Gather
Video chat platform built for remote teams with virtual spaces.
Open the official app on www.gather.town
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Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Gather?
Gather is a virtual office platform designed for remote teams to collaborate in real-time without the rigid structure of traditional video conferencing. It prioritizes spontaneous interactions by eliminating the need for scheduling, allowing teams to engage in casual conversations, brainstorm ideas, and work together as if co-located. The tool caters to professionals in creative, tech, and hybrid work environments where fluid communication is critical. By blending chat, meetings, and collaborative workspaces, Gather addresses the gap left by tools focused solely on scheduled meetings, fostering a more natural flow of collaboration. It is particularly useful for teams that require frequent informal check-ins, design reviews, or brainstorming sessions without the overhead of formal scheduling.
How it works
Gather provides a digital workspace where remote teams can interact in real-time, mimicking in-person collaboration. It enables users to see who is available, join conversations spontaneously, and create shared environments tailored to their team’s needs. The platform emphasizes unstructured collaboration, such as quick chats, informal brainstorming, and real-time document editing, making it ideal for teams that rely on spontaneous problem-solving and casual communication. Gather allows users to create customizable virtual spaces with interactive elements like whiteboards, chat channels, and shared work areas. It supports spontaneous meetings without scheduling, enabling teams to connect instantly. Features like 'Activity' views show real-time presence, helping users identify available collaborators.
How to use it
- 1Create a virtual workspace by selecting a template or customizing a blank space. 2. Invite team members to join the space via email or sharing links. 3. Use the 'Activity' tab to see who is online and initiate conversations or meetings. 4. Utilize collaboration tools like whiteboards or shared documents for real-time work. Practical tips: Use the 'Create Your Space' feature to design areas for different tasks, such as a 'Design Review' zone with whiteboards and chat. Prioritize visibility by customizing presence indicators to highlight availability.
What it can do
- virtual office
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://www.gather.town/
- license: Proprietary — free to use
- privacy: Opens an external demo
Limitations
- Limited integration with third-party tools compared to competitors
- No mobile app for on-the-go access
- Scalability challenges for very large teams
- Minimal customization options for workspace layouts
- Lack of advanced analytics for team engagement metrics
Understanding the result
Video chat platform built for remote teams with virtual spaces.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (https://www.gather.town/)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://www.gather.town/. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- Proprietary License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is Gather used for?
Gather is used for remote team collaboration, enabling spontaneous interactions, casual chats, and real-time work without the need for scheduled meetings. It is ideal for teams requiring fluid communication, such as creative professionals, developers, and hybrid workgroups.
How does Gather differ from video conferencing tools?
Unlike video conferencing tools focused on scheduled meetings, Gather emphasizes unstructured collaboration. It allows teams to engage in informal conversations, share workspaces, and collaborate on documents without formal scheduling, mimicking in-person office dynamics.
How do I set up a virtual workspace?
To set up a workspace, log in to Gather and select 'Create Your Space.' Choose a pre-designed template or start from scratch. Customize the layout with whiteboards, chat channels, and shared work areas. Invite team members via email or sharing links to access the space.
How does Gather compare to Slack or Microsoft Teams?
Gather differs from Slack/Microsoft Teams by focusing on real-time, spatial collaboration rather than text-based messaging. While Slack excels in channel-based communication, Gather provides a visual, interactive workspace for spontaneous interactions and shared tasks. Microsoft Teams integrates with other Microsoft tools but lacks Gather’s emphasis on unstructured, in-person-like collaboration.
What should I do if I can't join a meeting?
If you can't join a meeting, check your internet connection and ensure the Gather app is updated. Verify that the meeting is set to 'public' or that you have the correct invite link. If the issue persists, contact Gather support with details about the error message and your browser/device settings.