Best Social Networking Tools in 2026

Mastodon

Decentralized social networking in your control

Stars
49,851
Forks
7,433
Last commit
7 hours ago

A free, open-source social media platform that puts users in charge of their data and connections

Open Source Alternative to:

Facebook

Hey

Decentralized social networking for the Web3 era

Stars
29,458
Forks
1,807
Last commit
2 months ago

A blockchain-powered social platform offering censorship-resistant content sharing, user-owned data, and innovative monetization options.

Open Source Alternative to:

X (Twitter)

Bluesky

Social media reimagined for community and connection

Stars
17,887
Forks
2,699
Last commit
9 hours ago

A decentralized social network focused on fostering meaningful interactions and giving users control over their data and experience.

Open Source Alternative to:

Facebook

PeerTube

Decentralized video platform for true digital freedom

Stars
14,646
Forks
1,713
Last commit
22 hours ago

Create your own video hosting platform with PeerTube - a free, open-source alternative to YouTube. Join 600,000+ videos across 1,000+ interconnected platforms without ads or tracking.

Open Source Alternative to:

YouTube

Lemmy

Build your own federated discussion community

Stars
14,343
Forks
945
Last commit
24 hours ago

Open-source forum and link aggregator that connects communities across the fediverse. Self-hosted, ad-free, with powerful moderation tools and federation.

Open Source Alternative to:

Reddit

Pixelfed

Ad-free photo sharing with privacy and federation

Stars
6,948
Forks
838
Last commit
2 days ago

Decentralized photo sharing platform with chronological feeds, privacy controls, and ActivityPub federation. No ads, no algorithms, just authentic connections.

Open Source Alternative to:

Instagram

Cinny

Secure and elegant Matrix client for seamless conversations

Stars
3,571
Forks
506
Last commit
12 hours ago

Cinny offers a simple, elegant, and secure interface for Matrix-based conversations, protected by end-to-end encryption.

Open Source Alternative to:

Discord

Loops

Federated short videos without corporate control

Stars
361
Forks
42
Last commit
7 hours ago

Open-source, decentralized short-video platform that gives creators control. No ads, no lock-in, built on ActivityPub for true community ownership.

Open Source Alternative to:

YouTube

Stars
Forks
Last commit

Stars
Forks
Last commit

Stars
Forks
Last commit

Stars
Forks
Last commit

Stars
Forks
Last commit

Stars
Forks
Last commit

Mastodon

Decentralized social networking in your control

Stars
49,851
Forks
7,433
Last commit
7 hours ago

A free, open-source social media platform that puts users in charge of their data and connections

Open Source Alternative to:

Facebook

Hey

Decentralized social networking for the Web3 era

Stars
29,458
Forks
1,807
Last commit
2 months ago

A blockchain-powered social platform offering censorship-resistant content sharing, user-owned data, and innovative monetization options.

Open Source Alternative to:

X (Twitter)

Bluesky

Social media reimagined for community and connection

Stars
17,887
Forks
2,699
Last commit
9 hours ago

A decentralized social network focused on fostering meaningful interactions and giving users control over their data and experience.

Open Source Alternative to:

Facebook

PeerTube

Decentralized video platform for true digital freedom

Stars
14,646
Forks
1,713
Last commit
22 hours ago

Create your own video hosting platform with PeerTube - a free, open-source alternative to YouTube. Join 600,000+ videos across 1,000+ interconnected platforms without ads or tracking.

Open Source Alternative to:

YouTube

Lemmy

Build your own federated discussion community

Stars
14,343
Forks
945
Last commit
24 hours ago

Open-source forum and link aggregator that connects communities across the fediverse. Self-hosted, ad-free, with powerful moderation tools and federation.

Open Source Alternative to:

Reddit

Pixelfed

Ad-free photo sharing with privacy and federation

Stars
6,948
Forks
838
Last commit
2 days ago

Decentralized photo sharing platform with chronological feeds, privacy controls, and ActivityPub federation. No ads, no algorithms, just authentic connections.

Open Source Alternative to:

Instagram