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What is a channel

A channel is a messenger, CRM system, or other platform through which your AI employee communicates with real customers. A Telegram bot, amoCRM integration, or WhatsApp connection via Wazzup — these are all channels. Without a connected channel, the agent only works in the test chat inside AI Textura. This is convenient for setup and debugging, but to have the employee start responding to real customers, you need to connect at least one channel.
One channel = one employee. You cannot assign multiple AI employees to a single channel.
However, one employee can be connected to multiple channels — for example, Telegram + amoCRM.
The work schedule is configured at the agent level and applies to all of its channels simultaneously. If you need different schedules for different channels, create separate AI employees.

Supported channels

ChannelTypePurpose
Telegram (bot)MessengerThe most popular option. Connects directly via bot token
Telegram (personal)MessengerAI responds on behalf of your personal account. Requires Telegram Premium
amoCRMCRM systemHandle inquiries directly in CRM. Managers see conversations in the deal card
Bitrix24CRM systemWorks through Bitrix24 open channels
KommoCRM with messengersCRM with built-in channels: WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, VK
SalebotAutomation platformBot and funnel builder. WhatsApp, Telegram, VK, Viber
UmnicoMessenger aggregatorCombines WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, VK, Viber, Facebook and others
WazzupWhatsApp integrationSpecializes in WhatsApp connections (personal and Business API)
SendAPIUniversal APIFor custom integrations via HTTP requests and webhooks
If you need to connect WhatsApp, Instagram, or other messengers but do not use a CRM system, an aggregator (Umnico, Wazzup) is the simplest solution.

Connection types

Connection typeWhen to useWhat you need
Direct connection (Telegram)Quick and free AI launchTelegram account and bot
Connection via CRMIf you have amoCRM, Kommo, or Bitrix24Authorization or webhook
Connection via aggregatorIf you have no CRM but need WhatsApp, VK, Instagram, etc.Registration and API key from the aggregator service

Channel section interface

Open the desired AI employee and go to the Channel tab. Inside you will find two tabs:
TabContents
Browse appsCatalog of all available channels. Filters: All, Available (configured and ready), Connect more
ConnectedChannels already connected to this agent
At the top of the section there is a search bar — you can search by channel name or platform. For each connected channel in the Connected tab you can see:
  • Bot name — for example, @my_hotel_bot
  • Platform — for example, Telegram
  • Owner — the name of the user who connected the channel

Connected channel settings

After connecting a channel, click on it in the Connected tab to open settings.
SettingValuesDescription
ActiveOn / OffEnables or disables the channel. A disabled channel remains in the list but the agent stops responding
FreeOn / OffMessages through this channel are not billed. Useful for testing
AI inline buttonsOn / OffThe agent can send quick-select buttons directly in the chat
Message bufferOn / OffThe agent waits a few seconds before responding so the customer can finish their thought
Buffer timeSlider (seconds)How many seconds to wait for new messages. Appears when the buffer is enabled
Channel type: PersonalBot communicates with the customer one-on-one
Channel type: GroupBot works in a group chat

Message buffer

The buffer is useful when customers send a single thought across multiple consecutive messages. Without the buffer, the agent will start responding after the first message without waiting for the rest.
1

Open channel settings

Click on the connected channel in the Connected tab.
2

Enable the buffer

Toggle on the Message buffer switch.
3

Set the wait time

Adjust the Buffer time — 3-5 seconds is recommended.
4

Save changes

Click Save.
Recommended buffer time is 3-5 seconds. This is enough for customers to finish their thought. More than 10 seconds is too long; less than 1 second has no effect.

How to connect a channel to an employee

1

Open the employee card

Go to AI Employees and select the desired agent.
2

Go to the Channel tab

In the Browse apps tab, find the desired platform and click on it.
3

Create or select a channel

In the side panel, choose Create (new connection) or Existing (previously created channel).
4

Fill in the details and connect

Enter the channel name, paste the token / API key, and click Connect.

How to transfer a channel between employees

  1. Disconnect the channel from the current agent.
  2. Open the desired agent and go to the Channel tab.
  3. Connect the channel through the Existing tab.

Important rules

Disabling a channel and disabling an employee are different actions. If you disable the channel, the system stops seeing incoming messages. If you disable the employee, messages keep coming in but the AI does not respond to them.
If you need to temporarily switch to manual responses by managers, disable the employee, not the channel. This way the conversation history is preserved.

FAQ

Yes, you can connect as many channels as you like. For example, one agent can simultaneously work in Telegram and amoCRM.
The schedule is configured at the agent level and applies to all of its channels simultaneously. If you need different schedules, create separate AI employees.
WhatsApp cannot be connected directly — use an aggregator. The simplest path: register with Wazzup or Umnico, connect WhatsApp there, then integrate the aggregator with AI Textura via API key.
Check three things: (1) agent status — it should be “Active”; (2) is at least one channel connected; (3) is the work schedule configured — the agent might currently be “off shift.”
No. Currently voice messages are only supported in Telegram. If you need IP telephony, contact support.
A Personal channel is a one-on-one conversation between the bot and the customer. A Group channel allows the bot to work in group chats. For most tasks, the Personal channel is recommended.