Snikket is a decentralised, privacy-first messaging platform built on the XMPP protocol that lets you run your own private chat server. Built using the Prosody XMPP server, it combines a polished set of mobile and desktop clients with a simple, easy-to-operate self-hosted or hosted service.
Key Features
Easy self-hosting — Install via Docker on a VPS or a Raspberry Pi and get a full messaging service running quickly.
Invite-based sign-up — Share invitation links so friends and family join without needing to understand XMPP servers.
End-to-end encrypted calling — Text, voice, and video calls with modern encryption.
Multi-device support — Run one account on several devices; the server reliably delivers messages between them.
Federated network — Snikket instances interoperate with other Snikket servers and XMPP-compatible services.
Polished official apps — Android app built on Conversations, iOS app built on Siskin IM by Tigase.
No ads or trackers — Funded by donations and paid accounts rather than advertising.
Why Use Snikket?
It removes the friction that usually kills self-hosted messaging: instead of configuring a raw XMPP server, you get an all-in-one Dockerised solution with web admin, invite management, and polished clients — making private messaging on infrastructure you own genuinely usable by non-technical groups.
Use Cases
Family or small-group private messenger on your own VPS
An affordable at-home encrypted service on a Raspberry Pi
A decentralised alternative to WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal for your community
Platform
Server: Linux 64-bit / ARM64 via Docker · Clients: Android, iOS, and any XMPP client
Licence
Open source — Apache-2.0 (snikket-server), built on GPL Prosody and open-source clients.