Team channels and private chats are not the same. They have different purposes and features in Microsoft Teams.
- Channels are where conversations take place and work is actually done that organize conversations by specific topics, projects, disciplines. It's also where you can share files, apps, tabs, connectors, and bots with your team members. Channels can be open to all team members (standard channels), selected team members (private channels), or selected people inside and outside the team (shared channels).
- Private chats are private conversations that are only visible to you and the person or group of people you are chatting with. Private chats are where you can make audio or video calls, share your screen, or send files to individuals or groups. You can also use private chats to have one-on-one or small group discussions, send files, emoji, stickers, and GIFs, and make calls.
Team channels and private chats are both effective ways to communicate and collaborate with others in Microsoft Teams, depending on your needs and preferences. You can use team channels to keep everyone in the loop, share ideas, get feedback, and work on projects together. You can use private chats to have more personal or confidential conversations, or coordinate tasks with a smaller group.
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