How to Build Your Own Chatlio
Replace Chatlio with a custom build. Live chat for Slack - Chat with visitors directly from Slack
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 25 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 25 features
Automation(4 features)
Automatically switches to offline mode with options to show email form or hide widget based on operator availability and operating hours
Pre-save common replies for quick responses to visitors
Check Slack user status approximately every 30 seconds to determine if operators are active
Set up automated messages and triggers for chat interactions
Configuration(4 features)
Use Chatlio embed code on multiple websites and domains
Support multiple independently configured widgets on the same site, each connected to different Slack channels for different teams
Set specific operating hours for when Chatlio is available
Use Chatlio on unlimited domains
Customization(4 features)
Style widgets to fit your brand with free CSS customization
Display operator Slack usernames and avatars in chat or use team avatar option
Remove 'Powered By Chatlio' branding from widget on higher plans
Fully white label the chat widget to match your brand
Customer Intelligence(3 features)
Store additional customer data using API calls to improve conversations and channel naming
Automatically displays customer's location, local time, browser and OS information, and current page they are chatting from
Query current visitor information using /chatlio info command in Slack
Integration(3 features)
Easily integrate chat widget to your website with embed code
Bi-directional integration with Slack allowing teams to chat with visitors directly from Slack channels without leaving the app
Access webhook feature for more control over transcript data and integrations
Data Management(2 features)
Store up to 200 messages in visitor's browser with chat history available after page reload and browser closure
Export conversation transcripts and send as email at any point during a conversation
Lead Management(2 features)
Qualify leads through chat interactions
Collect information from visitors before starting a chat
Collaboration(1 features)
Multiple teammates can help an individual site visitor simultaneously
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Chatlio
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 25 features at very easy complexity.