Redlib
Self-HostedOpen-source, self-hosted alternative to Reddit
Overview
Redlib is an open-source, privacy-focused platform for community-driven discussions, serving as a self-hosted alternative to Reddit. It enables users to create/join topic-based communities, post content, comment, vote, and engage without ads or third-party tracking. Deployable via Docker or traditional setups, it prioritizes data ownership—all user data stays on your server. It includes moderation tools, customizable themes, and supports federation (optional) to connect with other instances.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
redlib:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: redlib
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Privacy-first design with no ads or tracking
- Self-hostable via Docker or manual configuration
- Moderation tools for community admins (ban, remove content)
- Support for posts, comments, voting, and community creation
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Redlib hard to install?
Redlib is easy to deploy via Docker (one-line command for basic setup). For non-Docker users, traditional installation needs basic server skills (Node.js/Python stack), but detailed documentation guides you through configuration steps like database setup and reverse proxy integration.
? Is Redlib a good alternative to Reddit?
Yes—it replicates core Reddit features (discussions, voting, communities) while fixing privacy gaps. It’s ideal for users who want to avoid Reddit’s ads, tracking, or centralized policy changes, though you’ll need to build or join communities on your instance or federated ones.
? Is Redlib completely free?
Redlib is 100% free and open-source. There are no paid tiers—you only incur costs for hosting your server (e.g., VPS fees) if you choose to self-host. All features are available without restrictions.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Redlib
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Full data ownership (self-hosted)
- ⊕ Open-source code (customizable and auditable)
- ⊕ No subscription fees or mandatory telemetry
Cons
- ⊖ Requires a server (VPS or local) for hosting
- ⊖ Technical setup knowledge (Docker/networking)
- ⊖ Smaller default community ecosystem than mainstream platforms