> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getsoundcloud.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Message someone in chats

> Direct messages, groups and Saved. The dock, requests and notifications

> [!NOTE]
>
> Messages are encrypted on the way, on the server and on this computer. Music and your SoundCloud sign-in do not depend on chats.

> [tab] Direct chat
>
> **1. Left menu -> Chats**
>
> Press **New chat**.
>
> **2. Find the person**
>
> Type a name in **Find a person** or pick from **Following**.
>
> **3. Press Message**
>
> The chat opens. Write the first message.

> [tab] Group
>
> **1. New chat**
>
> Pick several people.
>
> **2. Name**
>
> Type it in **Group name**.
>
> **3. Create**
>
> Press **Create group**. Later, in **Info**, you can **Add members** or copy the **Invite link**.

> [tab] Saved
>
> A chat with yourself: **Saved** at the top of the list. Keep notes and tracks there.

A person's profile: click their avatar or name above a message, or **Profile** in the message menu. In a direct chat **Profile** is in the menu at the top right.

> [accordion] Who can message me, requests
>
> With **People I follow** (the default) a first message from a stranger lands in **Requests**: **Accept**, **Decline**, **Block** or **Report**.
>
> Change the rule: **Settings -> Chats -> Who can message me**.
>
> | Choice | What happens |
> | - | - |
> | **Everyone** | Messages arrive right away |
> | **People I follow** | Everyone else goes to **Requests** |
> | **Nobody** | Only you start new chats |
>
> Undo a block: **Settings -> Chats -> Blocked -> Unblock**.

> [accordion] The dock: chat next to your music
>
> Press **Alt+C** to open or hide the dock. Or right-click a chat -> **Open in dock**. Drag the dock edge to change its width. **Open as page** expands the chat.
>
> Another shortcut: **Settings -> Chats -> Chat dock -> Show or hide**. **Reset** brings **Alt+C** back.

> [accordion] Notifications
>
> **Settings -> Chats -> Notifications**.
>
> | Setting | What it does |
> | - | - |
> | **What to show** | **Text**, **Name only** or **Nothing** |
> | **Name only while live** | Name only while OBS is streaming |
> | **Sound** | The notification sound |
>
> Mute one chat: right-click -> **Mute for an hour**, **for 8 hours** or **forever**.

> [accordion] What others see
>
> **Settings -> Chats -> Visibility**: **Show what I'm listening to** (only contacts see it), **Read receipts**, **Show when I'm typing**.

> [accordion] Send a track, playlist or room
>
> Press **Send** on a track, playlist or profile and pick chats. The track plays right in the chat, with **Add to queue** and **Listen together**.

> [accordion] Disappearing messages
>
> In the chat header press **Disappearing messages** and pick **1 hour**, **1 day** or **1 week**. **Off** turns it off.

> [accordion] Rules and reports
>
> Not allowed: spam and ads, threats and harassment, someone's private data, illegal content.
>
> * Breaking a rule: the message is deleted.
> * Again within 30 days: chat ban for 7 days.
> * Illegal content: permanent chat ban.
>
> Music, rooms and your account stay. To report, press **Report** on a message or a person. Only those messages and a little context go to automatic moderation.

> [card] [Public chat](https://docs.getsoundcloud.app/en/chat/public.md)
>
> One chat for everyone

> [card] [Chat backdrop](https://docs.getsoundcloud.app/en/chat/backdrops.md)
>
> A live backdrop or your own photo

> [card] [Chat in a room](https://docs.getsoundcloud.app/en/chat/rooms.md)
>
> Backdrop and cover

> [card] [Chats don't work](https://docs.getsoundcloud.app/en/chat/fix.md)
>
> By symptom


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