# Build a Mattermost AI Bot with DeepSeek

Source: https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/mattermost

Step-by-step guide to running a DeepSeek-powered AI bot on Mattermost with LangBot: model setup, bot credentials, networking, testing and troubleshooting.

This recipe puts a DeepSeek model behind a Mattermost bot. LangBot receives messages from Mattermost, runs them through a pipeline, and sends the answer back, so you do not write any platform code.

Use DeepSeek models directly with LangBot's built-in Agent: no separate agent platform needed, with optional knowledge bases, MCP tools and Skills.

## What you need

- A running LangBot instance: [LangBot Cloud](https://space.langbot.app/cloud) (no server needed) or a [self-hosted deployment](https://langbot.app/docs/en/deploy/langbot/docker.md) with Docker or `uvx langbot`.
- A DeepSeek account or server you can call from LangBot.
- A Mattermost **bot account** (role `Member`) and its access token, plus your Mattermost server URL.

## Networking

LangBot only needs to reach your Mattermost server; Mattermost does not need to reach LangBot.

## 1. Add the DeepSeek model

1. Create an API key in the DeepSeek console.
2. In LangBot, open **Models**, add an LLM model with the provider set to DeepSeek and request URL `https://api.deepseek.com`, then paste the API key and the model ID.
3. Enable **Tool Use** if the model supports function calling; MCP tools, Skills and the sandbox need it.
4. Typical model IDs are `deepseek-chat` and `deepseek-reasoner`; check DeepSeek's documentation for the current list.

## 2. Create a pipeline

Open **Pipelines** in the LangBot WebUI, create a pipeline (or edit the default one) and set **AI** as follows.

| Field           | Value                                                                  |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Runner          | **Local Agent** (built-in Agent)                                       |
| Model           | The model you just added. You can add fallback models.                 |
| Prompt          | Instructions: who the bot is, tone, what it must not do.               |
| Knowledge Bases | Optional. Attach a knowledge base so answers come from your documents. |

## 3. Create the Mattermost bot

1. Create the bot account in Mattermost (choose `post:all` for direct messages) and copy its token; it is shown only once.
2. Create a bot with the **Mattermost** adapter, enter the server address and token, and bind a pipeline.

## 4. Bind and test

Open the bot, select the pipeline you created, save and make sure the bot is enabled.

Send the bot a direct message, or mention it in a channel it has joined.

## Troubleshooting

- 401 errors: the API key is wrong or has no balance in the DeepSeek console.
- Administrator-related features are not supported; keep the bot role as `Member`.
- Disable streaming on the bot if your pipeline or AI provider does not support it.
- Check **Monitoring** in the WebUI: every message, pipeline run and error is recorded there.

## FAQ

### Do I need a server with a public IP for Mattermost?

No. LangBot only needs to reach your Mattermost server; Mattermost does not need to reach LangBot.

### Does the Mattermost bot support streaming replies?

Yes. Enable streaming on the bot; the AI back end must also stream. See the [platform feature matrix](https://langbot.app/docs/en/insight/platform-features.md) for details.

### Can the same DeepSeek setup serve other platforms too?

Yes. A pipeline can be bound to many bots, so one configuration can answer on several platforms at once.

## Related guides

- [Full Mattermost setup guide](https://langbot.app/docs/en/usage/platforms/mattermost.md)
- [Model configuration](https://langbot.app/docs/en/usage/models/readme.md)
- Other AI back ends on Mattermost: [Dify](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/dify/mattermost.md) · [n8n](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/n8n/mattermost.md) · [Coze](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/coze/mattermost.md) · [Langflow](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/langflow/mattermost.md) · [OpenAI (ChatGPT models)](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/openai/mattermost.md)
- DeepSeek on other platforms: [Telegram](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/telegram.md) · [Discord](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/discord.md) · [Slack](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/slack.md) · [Lark (Feishu)](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/lark.md) · [DingTalk](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/dingtalk.md) · [WeCom (internal app)](https://langbot.app/docs/en/recipes/deepseek/wecom.md)