Tailchat

Self-Hosted

Open-source, extensible team chat platform for custom communication systems

Overview

Tailchat is a flexible, self-hosted team communication platform built for custom chat systems. It supports real-time messaging, file sharing, and rich media. Its modular architecture lets users extend functionality via plugins (e.g., polls, calendars, code snippets). Deployment is simplified with Docker Compose or Kubernetes, making it accessible for small teams to enterprises. It integrates with GitHub, GitLab, and LDAP, prioritizing data privacy through self-hosting and multi-tenancy for managing multiple teams.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  tailchat:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: tailchat
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Extensible plugin architecture for tailored workflows
Real-time messaging with rich media and file sharing
Simplified deployment via Docker/Kubernetes

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Tailchat hard to install?

Tailchat is easy to install using Docker Compose—most users can set it up with a single command. Official documentation provides step-by-step guides for Docker or Kubernetes deployment, making it accessible even for those with basic server knowledge.

? Is it a good alternative to Slack?

Yes—Tailchat offers core Slack-like features plus extensibility via plugins. It’s ideal for teams wanting self-hosted data control instead of SaaS reliance, though it may lack some of Slack’s niche enterprise integrations.

? Is Tailchat completely free?

Tailchat is 100% free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license. You can self-host it indefinitely, modify the code, or contribute to its development without any fees or restrictions.

Top Alternatives

Slack Compare

Microsoft Teams Compare

Discord Compare

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Custom Communication Systems

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Self-hosted (full control over sensitive data)
⊕ Modular design to add custom features via plugins
⊕ 100% free with no paid tiers or hidden costs

Cons

⊖ Requires server infrastructure for self-hosting
⊖ Technical expertise needed for advanced plugin development
⊖ Fewer pre-built enterprise integrations than Slack/Teams