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Flock (messaging service)
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 | |
| Original author | Bhavin Turakhia |
|---|---|
| Developer | Flock FZ-LLC |
| Initial release | 2014 |
| Operating system | iOS Android Chrome macOS Windows |
| Type | Collaborative software, Instant messaging, Online chat |
| Website | flock |
Flock is a proprietary messaging and collaboration tool,[1][2] founded by tech entrepreneur Bhavin Turakhia in 2014.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The app is available on Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS and Web.[11][12][13]
Flock allows users to configure external apps and integrations from the Flock App Store, and receive notifications and updates directly in Flock.[14][15][16]
Flock functions on a freemium pricing model.[1] The application was launched in 2014.[17]
Features
[edit]The primary features of Flock are direct & channel messaging, video conferencing, screen & file sharing, and unlimited chat history.[18][19]
Teams
[edit]Flock users can create multiple teams for the entire company, a department or for selective members of the organisation.[20] To join a team and communicate, users can send invites to others or share the Team URL.[21][22]
Channels
[edit]Flock users can create public channels and private channels. Public channels are open for everyone to discover and join, and do not require an invitation from the team admin. These channels are meant for sharing knowledge, interests and experiences. Private channels are meant for more focused discussions, and can be joined by invite only.[23]
Native apps
[edit]Flock comes pre-installed with business apps such as:[24][25][26]
- Poll app
- Shared To-dos
- Mailcast
- Code snippet sharing
- Reminders
- Note sharing
- My Favourites
API
[edit]Flock provides its platform, FlockOS, for developers to build apps, bots and custom integrations on top of Flock. Flock conducts regular hackathons to help young developers build innovative apps by using FlockOS's capabilities.[27]
App Store
[edit]Flock lets users integrate external apps and services from the Flock App Store. Some common apps include Google Drive, Google Analytics, Trello, GitHub, Twitter and Mailchimp.[28] Developers can also publish apps built on FlockOS to the Flock App Store.[19][29][30]
Awards
[edit]- Best Business Communication App of the Year by Global Mobile App Summit & Awards, July 2016[31]
- Best Mobile Enterprise Product/Service Award by India Digital Awards 2017, February 2017
References
[edit]- ^ a b Khedekar, Naina (August 12, 2016). "Flock, an enterprise communication and collaboration app". Firstpost. Archived from the original on April 29, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
- ^ Chowdhary, Sudhir (April 19, 2017). "Flock messaging app makes communication seamless, brings team together". Financial Express.
- ^ Shivapriya, N.; Chanchani, Madhav (25 September 2014). "Riva's messaging app Flock to compete with Skype, Yammer and Slack". Economic Times. Retrieved September 25, 2014.
- ^ "Directi founder launches business chat service Flock". Medianama. 25 September 2014. Retrieved September 25, 2014.
- ^ Varshney, Rashi (March 23, 2017). "Chat apps: From Flock to Teamchat, 4 team messenger apps you can talk business on". Financial Express.
- ^ Pratik, Mukane (September 30, 2014). "Flock: An app to make team communication easy and keep personal chats private". Daily News and Analysis.
- ^ Shaikh, Shadma (December 20, 2016). "Bhavin Turakhia to raise $25 million to build Flock". The Economic Times.
- ^ "Messenger platform Flock launches feature to identify fake news". The Economic Times. January 20, 2017.
- ^ Barker, Colin (May 10, 2017). "Fewer meetings, more productivity: Can enterprise messaging apps help your team?". ZDNet.
- ^ Mihindukulasuriya, Regina (April 25, 2017). "What's Flock and Why Use it When You Have WhatsApp?". Businessworld.
- ^ Noyes, Katherine (September 14, 2016). "Meet Flock, a Slack rival that claims big productivity gains". InfoWorld.
- ^ Thomas Hector, Dearton (September 8, 2016). "Why Bhavin Turakhia thinks Flock 2.0 will be the next big thing in enterprise chat". VCCircle.
- ^ "Billionaire Turakhias fund own startup to build rival to Slack". Livemint. 1 September 2017.
- ^ "Flock announces the deepest integration with Google Drive in its space". Dataquest. May 11, 2017.
- ^ Preimesberger, Chris (December 30, 2016). "Flock Launches IT's First 'Chat Operating System'". eWeek.
