Mataroa

Self-Hosted

Minimal, open-source blogging platform for private, distraction-free writing

Overview

Mataroa is a lightweight, privacy-first blogging platform designed for writers who prioritize simplicity and control. It supports Markdown editing, static site exports, custom domains, and has zero tracking or ads. Deploy easily via Docker Compose, traditional server setup (Python/PostgreSQL), or use the managed instance. Features include draft saving, RSS feeds, and clean responsive design—ideal for personal blogs without unnecessary bloat.

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

Key Features

Markdown editing support
Zero tracking & ad-free
Static site export
Custom domain integration
Docker deployment option

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Mataroa hard to install?

No—Mataroa offers straightforward deployment via Docker Compose (with a simple config file) or traditional setup using Python and PostgreSQL. Official docs provide step-by-step guides, making it accessible for beginners with basic server knowledge.

? Is it a good alternative to Medium?

Yes—Mataroa is a great alternative for writers wanting to avoid Medium’s algorithms, ads, and data collection. It focuses on direct content sharing with full data control, though it lacks Medium’s built-in audience network.

? Is it completely free?

The self-hosted version is 100% free and open source (AGPLv3). The managed instance has a free tier, but custom domains and extra storage require a paid subscription.

Top Alternatives

Medium Search Google

Substack Search Google

WordPress.com Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Blogging Platforms

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no analytics/ads)
⊕ Minimal, distraction-free interface
⊕ Flexible deployment choices
⊕ Portable content via static exports

Cons

⊖ Limited advanced features (no comments/themes)
⊖ Smaller community compared to mainstream tools
⊖ Managed instance requires payment for custom domains