Friendica

Self-Hosted

Decentralized social network with cross-protocol federation

Overview

Friendica is a decentralized, federated social networking platform connecting users across ActivityPub, OStatus, and Diaspora protocols. It offers profiles, groups, events, private messaging, and content sharing—all with full data ownership. Deployable via Docker (simplest option) or traditional LAMP stack, it integrates seamlessly with Mastodon, Pixelfed, and other fediverse tools. Features include customizable timelines, moderation tools, and privacy controls, making it ideal for self-hosters seeking an alternative to centralized social networks.

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:
  friendica:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: friendica
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Federates with ActivityPub, Diaspora, and OStatus protocols
Self-hostable via Docker or LAMP stack
Privacy-focused with granular data controls

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Friendica hard to install?

Friendica is accessible to self-hosters with basic server skills. Docker Compose setups reduce setup time, while traditional installs use LAMP stacks. Managed instances are available for non-technical users, but self-hosting requires familiarity with database and web server configuration.

? Is it a good alternative to Facebook?

Yes! Friendica offers similar features (profiles, groups, events, messaging) but without centralized data collection. It federates with other fediverse platforms, so users connect beyond Friendica instances—unlike Facebook’s closed network.

? Is it completely free?

Friendica is open-source (GPLv3 license) and completely free to use, self-host, or modify. There are no subscription fees, though self-hosting may incur server hosting costs (e.g., VPS rental).

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Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Social Networks and Forums

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ No centralized data harvesting
⊕ Interoperable with the entire fediverse
⊕ Customizable instance and user settings

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server knowledge for self-hosting
⊖ Smaller user base than mainstream platforms
⊖ Occasional federation compatibility tweaks needed