Summary

While both Chat and Conversations in Microsoft Teams allow you to communicate with others, they serve different purposes and behave differently depending on context. This article explains the difference between one-on-one or group Chats and Channel-based Conversations, helping users choose the right tool for the right situation.

Content

Teams Chat

What it is:

Teams Chat is a private, ad hoc messaging tool within Microsoft Teams that allows users to communicate outside the context of a Team or channel.

Key Features:

• One-on-one or group chats with up to 250 people
• Chats are private and not visible to anyone outside the conversation
• Ideal for direct messaging, quick collaboration, or casual communication
• Supports file sharing, Loop components, reactions, and scheduled meetings
• Persistent chat history, even when new users are added (with limited visibility of past messages)

When to use it:

• To message a colleague(s) directly
• To create a short-term group discussion outside of a formal Team
• For sensitive or private discussions (great alternative to Private Channel)

Teams Conversations (Channel Posts)

What it is:

Conversations occur inside a Team channel, where the messages are visible to all channel members and typically organized by threads.

Key Features:

• Public to all members of the Team or channel
• Organized in threads (each post can have replies)
• Best used for structured, topic-specific communication
• File sharing is stored in the connected SharePoint document library
• Messages are retained as part of the Team’s compliance and governance policies

When to use it:

• To share updates with a project or department team
• To collaborate on work within a specific topic or initiative
• When you want communication to be visible, searchable, and accessible to the whole group

Comparison Table

Things to Keep in Mind

• Channel conversations are more transparent and searchable, which is better for team alignment and recordkeeping.
• Private chats should not be used to store institutional data long-term — use a Team when collaboration is ongoing or involves university business.
• Mention users with @Name in conversations to alert them to important messages.
• Files shared in Chat are stored in the sender’s OneDrive and permissions are granted automatically to recipients; files shared in a Channel are stored in SharePoint.

Further Readings

MS Teams: About Chat

Need additional help?

For assistance concerning site creation, content sharing, file synchronization, or other common SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or Office app activities, we recommend our Microsoft 365 Learning sites:

• USNH M365 Learning Pathways: On-Demand Online Walk-throughs, Tutorials, & Guides for M365 Products
  https://universitysystemnh.sharepoint.com/sites/M365LP/
• SharePoint Success Site: Learn How to Plan, Build, Launch, Share, & Manage Your Sites
  https://universitysystemnh.sharepoint.com/sites/SharePointSuccessSite/

Learn more about the great tools our Microsoft 365 Learning sites offer!

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.