diaspora*

Self-Hosted

Decentralized open-source social network for privacy-focused connections

Overview

diaspora* is a federated, decentralized social network part of the Fediverse. It lets users own their data via self-hosted 'pods' (nodes) that federate with others, enabling cross-platform links to Mastodon, Friendica, and more. Key features include granular privacy controls (share to custom circles), text/image/link posts, and no central authority tracking activity. Deployment options include Docker or manual Ruby on Rails setup, giving full control over your social space while staying connected to a global network.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  diaspora_star:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: diaspora-star
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Federates with Fediverse platforms (Mastodon, Friendica)
Granular privacy controls (custom sharing circles)
Self-hostable pods for full data ownership

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is diaspora* hard to install?

Installing a diaspora* pod needs basic server admin skills (Ruby on Rails, PostgreSQL, Redis). Docker images simplify deployment, but self-hosting still requires maintenance knowledge for updates and security.

? Is diaspora* a good alternative to Facebook or Twitter?

Yes—if you prioritize privacy and data ownership over a large user base. It lacks some mainstream features (like live chat) but offers federation with other Fediverse apps and no targeted ads.

? Is diaspora* completely free?

Yes—diaspora* is open-source (GPLv3 license) and free to use. Hosting your own pod has server costs, but joining an existing pod is free with no subscription fees or hidden charges.

Top Alternatives

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Social Networks and Forums

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ No central data collection or ads
⊕ Federated access to a global privacy-focused network
⊕ Open-source transparency and customization

Cons

⊖ Requires technical skills to host and maintain a pod
⊖ Smaller user base compared to mainstream social networks
⊖ Occasional federation inconsistencies between pods