Replacement Guide

How to Build Your Own Gather

Replace Gather with a custom build. Spatial video chat for remote teams

Weekend Project
40 features28 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 40 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.

1
Setup & scaffolding
2 hours
2
Core features
4-6 hours
3
Polish & deploy
2 hours

Recommended Tech Stack

Next.js 14

Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components

Supabase

PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling for rapid UI development

Pusher / WebSockets

Real-time messaging and live updates

Key Features to Replicate

Top features across 8 categories. See all 40 features

Customization(6 features)

Avatar Customization

Personalize avatars with custom designs, skins, and accessories.

Custom AudioPremium

Upload and control audio effects and ambience in spaces.

Custom BrandingPremium

Add logos and custom themes to personalize spaces.

Custom Map Builder

Design personalized office layouts with drag-and-drop tools and pre-built templates.

Map ImportPremium

Import custom maps and designs from external design tools.

+1 more in this category

Engagement(5 features)

Emotes and Reactions

Express yourself with pre-set animations and emoji reactions.

Forest

Built-in social space with games and relaxation areas.

Interactive ObjectsPremium

Create clickable objects and mini-games within spaces for engagement.

JukeboxPremium

Play background music in spaces with synchronized audio for all participants.

Networking FeaturesAIPremium

Facilitate connections with profile cards and interest-based matching.

Awareness(3 features)

Activity Feed

View recent actions and updates from your spaces and colleagues.

Crowd AwarenessAI

Visual representation of crowded areas within spaces.

Presence Indicators

See real-time status of who is online and their location in spaces.

Collaboration(3 features)

Persistent Spaces

Spaces remain available 24/7 for asynchronous collaboration.

Screen Sharing

Share screens with spatial awareness, allowing multiple simultaneous shares.

Whiteboards

Built-in whiteboarding tools for real-time brainstorming and ideation.

Communication(3 features)

Chat

Text messaging alongside video communication for seamless conversation.

Spatial Audio

Audio volume adjusts based on avatar distance, creating natural conversation dynamics.

Video Chat

High-quality peer-to-peer video communication with up to 100 concurrent participants.

Documentation(3 features)

Photo Mode

Capture high-quality snapshots of spaces and participants.

RecordingPremium

Record meetings and spaces for asynchronous viewing and archival.

Session HistoryPremium

Access logs of past sessions with participant data and timestamps.

Organization(3 features)

Event RegistrationPremium

Built-in registration system for managing attendees and capacity.

Room Scheduling

Schedule recurring or one-time gatherings with automatic reminders.

Rooms within RoomsPremium

Create nested spaces for hierarchical organization.

Security(3 features)

GDPR CompliancePremium

Data protection and privacy controls for regulated environments.

Private SpacesPremium

Create password-protected or restricted-access rooms for sensitive conversations.

SSO IntegrationPremium

Single sign-on via SAML/OIDC for enterprise authentication.

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying Gather

Monthly$8/mo
Yearly$96/yr
5-Year Total$480

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~3 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 Year
SaaS
$96
DIY
$240
3 Years
SaaS
$288
DIY
$720
5 Years
SaaS
$480
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 40 features at very easy complexity.

Ready to Build?