- ^ "Flock app introduces a brand new interface among other features". Deccan Chronicle. September 8, 2016.
- ^ Sahay, Priyanka (25 September 2017). "Directi founder Bhavin Turakhia launches WhatsApp like chat app Flock for professionals". VCCircle.
- ^ Singh, Devika (September 19, 2016). ""The reliance on email will reduce," says Bhavin Turakhia, Founder & CEO, Flock". Business Today.
- ^ a b Sathe, Gopal (December 20, 2016). "Flock Announces FlockOS in an Attempt to Take on Slack". NDTV.
- ^ Shekhar, Sidharth (September 8, 2016). "Flock 2.0. Update is Here, Introduces Teams and a Brand New Interface". PCQuest.
- ^ "Flock 2.0 – Introducing Teams and a new interface". Express Computer. September 9, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Flock 2.0 update brings support for Teams". Indian Express. September 12, 2016.
- ^ "Flock Expands to 5 More Countries With Multilingual Support, New Features". NDTV. March 16, 2017.
- ^ "Flock brings world's first chat operating system FlockOS". ETCEO.com. The Economic Times. December 21, 2016.
- ^ "Enterprise messenger Flock now boasts of new powerful features". Deccan Chronicle. February 18, 2016.
- ^ Rajan, Nandagopal (May 4, 2016). "Flock messaging app: The Indian competition for Slack". Indian Express.
- ^ "Flock launches world's first chat OS". New Delhi: Indian Express. IANS.
- ^ "Flock Channel is now live on IFTTT". Firstpost. Jun 10, 2016. Archived from the original on June 14, 2016. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
- ^ "Flock launches world's first chat operating system". New Delhi: Business Standard. December 20, 2016.
- ^ "Flock launches FlockOS, a Chat Operating System". Digit. December 27, 2016. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
- ^ Dutta, Subhayan (July 8, 2016). "GMASA 2016 award winners". Plunge Daily.
External links
[edit]Flock (messaging service)
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Flock is a proprietary team messaging and collaboration platform designed to facilitate real-time communication, productivity, and workflow integration for businesses and teams.[1] Founded in 2014 by serial entrepreneur Bhavin Turakhia, it serves as a cost-effective alternative to competitors like Slack, emphasizing streamlined channels for conversations, built-in tools for task management, and seamless app integrations to reduce context-switching.[2][1]
Developed initially within Turakhia's group of companies as an internal tool, Flock evolved into a standalone service bootstrapped without external venture capital, with Turakhia investing $45 million of his own funds to launch it globally.[2] The platform operates on a freemium model, offering a free tier for basic use and premium plans starting at $4.50 per user per month (billed monthly), which include unlimited message history, advanced admin controls, and priority support—positioned at about half the price of Slack's equivalent offerings.[3] As of 2018, it had attracted over 30,000 organizations, including clients like Tim Hortons and Tata AIA Life Insurance, and boasted 135,000 weekly active users; as of 2025, over 39,000 companies use Flock worldwide.[1][4]
Key features include organized channels for group discussions, one-on-one messaging, and searchable history to enhance decision-making and information retrieval.[5] Built-in productivity elements such as shared to-do lists, polls, reminders, notes, and file sharing are complemented by video and voice conferencing, as well as integrations with over 50 third-party apps like Google Drive, Asana, Zoom, Uber, and Trello for automated workflows.[2][5][6] Available across desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux), mobile (iOS, Android), and web platforms, Flock prioritizes security with TLS encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance features such as GDPR, making it suitable for cross-functional teams seeking efficient, distraction-free collaboration.[1][7]
History
Founding
Flock was founded in 2014 by Bhavin Turakhia, a serial entrepreneur known for co-founding Directi in 1998 and Media.net in 2010, both of which became significant players in web services and contextual advertising, respectively.[8][9] Turakhia, who had previously built and scaled multiple tech ventures without external funding, sought to address gaps in team communication tools available at the time.[10] The service originated under Riva FZC, a startup Turakhia established in 2013 focused on innovative communication solutions, including the low-cost international calling app Ringo.[11][12] Flock began as an internal collaboration tool developed to streamline Riva's own team interactions, emphasizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness as a free alternative to emerging platforms like Slack.[13] It was launched publicly in India in September 2014 as a business-oriented messaging app, positioned as "WhatsApp for official communication" to enable secure, real-time chats for professional teams without the complexities of consumer-focused tools.[14][15] Initially developed by a small team, Flock's operations expanded rapidly, growing to over 100 employees by 2016 across offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and international locations to support its early adoption among businesses.[16] This foundation allowed Flock to prioritize ease of use and accessibility, targeting small to medium-sized enterprises seeking efficient, no-cost group messaging solutions.[1]Key developments
