Usage limits for free workspaces

If you’re using a free workspace, there are specific usage limits to be aware of. Keep reading to learn more about message, file, data retention, and app installation limits.  

Tip: Upgrading to a paid plan will remove message, file, and app limits, plus provide more data retention options.

Usage limits

• Message and file visibility limit
  You can view and search messages and files from the last 90 days. Files include things like clips, PDFs, documents, images, screenshots, and audio and video files. When your workspace reaches the visibility limit, Slack will start hiding messages and files older than 90 days to make room for new ones. Messages and files more than one year old will be permanently deleted.
• High-volume message limit
  The free version of Slack restricts use for storage and spam, and you may be prevented from sending too many messages or files in a short period of time. If you’re having trouble sending new messages, we recommend that you review your apps, bots, and other systems that may be sending a high volume of messages.
• Data retention
  Workspace Owners can use basic data retention settings: either keep all messages and files for one year, or delete them after 90 days. If you choose to delete messages and files after 90 days, this will automatically delete any that become hidden by the message and file limit. Starting August 26, 2024, Customer Data — such as messages and file history — older than one year may be deleted on a rolling basis from workspaces on the free plan, following the terms described in the Main Services Agreement and Trust and Compliance Documentation.
  
• App installation limit
  You can add up to 10 third-party or custom apps. If your workspace reaches the app and integration limit, you can uninstall apps to make space for new ones.

Tip: If you’re considering downgrading from a paid plan to a free workspace, review our guide on feature limitations on the free version of Slack to understand how your experience may be impacted.