Issue with Slack Link Formatting: Links Expanding Despite Wrapping

Zain M. · 2025-12-11T12:15:21.674Z

Anyone know why slack links are still expanding even when wrapped around a word using ?

Issue with Slack Link Formatting: Links Expanding Despite Wrapping | Clay

13 comments

· Sorted by Oldest

Clay Support
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The angle bracket syntax <URL|text> should prevent link expansion in Slack. If it's still expanding, try these troubleshooting steps:
• Double-check your syntax: <https://linkedin.com/company/waresix|Read more>
• Ensure there are no extra spaces around the pipe | character
• Make sure you're using the full URL including https://
If the link continues to expand despite correct formatting, this might be a Slack-specific behavior that overrides the custom text formatting in certain cases. [1]
Clay Support
APP
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Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
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If you still need help with preventing Slack link expansions, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to resolve or understand?
Zain M.
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syntax is correct, definitely no spaces and url is full - still expanding in some cases we figured it's because of the https://
Zain M.
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e.g., https://google.com expands
Zain M.
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but google.com doesn't
Clay Support
APP
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You're right—this is a Slack behavior where HTTPS URLs trigger automatic expansion even with proper angle bracket syntax. The protocol (https://) makes Slack treat it as a "rich" link that overrides custom formatting. [1]
Your workaround is correct: using http:// instead of https:// prevents the expansion while still creating clickable links. This is a Slack limitation, not a Clay formatting issue. [2]
Clay Support
APP
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Did that answer your question?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you need any more help with Slack link expansions or anything else, please let me know. Would you like to share more about what you’re trying to achieve or any other issues you’re facing?
Zain M.
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yes would be cool to add this to clay slack docs
Clay Support
APP
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Great suggestion! The current Slack docs show the basic angle bracket syntax for custom link text, but don't mention the HTTPS expansion behavior you discovered. [1]
Your finding that https:// URLs expand despite proper formatting while http:// URLs don't is valuable for other users facing the same issue.
I can't update the docs directly, but you could suggest this addition to our team by asking to speak with a human who can pass along your feedback to our documentation team.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help with Slack link expansions or want to discuss your suggestion further, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to resolve or understand?

Clay Support
APP
·
·
The angle bracket syntax <URL|text> should prevent link expansion in Slack. If it's still expanding, try these troubleshooting steps:
• Double-check your syntax: <https://linkedin.com/company/waresix|Read more>
• Ensure there are no extra spaces around the pipe | character
• Make sure you're using the full URL including https://
If the link continues to expand despite correct formatting, this might be a Slack-specific behavior that overrides the custom text formatting in certain cases. [1]
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help with preventing Slack link expansions, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to resolve or understand?
Zain M.
·
·
syntax is correct, definitely no spaces and url is full - still expanding in some cases we figured it's because of the https://
Zain M.
·
·
e.g., https://google.com expands
Zain M.
·
·
but google.com doesn't
Clay Support
APP
·
·
You're right—this is a Slack behavior where HTTPS URLs trigger automatic expansion even with proper angle bracket syntax. The protocol (https://) makes Slack treat it as a "rich" link that overrides custom formatting. [1]
Your workaround is correct: using http:// instead of https:// prevents the expansion while still creating clickable links. This is a Slack limitation, not a Clay formatting issue. [2]
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Did that answer your question?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you need any more help with Slack link expansions or anything else, please let me know. Would you like to share more about what you’re trying to achieve or any other issues you’re facing?
Zain M.
·
·
yes would be cool to add this to clay slack docs
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Great suggestion! The current Slack docs show the basic angle bracket syntax for custom link text, but don't mention the HTTPS expansion behavior you discovered. [1]
Your finding that https:// URLs expand despite proper formatting while http:// URLs don't is valuable for other users facing the same issue.
I can't update the docs directly, but you could suggest this addition to our team by asking to speak with a human who can pass along your feedback to our documentation team.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you still need help with Slack link expansions or want to discuss your suggestion further, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to resolve or understand?