Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, the social media platform has been embroiled in controversies that have eroded user trust. From the blue tick fiasco to the reinstatement of controversial figures, Twitter has become a chaotic space. As a result, many users have started looking for alternatives to Twitter.
Mastodon: The favorable Twitter alternative
Mastodon is a decentralised, open-source platform offering a unique Twitter alternative. Instead of a single social media website, Mastodon is a collection of websites known as Instances. Each Instance has its own rules and can interact with others.
Mastodon offers several Twitter-like features, including tweets (called toots), replies, bookmarks, and hashtags. However, some features like quote tweets, direct messages, and adding unfollowed accounts to the list are not available. With over 1.5 million active users and apps for iOS and Android, Mastodon is a favourable alternative to Twitter.
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Post: A minimalist Twitter alternative
If you’re looking for a visually appealing alternative to Twitter, Post is worth considering. Developed by former Waze CEO Noam Bardin, Post offers a minimalist user interface. While it may not be as feature-rich as Twitter, it caters to journalists and news readers.
Post allows posting content without any word limit, commenting, reacting, retweeting, and tipping other users. However, some features are still unavailable. Post has its own moderation policy, ensuring a safe environment by taking strict actions against bullying, harassment, fake news, and hate speech. It is accessible only through a web browser, with no dedicated iOS or Android app.
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Reddit: Community-driven social platform
Reddit is a well-known social platform that functions more as a community forum than a traditional social media platform. With over 50 million daily active users, Reddit allows users to post text-based updates, images, videos, and links. The core of Reddit lies in its micro-communities called subreddits, where users can join communities based on their interests.
Based on upvoting and downvoting, Reddit’s content moderation system ensures that popular and useful content rises to the top. While Reddit and Twitter have different approaches, Reddit offers a well-moderated and engaging platform with dedicated iOS and Android apps.
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Cohost: Twitter-like alternative with a vertical feed
Cohost provides a Twitter-like experience with a vertical feed that displays posts from users you follow in chronological order. Although it is still in beta, Cohost aims to offer a clutter-free alternative to Twitter.
Cohost features include posts, likes, retweets, hashtags, and comments. The platform manages content moderation, and users are encouraged to add warnings to sensitive content. Discovering trending posts may be challenging since there is no algorithm in place. Cohost is free to use, but a Cohost Plus subscription is available for $5 per month, offering additional features like increased file upload limits and customisation options.
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Micro.blog: Express yourself in limited words
If you enjoy expressing yourself in limited words, Micro.blog is the perfect Twitter alternative for you. With a character limit of 280, Micro.blog serves as a personal microblog where you can share text, photos, and videos. You can keep your posts private or share them on your timeline.
Micro.blog does not have features like follower counts and likes, but it offers customisable blog pages and a Discover tab to find new people to follow. Cross-posting from Twitter is also possible with Micro.blog, making it a great alternative for users who want more control over their content.
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BlueSky: A decentralised Twitter alternative
BlueSky, conceptualised by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, is gaining popularity as a decentralised social network. Though still in beta, BlueSky has already amassed over 100,000 users. Built on the AT Protocol, a federated protocol, BlueSky offers a user interface similar to Twitter.
The platform borrows several features from Twitter, including posts, likes, block lists, and a mute option. All interactions on BlueSky are public, aiming to make social interactions available across platforms.
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T2: Simplified Twitter experience
T2 emerges as a potential Twitter alternative, developed by former Google and Twitter employees. The platform aims to provide up-to-date, short-form information and friendly conversations in a simplified interface. Notably, T2 launched a “Get the Checkmark” program, offering verified status to users ousted from Twitter’s verification program.
Currently, in beta, T2 is poised to become a strong alternative to Twitter. With an aesthetically pleasing interface and no learning curve for Twitter users, T2 has the potential to attract users seeking a streamlined social media experience.
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Discord: More than just a chat app
Discord, primarily known as a chat app for gamers, has evolved into a platform for engaging with communities and staying updated on various topics. With community-based servers, Discord offers real-time text, audio, and video chat functionalities.
While Discord and Twitter differ in features, both platforms cater to niche communities. Discord allows users to join servers for discussions, host watch parties, and customise the user interface. Accessible through iOS and Android apps, Discord is a versatile alternative for users seeking engagement beyond traditional social media.
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Counter Social: Enhanced privacy and content moderation
Counter Social stands out as a Twitter alternative that prioritises privacy, with no ads, trolls, and enhanced content moderation. Operated by hacktivist “The Jester,” Counter Social aims to counter disinformation and foreign influence on social media.
Counter Social offers a convoluted user interface with vertical tabs on the dashboard, providing an overview of your friends’ activities. The platform utilises AI for content moderation and offers features like dedicated Private mode and self-destructing posts. While Counter Social is still relatively new, it presents a unique alternative for users seeking a platform with a strong focus on privacy.
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Bastyon: A blockchain-powered social network
Bastyon differentiates itself as the first censorship-resistant social network protocol based on blockchain technology. The platform rewards creators with PKOIN for sharing videos. With a familiar interface similar to Twitter, Bastyon allows users to post content, images, and videos using hashtags for easier searchability.
Content on Bastyon is categorised into different sections, such as Memes, politics, crypto, and technology. Bastyon offers a platform familiar to Twitter users, with an emphasis on decentralisation and community-driven moderation. However, users may come across sensitive or questionable content due to its censorship-resistant nature.
Try Bastyon
There are numerous alternatives to Twitter that offer unique features and functionalities. Whether you’re looking for a decentralised platform like BlueSky or Mastodon, a minimalist interface like Post, or community-driven platforms like Reddit and Discord, there’s a Twitter alternative for everyone. Consider your preferences and needs to find the perfect platform to continue your social media journey.
You can explore other apps like Spill, Spoutifble and Hive Social to expand your options.
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