Self-Host Your Community Platform
Platforms like Discord store all messages without end-to-end encryption on US servers. Terms of service can change at any time. Since 2026, Discord is rolling out age verification via facial scan or government ID. The alternative: Your own platform with text and voice channels on your server in Germany. Same functionality, full control, no third party.
Why your own community platform?
Gaming Communities
Servers with text and voice channels, organized by games, clans or topics. Roles control who can see and use which channels. Low-latency voice chat for raids, matches and gaming together. For communities that want to run their infrastructure independently of Discord's platform decisions.
Independence from Platform Decisions
In October 2025, an attack on Discord's support provider exposed 70,000 identity documents. Since 2026, Discord is rolling out age verification via facial scan or government ID. Terms of service can change at any time. Self-hosting your community makes you immune to such decisions.
Clubs and Organizations
A central place for internal communication: announcements, polls, working groups. Each group gets its own channels, roles control visibility. No third-party servers, no ads, no data analysis by third parties.
Data Privacy and GDPR
Discord stores all messages without end-to-end encryption on servers in the US. The US CLOUD Act grants US authorities access without a court order under European law. On your own server in Germany, only European data protection laws apply. You decide what data is stored and who has access.
What your platform can do
Text and Voice Channels
Channels can be organized by topics, projects or teams. Text channels for discussions and announcements, voice channels for meetings and gaming. Everything on one platform without switching between different services.
Roles and Permissions
Define roles with granular permissions: Who can create channels, delete messages, invite members or moderate? Roles can be freely named and color-coded.
Custom Emojis and Reactions
Upload your own emojis and use reactions on messages. The platform supports animated emojis and individual emoji sets per server.
Bots and Extensions
Automate tasks through bots: welcome messages, moderation, notifications from external systems. The API allows custom integrations and bots.
GDPR Compliant on Your Own Server
All data resides on your server in Germany. No vendor lock-in, no data transfer to third countries, no analysis of your communication by the platform provider.
Web, Desktop and Mobile
The platform is accessible via browser and as a Progressive Web App. Native Android app available, iOS in development. Members can participate from any device.
The proven solution for your community
Stoat In development since 2021, 1,000,000+ users, AGPLv3 license
Open source community platform with server, channel and role concepts, based on Revolt. Rust backend for low resource consumption, voice chat via LiveKit. The interface mirrors familiar communication platforms like Discord, making the transition seamless for your members. Installation via Docker Compose. Other services on your Seed can be managed through a deployment platform.
Suited for: Gaming communities, clubs, organizations, project teams, privacy-conscious groups.
Self-hosted community platform or stay on Discord?
Self-Hosted Community Platform
Best choice for communities that prioritize privacy and independence.
- All messages and files on your server in Germany
- No data analysis, no tracking, no advertising
- No costs per member or feature tier
- Full control over roles, channels and moderation
- Open source and independent of any provider
- No age verification with biometric data required
- Server maintenance and updates are your responsibility
- No access to Discord's bot ecosystem (separate bot API)
- Migrating existing communities requires all members to re-register
- Voice chat functional but less mature than Discord's implementation
Discord
Best choice when instant availability and maximum ecosystem are the priority.
- Instantly usable without server or technical setup
- Massive ecosystem of bots and integrations
- Optimized mobile apps for all platforms
- Screen sharing and video natively integrated
- Hundreds of millions of users, large existing communities
- Professional support and continuous development
- Messages stored without end-to-end encryption on US servers
- Age verification via facial scan or government ID being rolled out
- Terms of service can change at any time without consent
- Advanced features only available through paid Nitro subscription
- Data analysis and ad partner integration to fund the free tier
Discord remains the right choice for communities that prioritize maximum reach, a mature ecosystem and instant availability. A self-hosted instance is better suited for those who value privacy, independence and long-term control over their platform.
Your own platform in a few steps
Create a Seed
Choose a model with at least 4 CPU and 16 GB RAM. The platform consists of multiple services (database, file storage, voice server) running in parallel. For getting started without voice chat, 4 CPU and 8 GB RAM are sufficient.
Install the platform
Stoat can be set up via Docker Compose in a few steps. A configuration script generates all necessary settings. Domain and SSL certificate are configured automatically. A detailed guide is available in our tutorial.
Invite your community
Create your first server with channels and roles. Share the invite link with your community. Members can connect via browser or the mobile app.
Step-by-step setup
Detailed tutorials by our engineers, tested on a current dataforest Seed. Accessible without an account.
Configure a seed
Billed hourly, no minimum term, no setup fee. One server for your community platform, your database and all related services.
Entry
Beginner
Standard
All-rounder
Performance
CPU-optimized
All prices incl. 19% VAT
Why dataforest Cloud?
Data sovereignty
Your data stays in Germany. All seeds run in certified data centers in Frankfurt. No data transfers to third countries, full GDPR compliance.
Deployed in seconds
Seeds are provisioned automatically. From configuration to a running server takes only seconds. No waiting, no tickets.
Hourly billing
You only pay for what you use. No minimum terms, no setup fees. Seeds can be created and deleted at any time.
Full control
Root access, public API and full transparency. You decide what runs on your seed. No vendor lock-in, no hidden restrictions.
Bevor Sie loslegen.
Is Stoat a Discord alternative?
What privacy issues does Discord have?
What is a self-hosted community platform?
Do I need technical skills?
How many members can the platform handle?
Does voice chat work reliably?
Can members participate from different devices?
Can I migrate my Discord community?
What happens if the server goes down?
How do I back up my data?
Any questions?
Then our experts are happy to help. You'll be surprised how fast we are.
