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Prerequisites

A website with the Chatbase embed script already installed and working. New to Chatbase? Check out Your First Agent to get started with the embed script first.

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Setting Up Floating Initial Messages

This feature takes the initial messages you’ve configured in your Chatbase dashboard and displays them in an attention-grabbing floating format to welcome visitors and encourage interaction.

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Configuration

Set up floating initial messages using the JavaScript configuration object: 
window.chatbaseConfig = {
  showFloatingInitialMessages: true,  // Enable floating messages
  floatingInitialMessagesDelay: 2     // Show after 2 seconds
};

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Configuration Reference

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chatbaseConfig Properties

Configure floating initial messages using these parameters in your chatbaseConfig object:
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showFloatingInitialMessages
boolean
default:"false"
Controls whether initial messages appear in a floating window above the chat widgetRequirements:
  • Must be set before the Chatbase script loads
  • Displays the initial messages configured in your Chatbase dashboard as floating bubbles
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floatingInitialMessagesDelay
number
default:"2"
Delay in seconds before displaying floating initial messagesRequirements:
  • Minimum value: 0 (immediate display)
  • Maximum recommended: 10 seconds
Floating initial messages are displayed only once per user session to maintain a non-intrusive experience. They won’t reappear if users refresh the page or navigate to other pages during the same session.

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Best Practices

Optimize when floating messages appear
  • User attention span: Show messages within 2-4 seconds for best engagement
  • Page context: Use longer delays on content-heavy pages, shorter on simple pages
  • Mobile considerations: Account for slower loading on mobile devices
Create effective floating experiences
  • Keep messages concise: Floating messages should be brief and attention-grabbing
  • Maintain brand voice: Ensure floating messages match your overall messaging tone
  • Test across devices: Verify messages display well on different screen sizes
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