In December 2016, Flock launched FlockOS, described as the world's first "chat operating system," which introduced widgets, rich attachments, and interactive buttons to extend the platform's functionality for developers and teams.[17][18] This platform allowed for custom bots and apps built directly into chat interfaces, marking a shift toward greater extensibility beyond basic messaging.[19] Following its initial 2014 launch in India, Flock expanded globally in 2017, entering markets including the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Spain, supported by a $25 million investment from founder Bhavin Turakhia.[20][21] By that year, the service was available across multiple platforms, including desktop and mobile for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, facilitating broader adoption among international teams.[22] In March 2019, Flock introduced built-in email and calendar tools tailored for businesses, expanding its scope to include secure email hosting with conversation threading and integrated scheduling features like shared calendars and meeting reminders.[23][24] These additions aimed to consolidate productivity workflows within the app, reducing reliance on external services.[23] Under Bhavin Turakhia's leadership, Flock benefited from resources generated by the 2016 sale of his previous venture, Media.net, for $900 million to a Chinese consortium, which funded product enhancements and scaling efforts.[25][26] As of 2025, Flock continues to serve over 30,000 organizations worldwide, including clients such as Tim Hortons and Tata AIA Life Insurance.[27]Features
Messaging and organization
Flock supports core messaging through one-on-one chats, group conversations, and private group chats, enabling direct communication among team members. These chats incorporate a reply feature, allowing users to respond to specific messages, though replies appear as new messages in the conversation to maintain clarity and context.[28] Read receipts provide confirmation of message delivery and viewing, displayed as checkmarks in both one-on-one and group chats.[29] Additionally, an integrated search function enables users to access message history, with unlimited searchable messages available in paid plans and a limit of 10,000 messages in the free Starter plan.[30][31] Channels in Flock serve as dedicated spaces for topic-based discussions, available in public or private formats to suit varying levels of accessibility. Public channels facilitate broad team-wide conversations, such as announcements or general updates, while private channels restrict participation to invited members for focused, sensitive topics.[32] Users can pin important messages within channels for quick reference, ensuring key information remains prominent at the top of the conversation.[33] To support decision-making, channels include built-in polls, where team members can vote on options directly within the discussion thread, with real-time result previews updating as responses are submitted.[34] The platform organizes users into teams suitable for departments, projects, or entire organizations. Organizational teams automatically add members based on company email domains, streamlining onboarding for enterprise users.[35] Team admins hold permissions to manage membership, including adding or removing users, setting access controls, and configuring custom fields like roles or departments to enhance profile organization.[36][37] This setup allows for scalable oversight, with multiple teams accessible from a single account to accommodate diverse workflows. File sharing is seamlessly integrated into chats and channels, permitting direct uploads of images, documents, media, and other files up to 100 MB in size. Previews generate automatically for supported formats, such as images and documents, enabling users to view content without downloading.[38][39] Shared files can be pinned alongside messages for persistent access, and the free plan includes 5 GB of team storage, expandable in paid tiers.[38]Collaboration tools
Flock provides built-in video and voice calling capabilities integrated directly into its messaging interface, enabling teams to conduct HD video conferences without relying on external applications. These calls support group sessions with up to 20 participants on Pro and Enterprise plans, allowing for real-time audio and video communication across devices such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Screen sharing is available during calls to facilitate presentations or collaborative reviews, enhancing visual interaction in one-on-one or group settings.[3][40][41] The platform's task management features include shared to-do lists that can be created and managed within chats or channels, promoting asynchronous teamwork. Users can add tasks directly from conversations using slash commands like /todo, mark them as complete, and rearrange priorities via drag-and-drop for better organization. Assignable tasks allow team members to delegate responsibilities with due dates, while reminders can be set against messages or tasks to ensure follow-through, with notifications alerting assignees or the team as needed. These tools integrate seamlessly with Flock's channel organization to keep project progress visible in context.[42][43][44] For decision-making and documentation, Flock offers shared notes and polls as native collaboration aids. The notes app enables users to create, edit, and format content with rich text options like bullet points, tables, and hyperlinks, supporting team-wide access for real-time or asynchronous input during meetings. Polls allow quick group voting on topics, with automatic updates to results across channels and the option to export tallies for records, streamlining consensus without leaving the app.[45][46] Productivity is further enhanced by interaction features such as @mentions to notify specific users in chats, a wide selection of emojis, stickers, and GIFs for expressive responses, and the ability to edit or delete sent messages via message actions. These elements reduce communication friction, allowing teams to refine discussions efficiently while maintaining a professional yet engaging tone.[47][43][48]Integrations and API
