About Us
Learn more about us and our network
HybridIRC was founded in 2018 following the shutdown of the WebChat IRC Network (irc.webchat.org & irc.webmaster.com), which came shortly after the passing of its founder, Mark Owen. During this transitional time, Berat — a former WebChat staff member — proposed the name HybridIRC, and Gokturk secured the domain. Together, they launched a new IRC network from the ground up, determined to carry on the legacy of free online communication.
To ensure both stability and compatibility with older ConferenceRoom-based systems, InspIRCd was selected as the IRC daemon, while Atheme was chosen for services. With a clean and efficient setup, a few initial websites were connected to the server. Through ongoing updates and dedicated management, HybridIRC steadily grew and now supports a thriving community of approximately 2,000 active users.
HybridIRC is a fully volunteer-driven initiative. We operate without any fees or advertisements, focusing solely on providing free, reliable IRC chat services to support online communities. Our mission is rooted in the principles of open communication and accessibility, and we are committed to maintaining a stable, modern, and inclusive network for all users. We actively contribute to and support open-source projects, fostering collaboration, transparency, and innovation.
What software HybridIRC uses
# | Software | Version | Website | GitHub |
---|---|---|---|---|
IRCd: | InspIRCd | v4.6.0 | inspircd.org | GitHub |
Services: | Atheme | v7.3.0 | atheme.github.io | GitHub |
WebIRC Clients: |
Kiwi IRC The Lounge gamja |
v1.7.1 v4.4.3 v1.0.0-beta.10 |
kiwiirc.com thelounge.chat sr.ht/~emersion/gamja |
kiwiirc thelounge gamja (Codeberg) |
Third Party: | HOPM | v1.1.10 | ircd-hybrid.org | GitHub |
Organizations and projects using HybridIRC servers and services
🤝 Partnership
Thanks to IRCNow!
IRCNow provides internet services for the free and open source community. IRCNow is a federation of servers to create a network that ensures user freedom. Learn about IRCNow's goals.
We are also proud to have a channel, #ircnow, on our server where IRCNow users gather. Feel free to join and be part of the community!
Our Server Provider

OVH provides our connectivity and hardware. As one of the leading cloud and hosting providers in Europe, OVH offers a wide range of IT services for both individuals and businesses.
Whether you're interested in Dedicated Servers, Cloud Solutions, or Web Hosting, OVH continues to evolve with the latest technologies to deliver reliable and scalable infrastructure to meet your needs.