> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://chatme.gitbook.io/chatme/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://chatme.gitbook.io/chatme/chatme-web-interface/groups-and-channels.md).

# Groups & Channels

Understand ChatMe functionality by using our web interface.

To create new group or channel click relevant icon in top-left corner. 

<figure><img src="https://272383918-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMDX44NNqtBur20016Wmc%2Fuploads%2FXQ3YcHHk80ana5fK5hXb%2Fgroup.gif?alt=media&amp;token=02d04757-1f12-4133-ab38-9606429e29f2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

New chat popup appear where you can provide a title, description, upload logo and chose one of  chat types (type can't be changed after creation):

* **Channel** - Used for broadcast messages to general public audience. No limit for participants, only you can write messages.\
  *Example: public news, announces, updates etc.*
* **Private chat** - Owner manage group members and all members can write messages. Participants amount limited by your Account Level. \
  *Example: When you create DAO, your contract can call our service to create internal chat for participants. Only DAO members can add new messages.*
* **Public chat** - Anyone can join and write new messages, owner can manage group members. Participants amount limited by your Account Level. \
  *Example: Add public comments into your article, NFT or service. Any NEAR account can join and add new messages.*

To create new group or channel you pay 0.25 NEAR to cover contract data storage. \
For Public/Private chat you can add members and edit this list later.

To avoid spam and cover smart-contract data storage we require small payments for public groups and channels:

* User join public group: 0.01 NEAR
* User join public channel: 0.0001 NEAR

You can work with chats & channels using our application interface or implement this functionality in your project, [read more](/chatme/dev-documentation/groups-and-channels.md) about manage chats and send chat messages integration.