Snikket

Snikket is an open-source, XMPP-based messaging server designed to give groups and organisations a privacy-focused alternative to centralized messaging platforms. It provides account and instance management, multi-device synchronization, secure backups, and integrated audio/video calling.

Key Features

• Uses the XMPP protocol with a Prosody-based server stack and an admin web portal for account and invitation management.
• End-to-end encryption for private messaging and groups; supports read/typing indicators and media/file sharing.
• Multi-device support with synced conversations and invitation-link-based onboarding for new users.
• Integrated WebRTC audio/video calling with built-in STUN/TURN support to improve connectivity across NATs and firewalls.
• Secure encrypted backups for restoring conversations on new devices.
• Federation support (server-to-server/XMPP s2s) so instances can communicate across the wider XMPP network.
• Distributed as Docker images with an opinionated, easy quick-start using docker compose and configuration templates.

Use Cases

• Small communities, families, or teams that need a privacy-respecting group chat and calling platform under their control.
• Organisations wanting a standards-based messaging stack (XMPP) with federation and multi-device synchronization.
• Projects or communities that prefer open-source, auditable server software with invitation-based onboarding and encrypted backups.

Limitations and Considerations

• Requires control of network ports (HTTP(S), XMPP c2s/s2s and UDP port ranges for STUN/TURN); may need reverse-proxying if other web services run on the same host.
• Not intended as a drop-in replacement for highly customised multi-domain XMPP deployments; advanced or niche XMPP features may require working directly with underlying Prosody configuration.
• The project is actively developed and some features are marked as previews or feature-flagged; operators should follow release notes and upgrade guidance.

Snikket offers a focused, standards-based messaging server that balances usability with privacy and federation. It is suited for operators who want an integrated, well-documented XMPP stack with built-in calling and backup features.