Imnebuddy

$0/month for unlimited domains and catch-all aliases (only email forwarding)

$3/month for unlimited domains and aliases for a "single user"

$9/month for teams:

https://forwardemail.net

Have you tried one of these providers? https://providers.xmpp.net/

I didn't have an issue with registration on macaw.me or monocles.de, but I haven't used those accounts yet.

I will be honest, I haven't came around to using XMPP myself yet, but I am pretty sure you are able to do all of those things, at least with the help of extensions. Here's the XMPP standards that are currently stable or experimental:

Files/Images:

• XEP-0363: HTTP File Upload [Stable]
• XEP-0446: File metadata element [Experimental]
• XEP-0447: Stateless file sharing [Experimental]
• XEP-0448: Encryption for stateless file sharing [Experimental]

Emojis/Stickers:

• XEP-0444: Message Reactions [Experimental]
• XEP-0449: Stickers [Experimental]

Looking at clients, I see various ones that have at least some of the features you are looking for (especially file and image sharing, I haven't found a client that has explicitly implemented the stickers specification yet, but Movim seems to have them):

• Converse.js
• Dino
• Kaidan
• Movim
• Profanity

I would give it some more time. It seems those features are in development, but this is essentially an alternative to Matrix that is more standardized. It's a widely adopted and integrated protocol, so I don't doubt the features you are looking for will become more fleshed out some day.

That's like saying you can use email if you like living in the 70s-80s. XMPP is a pretty healthy and active project that is standardized like email and ActivityPub. I would consider XMPP pretty modern, especially considering its features, extensions, etc., as well as the numerous applications it is integrated in.

XMPP is also used in very popular games, consoles, and clients.

XMPP it is, then.

Or neo

This is not an Android phone, but I plan to get a PinePhone Pro and then maybe a flip phone for calls. I want to be able to tinker with Linux on my phone and have better access to Linux applications and utilities. It's not the most secure option, but for me, I don't need much from a phone, though it would be nice to have more freedom and capabilities with my device. Plus the physical keyboard accessory looks super nice. This may or may not help you, but I figured to share my thoughts just in case. I don't know how knowledgeable you are with Linux, but you will need to be an intermediate Linux user (or willing and able to dedicate the time and effort to learn) and be willing to accept the limitations of the device, especially since it is not really meant for normal users yet. It's meant for people that like to tinker and can contribute improvements and testing for the device. PINE64 makes a lot of cool tech, including the PineTime, Pinecil, PineNote, etc., and they are very focused on repairability as they sell individual parts for each of their devices and provide long-term support: https://www.pine64.org/

I have had a OnePlus 6T that I have installed LineageOS on and have replaced the battery even though it is "non-removable".

I have had this phone for about 4-5 years now. If I need Android for any reason, I plan to use this device for those purposes.

I also use a Unicorn Beetle belt holster case with the OnePlus 6T, and it's survived so many falls because of it. It's only around $10-20 on eBay (try getting an Otter for that price). You can still find a 256 GB model of the phone for less than $200 on eBay as well. I recommend any OnePlus phone up to the OnePlus 7T Pro. Their newer devices now have an encrypted battery, and the company itself sucks, but their older phones are good for rooting and custom ROMs and are pretty high powered and inexpensive for their flagship models, which is why I picked them when I was looking for a phone.

Whistles casually

https://github.com/pluja/awesome-privacy#instant-messaging

https://github.com/pluja/awesome-privacy#teamworking-tools

https://github.com/pluja/awesome-privacy#video-and-audio-conferencing

https://github.com/awesome-selfhosted/awesome-selfhosted#communication---custom-communication-systems

https://github.com/awesome-selfhosted/awesome-selfhosted#communication---irc

https://github.com/awesome-selfhosted/awesome-selfhosted#communication---video-conferencing

https://github.com/awesome-selfhosted/awesome-selfhosted#communication---xmpp---servers

https://github.com/awesome-selfhosted/awesome-selfhosted#communication---xmpp---web-clients

https://github.com/redecentralize/alternative-internet#messaging

Referencing my buried comment with suggestions:

I don't remember and can't find a post I saw in the past recommending better video chat applications for more than two users. I believe one was Jitsi and another Wire. I just found another video conferencing application someone recommended online: MiroTalk. Different open source software excel in different areas.

Sorry, I just realized this post is about instant messaging platforms and not specifically their video chat features.

I like Element better because of its Markdown capabilities (though still very limited) and the ability to edit messages. I used element for my team coding projects in college, which worked very well and integrated nicely with our GitHub updates, but it sucked for video conferences. Signal barely holds up for two-user video chats, though that could be my internet or someone else's.

I also want to self host my own XMPP server someday.

There is Revolt. Maybe younger people will like that more.

I don't remember and can't find a post I saw in the past recommending better video chat applications for more than two users. I believe one was Jitsi and another Wire. I just found another video conferencing application someone recommended online: MiroTalk. Different open source software excel in different areas.

Sorry, I just realized this post is about instant messaging platforms and not specifically their video chat features.

I like Element better because of its Markdown capabilities (though still very limited) and the ability to edit messages. I used element for my team coding projects in college, which worked very well and integrated nicely with our GitHub updates, but it sucked for video conferences. Signal barely holds up for two-user video chats, though that could be my internet or someone else's.

I also want to self host my own XMPP server someday.

There is Revolt. Maybe younger people will like that more.