11 alternative social networks: Something new besides Meta and Twitter

Bluesky

Although Bluesky didn't start out very active (it was initially available only by invitation), by early January 2025, it was able to significantly expand its audience to more than 25 million users. The network attracted many people who were looking for a more independent platform.

Bluesky was developed as a decentralized social network, and its goal is to become part of a federated network that unites different platforms. The interface resembles Twitter, which is not surprising since the project was initially funded by this platform.

Since its launch, Bluesky has undergone several changes to make it more user-friendly. It allows you to publish posts up to 300 characters long, but currently there is no function to edit already published posts.

Features include the ability to easily disable words, tags, or specific accounts, as well as block them; there is also a "Starter Packs" feature that allows you to add entire groups of participants to your feed, such as science fiction authors or philatelists. You can also remove individual users from these groups.

Bluesky is available through a web version, as well as apps for iOS and Android.

Bluesky (photo: The Verge)

Mastodon

Mastodon is part of what is known as a fediverse. Instead of simply joining the application, you choose a specific server managed by an organization, individual, or group of people. The moderation policy is determined by each server individually, although there are general rules for moderation.

On the one hand, this can create some difficulties for newcomers, but on the other hand, you get the opportunity to choose a server that suits your interests, for example, one dedicated to elementary school teachers or anime fans.

You are not limited to one server: you can follow people from other servers, as well as change or create your own.

On standard instances, Mastodon usually has a post limit of 500 characters. You can attach images, videos, and audio files, as well as edit posts after they are posted. It is recommended to use hashtags so that people can easily find your content.

To sign up, go to https://joinmastodon.org/ and click on "Join mastodon.social" (the most well-known server) or "Pick another server".

You can also use Fedi.Garden, which offers "an easy and stress-free way to choose a server in the Fediverse." You can search for a server by topic or language.

Mastodon (фото: The Verge)

TikTok

TikTok is an extremely popular application. The length of videos can vary: recorded using the app, they can be anywhere from 15 seconds to 10 minutes long, and you can also upload videos up to 60 minutes long.

People can follow you and comment on your videos, and you can reply to comments with other videos. You can "stitch" other people's videos together with yours to create a virtual dialog, and you can also host live streams (if you have at least 1,000 subscribers) where you interact with other users and even accept gifts.

It is also possible to post text entries that can be designed in different colors, fonts, sizes, and formats.

Which videos appear in your feed depends on what the app's algorithm decides you're interested in. This can vary greatly depending on which videos you like or comment on, who you follow, and how much time you spend watching specific videos.

TikTok (photo: The Verge)

Reddit

Reddit is a well-known network that has been around for a long time. The site is built on the principle of classic forums and is divided into subgroups called subreddits. You can join any of them that interests you.

There may be several subreddits, each of which covers different aspects of the topic or has its own moderation features. Each has its own rules, and the moderator can exclude you if you don't follow them.

You start a topic, and the discussion about it is organized as a message tree. You can vote for or against the topic or one of the posts in it.

Reddit also faced problems in the past. In 2023, a sharp increase in prices for the site's API sparked protests among users; despite this, the site continues to grow, and last October it was announced that it had finally become profitable.

Reddit (photo: The Verge)

Tumblr

Tumblr, which was launched in 2007 and has gone through several changes of ownership, is more like a series of blogs than a social network for discussion. You can easily view the latest posts from all the users you follow. Then you click on a post to see (and participate in) the discussions.

Each entry can be textual, have images, or be video-only; followers can discuss the entry through attached notes. It is also possible to repost (i.e., add a post to your own feed) or share it in other services.

Tumblr has experimented with a number of features that didn't work out, such as Tumblr Live. Recently, the service added topic-based communities, similar to those on Reddit.

Tumblr (photo: The Verge)

Discord

Discord is more like an invite-only discussion service than an open social space. It consists of separate servers that allow users to engage in text-based discussions, make video calls, and share files; the interface can be highly customized by administrators depending on how they want to manage access rights, discussions, icons, etc.

In other words, Discord can be a very useful tool, especially in the hands of someone who understands technology. And if you have a family group that's looking for a new place to communicate, Discord can be a great choice.

When you download the Discord app (which is available for desktop and mobile), you can add as many groups to the list on the left side of the screen as you want. For example, if you have a company server, a fan club, or a group of friends, you can easily switch between them.

Discord (photo: The Verge)

Spill

According to an article in AfroTech, Spill was created by two former Twitter employees to create a safe space for diverse communities. Posts have a 280-character limit and can include photos, videos, GIFs, and links; text is overlaid on images, giving the interface a more visual feel.

You can also organize special "tea parties" for meetings via video calls, audio, and chat, or create your own groups.

Currently available via Android and iPad/iOS apps.

Spill (photo: The Verge)

Spoutible

Spoutible is one of the more Twitter-like new social networks. Accordingly, it uses the ocean/whale metaphor: you "spout" your thoughts instead of posting them, and you use "flash tags" instead of hashtags.

Just like Twitter, you have a profile page, you can follow and be followed by others, you have a news feed, and you can communicate in private messages. However, before you start, you need to verify your phone number.

On the "About Us" page, Spoutible declares its intention to take diversity and privacy issues seriously, as well as to combat bullying and other problems inherent in social media. Unfortunately, in February 2024, a major data breach occurred, which may have limited the network's popularity.

Spoutible (photo: The Verge)

CounterSocial

CounterSocial claims on its homepage that it does not allow trolls, ads, or fake news - and has a long list of privacy and security measures, including data breach alerts, real-time fake news awareness through FactLayer, and no third-party tracking.

Other interesting features include "explosive posts" that can be set to self-destruct and news broadcasts from selected providers. There are also apps for Android and iOS.

You can choose the interface: the Advanced mode uses a series of columns rather than a traditional feed. Each column can be used to track different hashtags or lists of users. You can pin columns in place or move them around the interface, and set up notifications for replies or new posts.

In the alternative "Simplified" mode, there is a single feed similar to Twitter or Facebook. There is also a chat for support and conflict resolution.

CounterSocial (photo: The Verge)

Trust Cafe

Trust Cafe is an updated version of the social network formerly known as WT.Social. It is focused on creating a space where "honesty and authenticity are valued above all else." For this purpose, a system of trust levels is used, starting with the Newcomer/Guest level and gradually moving up.

Each level determines how visible your posts are and unlocks different features. You move up if other users whose trust level is already established vote for you as trustworthy.

You also need to be a paid user (starting at $8 per month) if you want to move up. You can have a free account, but you won't be able to advance beyond the bronze level.

Trust Cafe (photo: The Verge)

Snapchat

Although the main purpose of Snapchat is to provide a fun and creative way to communicate with friends and family, it also has a social aspect: Snapchat Stories are short, dynamic videos, many of which are public. You can follow any vloggers you want or hide those you don't like.

In addition, there is Spotlight, which is very similar to TikTok - you scroll through a variety of short videos from different authors, like the ones you like, subscribe to those you really want to follow, and leave comments.

Snapchat (photo: The Verge)