How to Build Your Own Gather
Replace Gather with a custom build. Spatial video chat for remote teams
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 40 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
Real-time messaging and live updates
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 40 features
Customization(6 features)
Personalize avatars with custom designs, skins, and accessories.
Upload and control audio effects and ambience in spaces.
Add logos and custom themes to personalize spaces.
Design personalized office layouts with drag-and-drop tools and pre-built templates.
Import custom maps and designs from external design tools.
+1 more in this category
Engagement(5 features)
Express yourself with pre-set animations and emoji reactions.
Built-in social space with games and relaxation areas.
Create clickable objects and mini-games within spaces for engagement.
Play background music in spaces with synchronized audio for all participants.
Facilitate connections with profile cards and interest-based matching.
Awareness(3 features)
View recent actions and updates from your spaces and colleagues.
Visual representation of crowded areas within spaces.
See real-time status of who is online and their location in spaces.
Collaboration(3 features)
Spaces remain available 24/7 for asynchronous collaboration.
Share screens with spatial awareness, allowing multiple simultaneous shares.
Built-in whiteboarding tools for real-time brainstorming and ideation.
Communication(3 features)
Text messaging alongside video communication for seamless conversation.
Audio volume adjusts based on avatar distance, creating natural conversation dynamics.
High-quality peer-to-peer video communication with up to 100 concurrent participants.
Documentation(3 features)
Capture high-quality snapshots of spaces and participants.
Record meetings and spaces for asynchronous viewing and archival.
Access logs of past sessions with participant data and timestamps.
Organization(3 features)
Built-in registration system for managing attendees and capacity.
Schedule recurring or one-time gatherings with automatic reminders.
Create nested spaces for hierarchical organization.
Security(3 features)
Data protection and privacy controls for regulated environments.
Create password-protected or restricted-access rooms for sensitive conversations.
Single sign-on via SAML/OIDC for enterprise authentication.
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Gather
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 40 features at very easy complexity.