Loqa

Loqa is a group chat platform designed as a free alternative to Discord, emphasizing privacy and user control for online communities. It operates on a federated infrastructure intended to scale and reduce centralized control, addressing concerns about data ownership and the risk of sudden server deletion. Loqa is currently available in open beta.

The platform offers a range of communication features including real-time HD screen sharing, group video calls with noise suppression and automatic speaker focus, and low-latency voice channels with echo cancellation and per-user volume controls. Text channels support threads, reactions, mentions, rich embeds, file uploads, and Markdown formatting, while direct messages and group DMs are also available. Additional features include forums, roles and permissions management, moderation tools, server discovery, invite links, and message translation. Animated emoji and stickers can be imported from Telegram, Discord, or standard formats, with support for static and animated images including Lottie animations at 60fps. Voice notes are automatically transcribed to text via Faster-Whisper, enabling search and translation like any other message.

Migration tools are a key aspect of Loqa, allowing communities to transfer their Discord server structures—including channels, categories, roles, permissions, emoji, and bans—directly to Loqa. The API is designed for compatibility with Discord bots built using discord.py and discord.js, requiring only a single import line change for most bots to function on Loqa. Emoji and sticker packs can be imported in one step, preserving names and organizational structure, with cross-platform compatibility for formats such as PNG, APNG, GIF, WebP, and Lottie TGS.

Loqa is delivered as a web-based service and is free to use. Features in development include a bot ecosystem, soundboard, two-factor authentication, social media account connections, video file uploads, and native mobile and desktop applications. The platform is also planning a server export feature, allowing users to retain their data if they choose to leave. Loqa enforces published community guidelines transparently and consistently, and supports email verification and settings persistence.