Lemmy
Self-HostedDecentralized, federated social network and forum platform
Overview
Lemmy is a decentralized, open-source social network and forum built on ActivityPub. It enables users to join federated instances, create communities, share posts (text, links, media), comment, and vote. Unlike centralized platforms, no single entity controls it—users can host their own instance or participate in others. It includes moderation tools, user blocking, and custom rules. Deployment is straightforward via Docker Compose, with documentation for self-hosting, making it accessible for tech-savvy users to run their own instance or join existing ones.
Key Features
- Federated via ActivityPub protocol
- Custom community creation & moderation tools
- Supports text, link, and media posts
- Self-hostable with Docker Compose
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Lemmy hard to install?
Lemmy can be installed via Docker Compose, which simplifies deployment for tech-savvy users. The official documentation provides step-by-step guides, but it does require basic knowledge of Docker and server management. Alternatively, users can join existing instances without self-hosting.
? Is it a good alternative to Reddit?
Yes—Lemmy offers similar forum-style features (communities, posts, votes, comments) but is decentralized and open-source. Unlike Reddit, no single company controls content or user data, making it a privacy-focused alternative for community discussions.
? Is Lemmy completely free?
Yes—Lemmy is open-source under the AGPLv3 license and completely free to use. There are no subscription fees, and users can self-host their instance or join any public instance without cost. Donations are accepted to support development but are not required.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (no centralized data control)
- ⊕ 100% free & open-source
- ⊕ Federated ecosystem (join any instance)
- ⊕ Community-driven governance
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic server/Docker knowledge for self-hosting
- ⊖ Smaller user base than centralized platforms
- ⊖ Instance moderation quality varies
- ⊖ Limited third-party app options