Minimal Cost Real-Time Chat Platform

Customer: AI | Published: 21.11.2025

I want to launch a lightweight, browser-based chat site where anyone can pick a nickname and jump straight into an always-on public room. No long sign-ups—registered accounts are optional—yet the experience must still feel modern and lively. Core flow • Landing page: choose a nickname (or log in) and enter the main public room instantly. • Inside the room: real-time text stream with emoji support, file uploads, and user avatars. • One-to-one whispers: from the user list a visitor can open a private tab and keep chatting while the main room scrolls. • Voice and video calls: peer-to-peer or a lightweight SFU, whatever keeps costs down while remaining smooth. • Moderation: admins can mute, kick, or ban, plus delete messages in real time. • Profile layer: registered users can save avatars and basic bios; guests disappear when they leave. Tech is up to you—Node.js + WebSocket, Firebase, or any other stack you prefer—as long as it is free to deploy on a modest VPS or a generous free tier. The finished product should include: 1. Fully working front-end (responsive, mobile-friendly). 2. Back-end with real-time messaging, private channels, and the above extras. 3. Clear install/hosting instructions so I can run it myself without ongoing licence fees. I am funding this personally, so I’m looking for someone who enjoys building chat tools and is happy to keep the footprint (and therefore the cost) small. If you already have a scrappy prototype or think you can spin this up quickly, let’s talk.