Third-party apps
Flock maintains an app store that serves as a centralized marketplace for third-party integrations, enabling users to install bots and widgets with one-click simplicity to extend the platform's functionality. The store features 54 apps across categories such as productivity, project management, file management, and developer tools, allowing seamless connections to external services without requiring custom development.[49][6] Among the key integrations available, Flock connects with video conferencing tools like Zoom, enabling users to initiate and join meetings directly from chat interfaces. For project management, it supports Asana and Trello, where tasks can be created, updated, or assigned within Flock channels. File storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox allow for direct uploading, sharing, and searching of documents, while automation platforms like Zapier facilitate no-code workflows, and Google Calendar handles scheduling by syncing events and reminders.[50][51][6] These integrations function through widgets and bots that embed third-party actions into Flock conversations, such as sending notifications for updates or attaching files from connected apps without leaving the messaging interface. For instance, a bot from Asana can post task completions or deadlines automatically to designated channels, ensuring real-time visibility.[52][53] By incorporating these third-party apps, Flock streamlines team workflows, minimizing the need to switch between applications and fostering centralized collaboration; an example is auto-syncing project tasks from Asana into Flock channels to keep distributed teams aligned without manual updates. This approach, powered by the FlockOS framework, enhances efficiency in diverse work environments.[50][54]Developer API and FlockOS
FlockOS is a developer platform introduced by Flock in December 2016, designed as the world's first chat operating system to enable the creation of custom apps, bots, and integrations directly within the messaging environment.[17] It provides a comprehensive set of APIs that allow developers to extend Flock's functionality, embedding interactive elements such as custom widgets for displaying dynamic content in sidebars, slash commands for quick user interactions like initiating video calls or reminders, and interactive buttons for actions such as approvals or polls within conversations.[55] This framework treats apps as first-class citizens, facilitating seamless embedding into chats, channels, and user interfaces to enhance team collaboration without leaving the platform.[56] The core of FlockOS revolves around its RESTful API, which supports essential operations for programmatic interaction with Flock's ecosystem. Developers can send messages to users or groups, manage group memberships and permissions, and handle real-time events such as message receipts or user joins through event subscriptions. The API also accommodates rich attachments, including images, files, and formatted text via FlockML for enhanced message rendering, while OAuth 2.0 authentication ensures secure access token management for apps on behalf of users. These capabilities enable robust, scalable integrations that respond dynamically to user actions within Flock.[57] Supporting development, FlockOS offers comprehensive tools including detailed API documentation covering methods, events, objects, and FlockML syntax, along with SDKs primarily in JavaScript via flock.js for client-side scripting and Node.js for server-side bots. Webhook support allows for real-time notifications of events like new messages or group changes, pushing data to external endpoints for immediate processing.[58] These resources, accessible through the developer portal at dev.flock.com, streamline app creation from prototyping to deployment.[57] Common use cases for FlockOS include developing custom bots for workflow automation, such as integrating with CRM systems like Salesforce to notify teams of lead updates or creating analytics dashboards that pull data into chat widgets for on-demand reporting.[59] For instance, bots can automate reminders via slash commands or handle event-driven tasks like syncing project statuses from tools like Asana directly into Flock channels.[46]Platforms
Native applications
