A Direct Message (DM) in Zoho Cliq is a conversation initiated directly between two or more named users, separate from any channel structure. You start a DM by selecting a colleague’s name from the directory. The conversation history is shared only among the named participants. You can share files, use emoji reactions, create threads within a DM, and even add a third person to an existing one-to-one DM to form a small group chat.
Use Direct Messages for quick, context-specific exchanges that do not benefit the broader team: a quick clarification with one colleague, a sensitive HR matter, or a short back-and-forth that would clutter a channel. Avoid DMs for decisions or information the rest of the team will need later; those belong in the relevant channel where history is preserved and searchable by all members.
DMs can include up to a defined number of participants before a group DM converts into a channel-like experience. Be aware that if your organisation’s Zoho Cliq admin has enabled compliance or audit features, DM history may not be fully private from administrators. Threads started within a DM are visible only to that DM’s participants, not to the wider organisation.
Yes, you can add more participants to a one-to-one Direct Message to form a group DM. All members of the group can see the conversation from the point they were added onward, but earlier messages in the original one-to-one conversation may or may not be visible to the new participant depending on your Cliq configuration.
Direct Messages are private from regular colleagues, but organisational administrators may be able to access DM content if compliance or audit features are enabled on the account. For conversations that are legally or contractually sensitive, consult your IT administrator to understand what data retention and access policies apply to your specific Zoho Cliq plan.
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