18 Software for Internal Communication Reviewed by Industry Experts
By Veronika Bucko
| 26. September 2024 |
Call Center, Communication
By V. BuckoVeronika Bucko
| 26 Sep 2024 |
Call Center, Communication
    By V. BuckoVeronika Bucko
    | 26 Sep 2024
    Call Center, Communication

    Maximize Your Team’s Potential: 18 Industry Experts Review Top Internal Communication Software in 2024

    In a world heavily influenced by automation and AI, efficient communication is the backbone of any successful organization.

    As a business leader, you certainly understand the impact of streamlined operations and cohesive team collaboration on everything from processual efficiency to revenue growth.

    Yes, even revenue. According to a recruitment agency wifitalents.com, companies using strong employee communication software enjoy 47% higher returns to shareholders over a five-year period. On the contrary, companies may lose over $60 million on average per year due to inadequate communication.

    Internal communication software has therefore become a game-changer, offering solutions to enhance communication, drive productivity, and boost overall business performance. 

    Just imagine a workplace where everyone is on the same page, decisions are made swiftly, and collaboration flows seamlessly. Internal communication software makes this possible by bridging the gaps between team members, departments, and even global offices. It fosters real-time collaboration, ensuring your team is aligned and working efficiently.

    To help you choose the right internal communication software for you, we collected unique insights from 17 industry experts on the best options in 2024.

    Let’s begin.

    Key takeaways:

    • Internal communication software is essential for managing organizational communication, enhancing efficiency, and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.
    • Effective use of these tools can streamline operations, foster real-time collaboration, support remote work, and improve employee engagement and knowledge management.
    • Integrating advanced internal communication software helps you centralize information, encourage innovation, and build a positive company culture, driving overall business success.
    • 17 industry experts review this year’s top international communication software, discussing their core functionalities, ideal use cases, features and best practices.

    Understand Internal Communication Software: What’s the Strategic Importance?

    Said simply, internal communication software is a tool that allows you to easily manage organizational communication, whether it is between team members or team members and their managers. 

    Think of instant messaging apps, video conferencing systems, collaborative project management platforms, and intranets. In 2024, these tools are crucial as you navigate remote work, hybrid models, and real-time, cohesive communication.

    The evolution of these tools has transformed them from basic messaging systems into comprehensive solutions with advanced features, various communication channels, and an ability to integrate with 3-party systems. 

    This integration gives you a more connected and agile workforce, helping you maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic business landscape. Actually, companies with effective internal communication are 3.5 times more likely to outperform competitors.

    Adopting advanced internal communication software offers numerous competitive advantages for your company:

    • Streamline Operations: Centralize communication to reduce redundancies, improve information flow, and accelerate decision-making processes.
    • Enhance Innovation: Use open communication channels to encourage idea-sharing and collaboration, driving innovation and creative problem-solving.
    • Improve Employee Morale: Build trust and positive company culture with transparent and efficient communication, leading to higher employee retention rates.

    How to Use Internal Communication Software?

    Internal communication software is more than just a means for your employees to chat and exchange information. Yes, it is an important one, but it also offers a space for better management, performance boosting, stronger feedback culture, and knowledge sharing. 

    Let’s take a look at all of them: 

    Enhance Team Collaboration

    Here’s how you can harness the power of internal communication software to boost overall team collaboration:

    • Instant Messaging: Use messaging features for quick, real-time communication, cutting down on the delays associated with emails. In fact, research suggests that employees consider instant messaging 47% more effective than email.
    • Collaborative Platforms: Leverage project management tools that allow multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, ensuring everyone is updated and contributing efficiently.

    Shared Calendars: Use shared calendars to schedule meetings, set deadlines, and track important milestones, ensuring that all team members are aligned and aware of key dates and events. This coordination helps to streamline workflow and avoid scheduling conflicts.

    Support Remote Work

    Ensuring smooth operations for remote teams can be challenging, but internal communication software makes it manageable. Here’s how you can leverage these tools to support remote work effectively:

    • Real-time Messaging: Since they are crucial for team collaboration, as we mentioned above, real-time messages are also vital for hassle-free remote working. Use instant messaging features to keep your remote team connected and engaged, providing a platform for quick, real-time communication that mimics the immediacy of an in-office environment.
    • Document Sharing: Take advantage of secure file sharing capabilities to ensure that all team members have access to the necessary documents, no matter where they are located. This keeps everyone on the same page and prevents information silos.
    • Virtual Collaboration: Utilize video conferencing and collaborative tools to maintain face-to-face interactions and collaborative efforts. Regular virtual meetings can help foster a sense of community and teamwork, which is crucial for remote employees to feel included and engaged.
    • Task Management: Implement task management features to track progress and assign responsibilities clearly, ensuring that all remote team members know their roles and deadlines. This helps maintain productivity and accountability.

