With recent concerns about security and privacy in Meta apps, and the conversation about the future of freedom of speech is on everyone’s mind. Social media users and enthusiasts are now looking for options beyond Meta’s offerings. Here are a few suggestions of platforms focused on building community and grouped by what they’re good for:
If you want something like X/Twitter:
- Bluesky: A decentralized, platform with a focus on free speech. Bluesky’s Starter Pack helps new users quickly find relevant content by allowing creators to curate lists of like-minded authors and influencers. This helps users connect with relevant accounts right away, making the platform feel more personalized and engaging from the start.
- Mastodon: Also decentralized, known for its independent communities and chronological feeds. Mastodon lets users join independent servers (or “instances”) that align with their interests or values, giving them more control over their experience and fostering niche communities.
If you’re looking beyond the usual:
- Nextdoor: Connect with people in your local neighborhood, share recommendations, and stay informed about community events.
- Discord: Great for communities built around shared interests, with text, voice, and video chat options. It offers real-time interaction, robust moderation tools, and seamless integration with games, making it a versatile platform for both casual hangouts and organized group discussions.
- Reddit: A forum-based platform with communities (called subreddits) dedicated to almost every topic imaginable. This allows users to easily find and engage in niche discussions, vote on content, and participate in a diverse range of conversations tailored to their preferences.
- Pinterest: A go-to platform for discovering new ideas, organizing your interests, and shopping—all with a fun, visually-driven interface. It’s especially popular with people who are looking for inspiration or to plan ahead for various personal or professional projects.
- Snapchat: Popular for its fast, ephemeral messaging, where photos and videos disappear after being viewed, creating a quick and fun experience to share with friends. Its creative features, like filters, lenses, and Stories, keep users engaged by allowing them to share moments in a playful and interactive way.
- Twitch: A live-streaming platform primarily for gamers, but also for creatives, musicians, and other live broadcasters to connect with audiences in real-time. For the best live-streaming experience, check out The BiG GiG® Fiber Network: https://www.whidbeytel.com/the-big-gig/
For niche interests:
- Strava: For athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Its social features, like sharing achievements, joining challenges, and connecting with other athletes, create a motivating community atmosphere.
- Letterboxd: For film lovers to log, rate, and review movies.
- BeReal: Encourages users to share authentic, unfiltered moments by notifying them to post a photo at a random time each day. This spontaneity and focus on real-life experiences appeal to users tired of curated, heavily edited social media content.red photos at a random time each day.
Now you can follow us on our new Bluesky account!
