# Slackbot-LinkExpanding

Operator: Slack
Purpose: Link previews
Reviewed: 2026-09-14
HTTP identifier: Slackbot-LinkExpanding
robots.txt token: Slackbot-LinkExpanding

## What is Slackbot-LinkExpanding?

Retrieves shared links to build previews in Slack.

## How to identify it

Look for the Slackbot-LinkExpanding identifier in a request’s User-Agent. This is a name match, not identity verification. Version strings may change.

## How to check identity

Identity remains unverified from a User-Agent alone. Consult the operator before granting privileged access.

## Access and robots.txt

Slack documents that this user-requested preview bot does not honor robots.txt.

## What it means in your analytics

A preview can indicate that someone shared a URL, but caching means requests are not a count of people, messages or clicks.

## Useful measures

Preview fetch success; Metadata availability; Image fetch success.

## What to check next

Check public preview metadata and its image. If access requires login, decide what safe public summary you want a shared link to display.

## Sources

- [api.slack.com](https://api.slack.com/robots)

Operator facts are source-backed; interpretation and actions are Apostl guidance.

## Related profiles

- [ChatGPT-User](https://apostl.dev/bots/chatgpt-user)
- [UptimeRobot](https://apostl.dev/bots/uptimerobot)

[Start measuring agent traffic](https://apostl.dev/start/agent-analytics)