    Boost Employee Engagement

    Companies that have internal communication tools in place are 4.5 times more likely to have engaged employees. That’s essential because 70% of employees don’t feel engaged in their workplace. 

    Here’s how internal communication platforms make this magic happens:

    • Personalized Communication: Segment your workforce and tailor messages to resonate with specific groups, making communication more relevant and engaging.
    • Feedback Channels: Implement feedback mechanisms such as surveys and polls to better understand employee needs and preferences. This data can guide your internal campaigns and initiatives.
    • Recognition Programs: Use platforms that allow for public recognition and appreciation of employee achievements, building a culture of acknowledgment and motivation.

    Improve Knowledge Management

    Streamlining knowledge management is crucial for any organization, and internal communication software can play a significant role. Here’s how you can use these tools to enhance knowledge management:

    • Centralized Information: Use the software to create a centralized repository where all important documents, resources, and information are stored. This makes it easy for employees to access the knowledge they need without wasting time searching across multiple platforms.
    • Document Collaboration: Leverage collaborative document editing features to allow multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. This ensures that updates and revisions are made in real-time, keeping information accurate and up-to-date.
    • Search Functionality: Implement advanced search capabilities within your internal communication software to help employees quickly find the information they need. This improves efficiency and ensures that valuable knowledge is easily accessible.
    • Knowledge Sharing: Foster a culture of knowledge sharing by using discussion boards, forums, and knowledge bases within the software. This encourages employees to share insights, best practices, and solutions, enhancing the overall knowledge pool of your organization.

    Top Internal Communication Software for 2024 According to Experts

    We asked 17 top industry professionals what internal communication software they use the most and what they like about it. Here is what we found out:

    Atakan Ak | Outreach Coordinator at Jotform

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    We use Jotform Apps as a way to store internal documents and work-related forms for easy access. Our workplace managers have created apps that everyone can take advantage of. We have HR documents that are e-signable when needed and a time-off request form that when submitted, sends a notification to the person in charge. Itand creates an approval flow so that everyone involved gets notified. We store important links and spreadsheets inside Jotform Apps because the app is accessible from any device and we are able to add it to our home screens easily.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    The fact that Jotform Apps is accessible from any device really helps a lot. If I leave my work computer at the office, I can still access my documents from my phone or tablet. Since every team has a dedicated app, colleagues who have access to them are able to quickly get the information they need just by finding the team’s app.

    Nick Brogden | Founder of Earned Media

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    Our team constantly uses Slack for the majority of our internal communications. Interestingly, things have changed quickly in the last couple of years.

    Before, we used Slack, Asana, and Zoom.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    With the new features that Slack has introduced recently, we’ve replaced Zoom with Slack Huddles.

    Slack just rolled out Slack Lists — which we’re testing now. There’s a high chance that we may stop using Asana and do all of our project management and comms through Slack.

    Mariana Oliveira | Marketing Manager at MeetGeek 

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    MeetGeek relies on Slack for over 90% of our internal communication. We maintain a primary workspace for our team, use “External Connections” to collaborate with stakeholders, and manage a separate workspace dedicated to engaging with our user community.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    Slack offers a variety of features that help us keep our communications organized and effective, like customizable notifications and the ability to structure channels’ sections to fit our needs. However, the real game-changers are the workflows and apps we integrate directly into our stack. For example, Notion keeps everyone updated with relevant information, and our own app helps us extract maximum value from the meetings we hold. These integrations ensure that our team stays aligned and informed at all times.

    Melissa Sepp | Growth Marketer at Paperform

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    As a remote team with members across the world, having transparent online communication is really important, mainly for avoiding misunderstanding and getting things done efficiently. We use Slack for all our daily discussions, Google Meets for our meetings, and Notion for all written documents, drafts, overviews etc.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    Slack is amazing for keeping all important discussions in one place. The discussions are easily searchable and visible to the entire team. Being able to keep them in their respective channels is especially beneficial to efficiently find them later on. At Paperform, we also love Notion for its incredible organization capabilities. Each team has their own board to track projects and it keeps everyone up-to-date with the other team’s work.