Flock provides native desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling users to access team messaging, channels, and collaboration tools directly from their computers. These apps support desktop notifications, allowing users to receive pop-up alerts for incoming messages even when the application is not in focus. For instance, on macOS, notifications can be configured through system preferences to ensure seamless integration with the operating system's alert system. Additionally, the desktop clients handle offline scenarios by syncing messages upon reconnection, maintaining continuity in communication without data loss.[60][61] The mobile applications for iOS and Android offer full access to Flock's core functionalities, including one-on-one chats, group messaging, video and voice calls, and integrations with third-party apps. These apps deliver push notifications to keep users informed of new messages, mentions, or activity in channels, ensuring real-time updates regardless of the device's state. Voice and video calls are supported across devices, with up to 20 participants in group sessions, providing feature parity with the desktop versions for essential collaboration needs. While voice-to-text dictation relies on device-native capabilities, Flock includes voice notes for quick audio sharing in conversations.[46][62][63] Both desktop and mobile apps maintain a consistent user interface centered around channels, direct messages, and a sidebar for apps and notifications, though the mobile version incorporates touch-optimized layouts for easier navigation on smaller screens. Device-specific enhancements, such as swipe gestures for quick actions like archiving messages, improve usability on iOS and Android. As an alternative to native installations, the web client provides browser-based access without requiring downloads.[64][46] The native apps are available for free download from the official Flock website, the Apple App Store, and Google Play Store. As of 2025, the Android app holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating based on over 3,300 reviews, while the iOS app is rated 3.8 out of 5 from around 100 reviews, reflecting strong satisfaction with core messaging and notification features.[65][62][63]Web client
The web client of Flock provides browser-based access to the messaging service, allowing users to connect without downloading any software. Available at web.flock.com, it supports core functionalities such as one-on-one and group messaging, channel-based organization, and built-in video and voice calls. This interface enables seamless team collaboration directly through modern web browsers, eliminating the need for local installations and facilitating quick onboarding for new users.[5][66] Key advantages include instant accessibility across devices, as conversations and settings sync in real-time via the cloud, ensuring continuity whether switching from a desktop to a laptop. The web client is compatible with major browsers, including Google Chrome (version 38 and later), Mozilla Firefox (version 53 and later), and Apple Safari (version 10 and later), making it broadly available without compatibility issues for most users. However, it relies on a stable internet connection for all operations, as functionality is inherently online-dependent.[67][66] In contrast to native applications, which provide deeper device integration like offline message access, the web client prioritizes zero-install convenience for web-centric workflows. By 2025, the platform continued to receive updates focused on browser performance and interface refinements, as noted in ongoing release notes for web versions.[61]Business aspects
Pricing and plans
Flock employs a tiered pricing model designed to accommodate teams of varying sizes, starting with a free option for small groups and scaling to custom enterprise solutions. The Starter plan is available at no cost and targets teams of 1 to 20 users, providing unlimited messaging, access to up to 10 public channels, 10,000 searchable messages, 1:1 video calls, 5 GB of total team storage, and basic integrations.[68][64] This plan also includes a single team admin role and supports unlimited 1:1 and group messaging, making it suitable for basic collaboration needs without financial commitment.[68] For larger teams requiring enhanced capabilities, the Pro plan is priced at $6 per user per month when billed monthly or $4.50 per user per month when billed annually, ideal for groups of 20 to 100 users though scalable beyond that. Key additions include unlimited searchable message history, 10 GB of storage per team member, advanced admin controls such as multi-admin support, priority customer support, and expanded integrations for productivity tools.[69][70][3] This tier emphasizes value for growing organizations by removing usage limits present in the free plan and offering cost savings compared to competitors like Slack.[3] The Enterprise plan features custom pricing tailored for organizations with 100 or more users and is quoted based on specific requirements. It provides unlimited storage, single sign-on (SSO) integration, dedicated account support, and options for custom integrations and advanced security configurations.[69][71] This plan is positioned for large-scale deployments needing robust administrative tools and compliance features. All users can access a 30-day free trial of the Pro plan features without requiring a credit card, allowing teams to evaluate premium functionalities before committing to a paid subscription.[3][64] Billing for paid plans occurs monthly or annually, with annual commitments yielding the discounted rate.[71]| Plan | Price | User Limit | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Free | 1-20 | Unlimited messages, 10,000 searchable messages, 5 GB storage, 10 public channels, basic integrations, single admin |
| Pro | 6/user/month | 20-100+ | Unlimited searchable messages, 10 GB/user storage, advanced admin controls, priority support, expanded integrations |
| Enterprise | Custom quote | 100+ | Unlimited storage, SSO, dedicated support, custom integrations |