Stoat (formerly known as Revolt) is an open-source, community-driven chat platform designed as a transparent alternative to closed-source services like Discord or Guilded. It focuses on providing a familiar communication environment while emphasizing user privacy and software freedom.

The main features of this tool include:

• Core Communication Services: The platform supports essential chat functionalities, including voice communication and file storage.

• Open-Source Transparency: Licensed under AGPLv3, Stoat allows developers to view, modify, and contribute to the source code, ensuring the project remains accountable to its users.

• Flexible Self-Hosting: Users are not restricted to the official platform (stoat.chat) and can self-host their own instances using Docker Compose or by building the individual components from source.

• Community Management & Verification: To protect against "copy cats" and ensure authenticity, Stoat offers a server verification system for well-established open-source projects, products, or large communities.

• Discovery and Customization: The platform includes a "Discover" section for finding new communities and provides verified servers with vanity invites (custom invite links).

• User Data Protection: The project prioritizes features that allow users to redact their information and messages while providing moderators with tools to block malicious actors and prevent spam.

• Donation-Based Funding: Stoat is entirely funded through donations, avoiding traditional corporate monetization in favor of financial transparency and passing down direct operational costs (like storage) to users only where necessary.