# Tailchat — Self-Hosted Open-Source Team Communication Platform

> A plugin-extensible team chat platform with channels, groups, rich messages, and bot integration that you can self-host.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# Tailchat — Self-Hosted Team Communication Platform

## Quick Use
```bash
# Deploy with Docker Compose
git clone https://github.com/msgbyte/tailchat.git
cd tailchat/docker
docker compose up -d
# Access the web UI at http://localhost:11011
```

## Introduction
Tailchat is an open-source team communication platform that combines the channel-based model of Discord and Slack with a self-hosted, plugin-extensible architecture. It supports groups, channels, direct messages, file sharing, and integrations through a modular plugin system.

## What Tailchat Does
- Provides group-based channels for organized team conversations
- Supports direct messaging and multi-party private chats
- Delivers rich messages with Markdown, code blocks, mentions, and file attachments
- Extends functionality through a built-in plugin marketplace
- Offers bot and webhook APIs for third-party integrations

## Architecture Overview
Tailchat is built with React (frontend) and Node.js with the Moleculer microservices framework (backend). Real-time messaging uses Socket.IO over WebSockets. Data is stored in MongoDB with file storage via MinIO or S3-compatible backends. The microservice architecture allows individual services (gateway, chat, file, user) to scale independently.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Deploy via Docker Compose with MongoDB and MinIO included
- Configure SMTP for email verification and password resets
- Set environment variables for database connection, S3 storage, and secret keys
- Plugins are installed from the admin panel or via the plugin registry
- Supports horizontal scaling by running multiple service instances behind a load balancer

## Key Features
- Plugin architecture with 50+ official and community plugins
- Topic-based channels with threaded replies and pinned messages
- Integrated audio and video calls via plugin
- Rich text editor with Markdown, code highlighting, and emoji support
- Role-based access control with customizable permissions per group

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Rocket.Chat** — more mature with broader enterprise features but heavier resource requirements
- **Mattermost** — Slack alternative focused on enterprise; less plugin flexibility than Tailchat
- **Zulip** — topic-threading model; stronger for async discussion but different UX paradigm
- **Discord** — feature-rich but closed-source and cloud-only
- **Element (Matrix)** — decentralized federation but more complex to self-host

## FAQ
**Q:** What are the server requirements?
A: Minimum 1 CPU, 2 GB RAM, and 10 GB disk for small teams. MongoDB and MinIO add to the footprint.

**Q:** Can I migrate from Slack or Discord?
A: There is no built-in migration tool, but the API supports importing message history programmatically.

**Q:** Does Tailchat support federation?
A: Not currently. Each Tailchat instance is independent. You can connect instances via bot integrations.

**Q:** Is there a mobile app?
A: Yes. Tailchat provides a progressive web app (PWA) that works on mobile browsers, and native mobile apps are available.

## Sources
- https://github.com/msgbyte/tailchat
- https://tailchat.msgbyte.com

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-b1ec6f43
Author: Script Depot