    Barbara Derkowska-Podhajska | Marketing Director, Survicate

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    At Survicate, we use tools like Slack and Notion for internal communication and collaboration. 

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    Slack is my personal favorite. When I work remotely, it helps me stay up to date with what’s happening in other teams, what’s the status of our projects, and how the business is doing in general. I try to connect it with every other software I use. Be it for customer feedback or brand reputation – I get notified of every new insight directly on Slack. It’s convenient, fast, and helps me quickly catch relevant news, even before I log in to other platforms.

    Anna Zubkova | Outreach Team Lead at Sender.net

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    Our marketing team heavily relies on ClickUp for internal communication. We use it to manage projects, organize tasks, and keep everyone in the loop. Long gone are the days when you had to do it in a spreadsheet.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    The best part about ClickUp is that it keeps all our communication and project management in one place. We assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress easily. We use the comment section and @mentions to talk to each other in real time, which keeps everyone on the same page. We also use the “Sprints” feature to break down large projects into manageable chunks and track our progress toward specific goals. And with its AI assistant, ClickUp keeps getting more powerful – we’re still exploring all it can do.

    Cecilia Airaghi | Head of Content at Breadcrumbs

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    We use Slack for instant messaging, Asana for task management, and Notion for internal documentation. We also use Fellows for note-taking and meeting agendas.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    My favorite Slack feature is the ability to schedule messages so my colleagues overseas won’t be notified during the night! Asana is easy to use and highly customizable. With Notion, you can basically do whatever you want. Fellows is the one I couldn’t live without, as it’s my companion for calls; I have all my notes and essential tasks there. It also perfectly integrates with Asana.

    Anastasiia Matvieieva | Marketing Manager at Chanty

    Can you briefly describe the core functionality of your software? 

    Chanty is a collaboration platform designed to improve productivity through online communication, task management and video conferencing.

    Even a free plan has unlimited messaging. That’s a perfect feature for remote teams. Furthermore, Shanty offers one-on-one video calls as well as group video conferences with screen sharing. 

    One of the handiest features in Chanty is the built-in task manager that turns any message into an assignment. If you are tired of switching between the tabs at work, you can connect any app and turn your team chat into a single notification center. 

    Top Features

    • Built-in Task Manager with the Kanban board
    • Audio and video calls let you reach out to the whole team or individual team members
    • Chanty’s Teambook is a single hub for tasks, conversations, and pinned messages
    • Voice messages let you send instant replies 
    • With pinned messages, you can always easily get back to the selected messages

    What is the main problem your internal communication software is designed to solve?

    Chanty is great for teams located in different time zones. It’s perfect for both synchronous and asynchronous communication, helping users to stay connected and synced. Instant messaging feature helps reach team members anytime, even on the go.

    Who is your ideal customer? Describe the types of businesses or roles that would benefit most from the tool.

    Chanty, the communication platform, is great for companies of all sizes. This communication platform fits all industries, including IT, marketing, HR teams, retail business, realtors, online coaches, and more.

    Eugene Suslov | Head of Content at Reply.io

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    At Reply.io, we mostly use Slack to keep in touch. It’s our go-to for everything from quick updates to deep discussions. We’ve got personal and group chats flying around all day, and the huddle feature is perfect for those spontaneous “can you jump on a call?” moments.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    What we love most about Slack is how it simplifies communication and collaboration. The personal and group chats are super convenient, and the huddle feature is a lifesaver for quick calls. But the real game-changer is its integration with Notion & Google Workspace for project and document management – it’s like peanut butter and jelly, but for productivity!

    Maria Vasserman | Content Marketing Manager at Canny

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    Team Canny is all remote, so internal communication is vital. We use a number of tools:

    • Slack for day-to-day communications
    • We jump on huddles when we want to discuss something further
    • We also have separate Slack channels with customers
    • Zoom for video calls
    • ClickUp for project management and also specifics around each project
    • Missive threads to give each other feedback on emails
    • Canny internal comments to discuss and clarify feature requests from users

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    We love that each tool gives us space to discuss specifics without leaving the app. If we had to copy-paste emails to Slack for example, that would take lots of extra time. We’re a fast-moving startup, efficiency is key.

    All these tools let us lead productive conversations around each project/task/issue.

    Sanskar Jaiswal | Associate Manager at Plumhq.com 

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    In our organization, we use Slack to communicate with each other.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    Here are some of the reasons why we love Slack:

    Channel Organization: We create specific channels for projects, teams, or topics, keeping communication clear and focused.

