🌟 New: Keep testing contained. You can now limit Shoutouts to only your selected channels, so stray emojis elsewhere won't trigger points while you test. See Limit Shoutouts to your test channel below.
Quick setup checklist
☐ Create a private test channel and invite Donut
☐ Limit Shoutouts to your test channel (recommended)
☐ Check where Donut has been added in Slack (optional)
☐ Use a distinct emoji during the test period
☐ Learn how weekly reminders work
☐ Finalize your settings, then announce when ready
Create a private test channel
This will eventually allow you to review points, values, and leaderboard behavior before announcing to your full workspace.
Create a private Slack channel (example:
#shoutouts-test)Add Donut to that channel by using the /invite command and selecting Add apps to this channel
Invite a few admins or a small pilot group to the channel
Log into the Donut dashboard and go to Shoutouts & Points > Shoutouts Settings
On the Basics tab, select the channel you just created
To keep your test contained, check Only use Shoutouts in selected channels in the Shoutouts channels section. Shoutouts will then work only in the channel(s) you've selected.
Limit Shoutouts to your test channel
By default, Shoutouts works in any channel Donut is in. Checking Only use Shoutouts in selected channels limits it to the channels you've selected, so you can test recognition with a small group before rolling it out to your whole workspace. Stray uses of your emoji in other channels won't trigger points during your test.
You'll find this checkbox in the Shoutouts channels section of the Basics tab, next to your selected channels. When you're ready to launch to everyone, uncheck the box. For full setup steps, see Donut Shoutouts: Getting Started.
Check where Donut has been added in Slack (optional)
💡 If you've checked Only use Shoutouts in selected channels, you can skip this step. Shoutouts will only fire in the channels you've selected, no matter where else Donut has been added.
Donut detects shoutouts in any channel it's been previously added to — like #watercooler, #birthdays, or #donut-chats. If you're using an emoji that could appear in everyday messages, it's worth knowing which channels Donut is currently active in. When in doubt, opt for a distinct emoji during setup.
Here's how to find which Slack channels Donut has been added to:
Open Donut (under Apps in the left sidebar)
Click About
Click Configuration
From there, you can scroll down to the Bot User section and see all the channels Donut has been added to.
Use a distinct emoji during your test period (recommended)
We recommend using an emoji that's unlikely to appear in everyday messages while you test. A “test-only” emoji helps keep testing separate from normal Slack activity. Once you're done, you can switch to your preferred long-term emoji.
To set or update your shoutout emoji:
Open the Donut dashboard: Go to Shoutouts & Points > Points Settings.
Select an emoji that's unlikely to appear in everyday messages.
Tip: Shoutouts support custom workspace emojis — so you can use a branded or internal emoji as your shoutout trigger.
Once Shoutouts are on, a shoutout can be triggered anywhere Donut is present in Slack if someone tags a teammate and uses your Shoutouts emoji (including reacting with that emoji).
Happy testing! 🧪
Once your channel, pilot group, and emoji are set, you're ready to start testing. Send a few shoutouts to see how Donut detects and awards points. Here's a quick overview of how Shoutouts works if you need a refresher.
How weekly reminders work
Shoutouts sends a weekly reminder message only in the channel(s) listed in Shoutouts Settings. If multiple channels are listed, the reminder will post in each of them.
Pro tip: Want Shoutouts active in several channels but reminders in just one?
Add all your channels to the field in Shoutouts Settings and click Save, then remove the channels you don't want reminders going to.
Donut will still detect shoutouts in those channels—it just won't send weekly reminders there. We're always working on making this easier and welcome your feedback!
When you’re ready to announce
Once you’re done testing, you can finalize your settings (emoji, points, values) and click Announce Shoutouts.
Helpful resources: