Updated: January 2026
Message Types & Capabilities
Chat
Chat
A messaging feature inside AOK that supports real-time conversation. Available to all app users.
Who can use it:
App users only. Chats are not delivered to SMS-only users.
Users must be logged in to the app on mobile or web browser
Can message anyone in the command privately
What it can do:
Send messages to one or more users in a chat
Reply and interact in chat threads
See message history
Mustr (Broadcast, Status Check, RFI, Direct Messages)
Mustr (Broadcast, Status Check, RFI, Direct Messages)
Structured messages used to broadcast announcements, run status checks, or request information from teams.
Who can use it:
Org Leaders can send Mustr Messages to any team, even if they are not assigned to that team.
Team Leaders can send Mustr Messages to their own teams.
Recipients can be app users or SMS only users.
What it can do:
Send announcements, status checks, or information requests at scale
Collect responses from both app and SMS only users
Responses are captured individually and organized into buckets rather than a threaded conversation
Senders can forward responses or start a DM based on a submitted response
Direct Message
One on one or small group private messages with anyone in the command.
Who can use it:
App users can send and receive DMs
SMS users can receive DMs as read only, they cannot reply via SMS
SMS users may reply if they register on the app and become an app user
SMS users will not be able to see DM threads, only the initial DM message
What it can do:
Send private messages between individuals outside of teams.
How to Choose a Message Type
Need a private live two way conversation inside the app? Use Chats.
Messaging individual users but not all are app users? Use DMs (keep in mind SMS users can only read, not respond)
Sending alerts, notifications, or a quick inquiry? Use Mustr (Broadcast, RFI, or send a Status Check)
Examples of When to Use Each
Situation | Best Message Type |
Real time conversation | Chat (only available to app users) |
Private message to a command member | Direct Messages (DMs) |
Need to send a notification or request information from an SMS-only user or app user | Mustr (Broadcast, Status Check or RFI) |
Best Practices
Always check if the recipient is an SMS-only user before sending chat messages, as they won’t receive those.
Use DMs when you want to send a message to someone individually and not a team
Have questions?
Contact us
By Phone: 623 - 323 - 9502
By Email: support@adyton.io