    • Integration: Slack connects smoothly with Google Drive, Zapier and other CRM tools we are using. It helps us streamline our workflow.
    • Ease of Use: Its user-friendly interface ensures efficient communication for everyone. It’s like Whatsapp messaging for official work.
    • Search Functionality: The powerful search helps us quickly find past conversations, files, or messages.

    Custom Notifications: We tailor alerts to stay informed without being overwhelmed.

    Klaudia Pham | Outreach Specialist at Storydoc

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    At Storydoc, we use Slack as our primary way of communication. We of course have team channels, a general company channel and an ‘updates’ channel. Slack is also great for short and quick calls that don’t need to be scheduled on Zoom or Google Meets, which makes it rather convenient. 

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    Creation of relevant channels and ‘Huddles’. Not all calls have to be scheduled meetings and sometimes only a minute or two are needed for a quick sync, which makes Huddles so convenient to use, especially considering the fact that we are a fully remote company.

    The user interface is friendly, and we are able to create group chats or whole separate channels when needed. Additionally, we are able to retain our lighthearted culture through the workplace-friendly and silly emojis that we can customize.

    Tatevik Iskajyan | SEO Manager at Powerdmarc.com

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    Our team primarily uses Discord for internal communication.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    Discord has quickly become our go-to platform. It’s fast, reliable, and offers a seamless way to stay connected. It doesn’t delete messages, so we can go back and find important conversations or details whenever needed. The ability to create different channels for specific projects or topics helps keep our discussions organized, and the easy-to-use voice and video chat options are great for quick meetings. Plus, with Discord’s intuitive interface, everyone on our team finds it easy to navigate and use.

    Vladislav Karotki | SEO Marketing Specialist at Synder.com

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    In our day-to-day operations, we rely heavily on Slack as our primary internal communication software. This platform has become the backbone of our team’s communication, providing a seamless way to stay connected, whether we’re collaborating on projects, sharing updates, or simply staying in touch across different time zones. With its intuitive interface and versatile features, Slack has proven to be an indispensable tool for our team. It helps us maintain smooth and efficient communication, no matter where we are working from.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    The features we find most beneficial include the ability to create unlimited channels and groups, which helps us keep conversations organized by project or topic. Additionally, Slack’s Huddle feature, which allows for quick audio and video calls, is invaluable for spontaneous discussions and real-time problem-solving. These tools make our communication efficient and keep our team connected and aligned on tasks.

    Tomaš Prochazka | Content Marketing Manager at Usersnap

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    Our team relies heavily on Slack for internal communication. Its real-time messaging and organized channels make collaboration smooth and efficient. We love how topic-specific channels keep conversations focused, while direct messaging allows for quick, private chats. One standout feature is the integration with tools like Google Drive, Trello, and Zoom, which centralizes our workflow. The search function is also incredibly handy for finding past conversations and important documents. All these features together foster a collaborative environment and boost our productivity.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    What we find most beneficial about Slack are its user-friendly interface, customizable notifications, and file-sharing capabilities. The easy-to-navigate interface ensures new team members get up to speed quickly. Customizable notifications help us manage message overload, letting us prioritize important communications. Sharing files is a breeze, which cuts down on email clutter. Plus, the platform supports video and voice calls, making remote meetings a lot easier. These features help us communicate effectively and stay productive.

    Yuval Yaary | Head of Content Marketing at Madgicx

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    At Madgicx, Slack is the internal communication tool we rely on the most, and it’s by far our favorite. Its features make collaboration seamless and efficient.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    What stands out about Slack is the ability to create channels dedicated to specific topics and projects, which helps keep discussions organized and easy to follow. The search functionality is incredibly valuable for finding past conversations and files, and the “message yourself” feature is a personal favorite—I use it regularly for writing down memos and reminders. Slack also facilitates communication with external partners through easy invitations, making cross-team collaboration straightforward.

    Oleksandra Shubovych | Outreach Specialist at GrowthMate

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    At GrowthMate, we value both quick communication and personal comfort. That’s why we’ve chosen Slack as our primary tool. Slack allows us to communicate efficiently while catering to our individual preferences. Each team member has their own space within Slack, making it easy to organize tasks and messages according to their work style. This setup helps us stay organized and responsive. Overall, Slack supports our company’s needs and enhances our productivity.

