Pleroma
Self-HostedLightweight, federated social network for the Fediverse
Overview
Pleroma is a low-resource, federated social network part of the Fediverse, using ActivityPub to connect with Mastodon, Misskey, and other platforms. It supports microblogging, media attachments, and granular privacy controls (private posts, user blocking). Ideal for self-hosting on small servers/Raspberry Pi, it offers multiple frontends (Pleroma FE, Akkoma FE) and compatibility with all Mastodon clients. Deploy via Docker, package managers, or source code with official documentation, and customize instance rules for your community.
Key Features
- Federated ActivityPub support (interoperable with Mastodon, Misskey)
- Low-resource footprint for small servers/Raspberry Pi
- Multiple frontends & Mastodon client compatibility
- Granular privacy controls (private posts, user blocking)
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Pleroma hard to install?
Pleroma is accessible to beginners via Docker Compose (quick setup) and advanced users via package managers or source code. Official docs provide step-by-step guides, and community forums offer troubleshooting support for common issues.
? Is Pleroma a good alternative to X (Twitter)?
Yes—Pleroma offers microblogging features like short posts and media attachments, but with no vendor lock-in. It lets you control your data (self-host or use trusted instances) and interacts with other Fediverse platforms for broader connectivity.
? Is Pleroma completely free?
Pleroma is 100% open-source under the AGPLv3 license. Self-hosting incurs only server costs (if any), and public instances are typically free with no subscription fees or paid tiers.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused with data ownership options
- ⊕ Minimal server requirements for easy self-hosting
- ⊕ No vendor lock-in (federated ecosystem)
- ⊕ Customizable instance rules and frontends
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic self-hosting knowledge (or trusted instance use)
- ⊖ Moderation tools less extensive than mainstream platforms
- ⊖ Smaller user base compared to proprietary social networks