Connect channels

Connect a Viber agent to Webchat, messaging, voice, and SMS channels.

A channel is where people talk to the published agent. Channels are configured under Deploy > Channels and are separate from the external actions under Build > Tools.

Supported channels

ChannelPurpose
WebchatEmbed the agent on a website or share a hosted chat page.
WhatsAppLet customers chat with the agent on WhatsApp.
TelegramConnect the agent to Telegram.
InstagramReply to Instagram direct messages.
MessengerConnect Facebook Messenger.
SlackUse the agent in Slack.
TwilioHandle voice and SMS through Twilio.
Webchat configured for Acme Support with additional channels available

Connect a channel

  1. Open Deploy > Channels.
  2. Select Connect for the channel you want to use.
  3. Choose a supported connection method when the provider offers more than one.
  4. Complete the provider authorization or configuration fields.
  5. Return to the Channels page and confirm that the connection is ready.

Webchat is enabled for new agents and does not require provider credentials. Other channels require provider-specific setup before they can receive messages.

Understand channel state

StateMeaning
EnabledThe channel and its backing integration are enabled, and required configuration is present.
Needs setupThe channel is enabled, but authorization or required configuration is missing.
DisabledThe channel is turned off. Existing configuration is preserved.

Disabling a channel preserves its credentials and configuration so it can be enabled again later.

Diagnose a channel that is not replying

Check each layer in order:

  1. Support: Confirm that the destination is one of the supported channels above.
  2. State: Confirm that the channel is Enabled, not Needs setup or Disabled.
  3. Provider setup: Complete every authorization or configuration field requested by the provider.
  4. Published version: Confirm that the agent was published after the latest changes.
  5. Agent behavior: Test the same message in Preview. If Preview also fails, diagnose the agent rather than the channel.
  6. Runtime error: Retry a transient failure. If it persists, record the exact error and contact support.

Publish and share

Make the working version live and share or embed Webchat.