chat plugin allows users to send one-on-one messages, react to messages, and view conversation history within your app. You can customize the experience and connect the Chat plugin to other plugins like Directory, Community Wall, or Upvote for full functionality.
What users see in the app
Users can send direct messages to others through connected plugins
Messages appear in threaded conversations with timestamps and online status indicators
Users can send text, emojis, images, and videos, and download received media
Reactions can be added to messages using predefined options set in the Design tab
Requirements
This is an Accelerate plugin, available on specific plans only.
To initiate messages, the Chat plugin must be integrated with the Directory, Community Wall, or Upvote plugin.
How to customize and manage the Chat plugin
Log in, go to Builder in the left navigation
Click the + button at the top left to open the Plugin Marketplace:
Search for Chat, then click Add Plugin
Name your feature and choose whether to add it to the side menu, then click Add again
Configure the Chat Plugin
Go to the Design tab
Add or edit the reactions users can use in messages (e.g., thumbs up, heart)
Reactions will show when a user long-presses a message
Go to the Layout tab
(Optional) Enable Advanced Mode to edit layout using custom CSS
Go to the Settings tab
Turn on Unread Message Tracking to show unread indicators in the app
(Optional) Enable Custom Firestore Database if you want more control over message data
Go to the Security tab
Require login to access messaging
(Optional) Restrict access using tags
(Optional) Assign tags to users who use the Chat plugin
Go to the Purchase tab
Enable paywall access if needed
Set up your purchase product and details
Go to the Analytics tab
View usage data such as number of threads, total messages, and failed sends
Go to the Language tab
Customize labels and terms (e.g., change “Chat” to another term that fits your app
Link the Chat plugin through one of the following plugins:
Directory: Go to the Directory plugin’s Settings, edit the Action Item, and link it to the Chat plugin
Community Wall: Go to Settings, update the Action Item to point to the Chat plugin
Upvote: Go to Settings, enable Private Messaging, and link it to the Chat plugin
Pro tips
You can rename the “Chat” label in the Language tab to better match your app’s tone
Threads are persistent, so users can return and continue old conversations
Troubleshooting tips
If message options aren't appearing, make sure the Chat plugin is connected to at least one of the supported plugins
If messages fail to send, check your Analytics tab for error tracking