What Is The Fediverse?
The Fediverse is made up of a bunch of decentralized social networking platforms. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of decentralized social networking platforms, it is very different from the standard ‘walled garden’ social media structure you’re used to (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc), which is centralized; meaning a single company or entity owns and calls the shots for the platform. Instead, the Fediverse is not owned by any corporate entity or individual. It is owned by everyone, because anyone (even you, yes you!) can create a server and host a platform in the Fediverse – so long as you have the technical knowledge to do so!
Imagine having a Facebook account, and being able to directly follow and communicate with your friends and favorite content creators who have their account on Tiktok, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, etc. without having to make a bunch of separate accounts on those other platforms. That would be pretty neat, wouldn’t it? Unfortunately, due to the centralized nature of those platforms, that is not possible. However, the various social networks that are part of the Fediverse can do that! The Fediverse connects a bunch of different social networks together so that people can communicate with each other no matter what platform they are on. This is all made possible through a protocal known as ActivityPub.
Another major benefit of the Fediverse is that all these different social platforms have hundreds and even thousands of clones hosted by individuals like me and you. This gives users the freedom to leave one hosted server for another without losing your connections/following. If you don’t like the rules, the community, or the admin who hosts the server you’re on, you can simply transfer your account to someone else’s server who hosts the same social platform. OR, you could even create and host your OWN server of your favorite platform with your own set of rules, if you have the technical knowledge. That is the beauty of the Fediverse. It’s a very different structure of social media, in which our means of communication are no longer owned and operated by big tech companies who dictate the rules for everyone and dominate the internet. Instead, the Fediverse is owned and operated by individuals like you and me who host their own copies of various platforms, empowering people with the freedom to choose communities and hosts that are best suited for them.
How The Fediverse Ties In With
The Small Web / Web Revival Movement.
The Web Revival movement is primarily based on individuals seeking alternatives to big tech social media. There are some folks who maybe aren’t ready, don’t have the technical knowledge, or simply don’t want to create an entire website of their own, and that’s valid too. Maybe you’re someone who’s just seeking alternative social media solutions to get away from the abuses of big tech, and that is where the Fediverse comes in. The Fediverse is owned by no one, but rather, it is owned by everyone. It can not be bought, and its decentralized nature makes it immune to big tech infiltration as they can never take control of it; they can only control the servers in which they may choose to host.
Things To Watch Out For.
No one is forced to be anywhere that makes them uncomfortable, or put up with abuses of admins we don’t like. However, always make sure to review each server’s rules before you join, as well as make sure the platform is one that is an actual open source Fediverse platform. Any platform can implement that ActivityPub protocol which allows users in the Fediverse to interact, but that does not mean that every platform allows you to leave and transfer your following. So if you care about your online freedom, be sure to stick with platforms that are open source and allow you the freedom to transfer your account and following.
Choosing a Platform and Server to Join.
To help you decide which open source Fediverse platform is right for you, see the list below for more information. Each section also includes links to help you choose the server best suited to your social media preferences.
Mastodon
Mastodon is a free and open-source software for microblogging, and features many similar functions to Twitter. You can find a full list of their features here.
► Official Mastodon Promoted Servers
These servers follow the Mastodon Server Covenant and are known to be well moderated more reputable.
► ALL Open Mastodon Servers
Do be mindful of the servers/instances you join from this list. Remember, ANYONE can host a server, and not all servers are well moderated. This means some some server hosts may allow offensive and even disturbing content. If you’re pro-freedom of speech/anti-censorship oriented, you will find a lot more communities supporting this outside of Mastodon’s official promoted servers list. Be sure to look over the rules/guidelines of any server you consider joining before you join.
Mastodon Tools
Once you have joined an instance and get familiar with the platform, you may find the following tools for Mastodon useful!
► Mastodon Group Bot
A bot that implements group functionality to Mastodon.
► Fediplan
A Mastodon and Pleroma post scheduler.
Pixelfed
Pixelfed boasts tons of features similar to Instagram, as well as some that are exclusive to its platform. It includes: album posts, direct messaging, likes, comments, filters, stories, and more! You can find a full list of their features here.
► Official Pixelfed Endorsed Servers
These servers are endorsed by the developers of Pixelfed. Official endorsed servers tend to be active, moderated and more reputable.
► ALL Open Pixelfed Servers
Do be mindful of the servers/instances you join from this list. Remember, ANYONE can host a server, and not all servers are well moderated. This means some some server hosts may allow offensive and even disturbing content. If you’re pro-freedom of speech/anti-censorship oriented, you will find a lot more communities supporting this outside of PIxelfed’s official promoted servers list. Be sure to look over the rules/guidelines of any server you consider joining before you join.
Friendica
Friendica is a social network that features many of the beloved features found on the Facebook platform, plus more. You can find a full detailed list of their features here.
► Official Friendica Endorsed Servers
This list features the most active and reliable Friendica servers.
► ALL Open Friendica Servers
Do be mindful of the servers/instances you join from this list. Remember, ANYONE can host a server, and not all servers are well moderated. This means some some server hosts may allow offensive and even disturbing content. If you’re pro-freedom of speech/anti-censorship oriented, you will find a lot more communities supporting this outside of Friendica’s official promoted servers list. Be sure to look over the rules/guidelines of any server you consider joining before you join.
Peertube
Peertube is a tool for sharing online videos developed by Framasoft, a french non-profit. It is ethical, open source, and not subject to the monopoly of any company. With PeerTube, no more opaque algorithms or obscure moderation policies! PeerTube platforms you visit are built, managed and moderated by their owners. You can find a detailed list of their features and FAQ here.
► Official Peertube Endorsed Servers
These servers are endorsed by Peertube’s developers. Official endorsed servers tend to be active, moderated and more reputable.
► ALL Open Peertube Server
Do be mindful of the servers/instances you join from this list. Remember, ANYONE can host a server, and not all servers are well moderated. This means some some server hosts may allow offensive and even disturbing content. If you’re pro-freedom of speech/anti-censorship oriented, you will find a lot more communities supporting this outside of Peertube’s official promoted servers list. Be sure to look over the rules/guidelines of any server you consider joining before you join.
Bookwyrm
Bookwyrm is a social network for tracking your reading, talking about books, writing reviews, and discovering what to read next, similarly to Goodreads. Federation allows BookWyrm users to join small, trusted communities that can connect with one another, and with other ActivityPub services like Mastodon and Pleroma.
► Official Bookwyrm Endorsed Servers
These servers are endorsed by Bookwyrm’s developers. Official endorsed servers tend to be active, moderated and more reputable.
► ALL Open Bookwyrm Servers
Do be mindful of the servers/instances you join from this list. Remember, ANYONE can host a server, and not all servers are well moderated. This means some some server hosts may allow offensive and even disturbing content. If you’re pro-freedom of speech/anti-censorship oriented, you may find more communities supporting this outside of Bookwyrm’s official promoted servers list. Be sure to look over the rules/guidelines of any server you consider joining before you join.
This section is still under construction – check back later for more!
Still have questions? I know this concept of social media may feel confusing if you’re discovering it for the first time. It took me awhile to understand it as well as it is quite a different system from the social media platforms we’re all used to. If you’re intrigued but still don’t quite get it or have questions, feel free to shoot me a message and I’d be happy to help!