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    We find several features of Slack particularly beneficial. First, threaded replies help keep conversations organized and ensure that related messages are easily accessible. The reminders for any messages are useful for keeping track of important tasks and follow-ups. Additionally, the ‘later’ feature allows to defer messages to a more convenient time, helping to manage workload effectively. Another standout aspect is the ability to integrate Slack bots with essential software used by our team, which streamlines our workflows and enhances overall productivity.

    Farah Ahmed | Content Marketing Strategist, ZillionDesigns

    Which internal communication software does your team utilize most frequently?

    For internal communication, we rely a lot on Slack. It’s our go-to platform for coordinating campaigns, sharing creative assets, and providing quick feedback. Channels help us segment discussions by various projects or campaigns, while direct messaging is perfect for quick, one-on-one updates. Slack’s real-time collaboration capabilities boost our productivity and keep everyone aligned. The platform has a reminder feature to keep track of deadlines and follow-ups—it’s a game-changer for managing multiple campaigns simultaneously!

    What features or aspects of this software do you find most beneficial?

    The most beneficial features of Slack are its channel organization and integration capabilities. Channels help us keep discussions focused and relevant, while integrations with tools like Google Drive and Trello streamline our workflow. Slack’s search functionality makes it easy to find past conversations and files, and the ability to set notifications ensures we stay informed without being overwhelmed. The platform’s user-friendly interface and real-time communication features enhance collaboration and keep our projects on track.

    You May Be Losing 2.8 Hours a Day on Inadequate Communication

    At least that’s what another research shows. There must be something to it, though, since there’s still much more. Another research suggests that 92% of employees believe having the right technology at work makes them more productive. What’s more, organizations that use communication technologies see a 20-25% increase in overall productivity.

    Thus, adopting internal communication software in 2024 is a strategic move that can transform your business. By centralizing communication, fostering collaboration, supporting remote work, boosting employee engagement, and enhancing knowledge management, these tools are essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business environment. 

    There is only one trick in all this  – you must choose the right one for you. 

    We sincerely believe that CloudTalk may be your best pick!

    Discover your perfect solution in a free demo and take your business communication to the next level.

    FAQ Section

    What is internal communication software?

    Internal communication software is a digital platform designed to facilitate communication within an organization. These tools encompass a variety of features such as instant messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and collaborative project management. The primary goal of internal communication software is to ensure seamless and efficient communication among team members, departments, and across global offices, fostering a more connected and productive work environment.

    How to Use Internal Communication Software?

    To maximize the benefits of internal communication software, leverage real-time messaging for quick updates, use collaborative platforms for simultaneous document editing, and implement shared calendars to coordinate schedules. For remote teams, utilize video conferencing and document sharing to maintain connectivity. Boost engagement with personalized communication and feedback tools, and centralize information to enhance knowledge management and accessibility.

    How does internal communication software improve team collaboration?

    Internal communication software enhances team collaboration by providing real-time communication tools that reduce delays and improve information flow. Features like instant messaging allow for quick, on-the-spot communication, while collaborative platforms enable multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, ensuring everyone is updated and can contribute efficiently. Video conferencing helps maintain face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for remote teams to feel connected and engaged. Overall, these tools streamline processes, improve workflow, and significantly boost team productivity.

    What are the key features to look for in internal communication software?

    When choosing internal communication software, look for the following essential features:
    Messaging: Real-time instant messaging to facilitate quick and easy communication.
    File Sharing: Secure and efficient file sharing capabilities to enable easy access to important documents.
    Video Conferencing: High-quality video conferencing for virtual face-to-face meetings.
    Integration Capabilities: Ability to integrate with other tools and platforms your organization uses, such as project management software, CRM systems, and email.
    Collaborative Tools: Features like shared calendars, task management, and collaborative document editing to support teamwork.
    Security: Robust security measures to protect sensitive company information.

    What is the difference between internal communication software and project management software?

    While both internal communication software and project management software are essential for business operations, they serve distinct functions:
    Internal Communication Software: Primarily focuses on enabling seamless communication and collaboration within the organization. It includes tools for messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing to facilitate real-time interactions and information flow.
    Project Management Software: Designed to plan, organize, and manage project resources and develop resource estimates. It helps in tracking project progress, assigning tasks, and managing deadlines.
    Using both internal communication software and project management software together can significantly enhance your team’s efficiency. While project management software helps you plan and manage tasks and resources, internal communication software ensures that communication is clear and immediate, allowing team members to collaborate effectively on project tasks. This combination enables not only efficient project management but also fosters a collaborative environment that enhances overall productivity and success.