Pixelfed, Loops and Sup: Alternatives to Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp launch crowdfunding campaign
Pixelfed, Loops and Sup, three up-and-coming open source alternatives to dominant social media platforms such as Threads, X, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp, recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to accelerate their development. All three platforms are based on the ActivityPub protocol, which also powers Mastodon and is considered the basis of the open social web. By deliberately avoiding algorithms for content control, the developers aim to avoid filter bubbles and to create a more open, user-centered social network. In recent months, Pixelfed has even achieved top rankings in the download charts of the Google Play Store and iOS AppStore. However, since the platforms are ad-free, the developers rely on voluntary contributions from the community to cover operating costs.
The developers recently launched a Kickstarter campaign with the aim of speeding up the development of the platforms and implementing new features. The response was overwhelming: the original funding target of C$50,000 was exceeded within just 13 hours. After the first weekend, over C$100,000 (just under $70,000) had already been raised.
The campaign is pursuing ambitious goals: In addition to accelerating the development of Pixelfed and Loops for web, iOS and Android, the creation of Sup, an alternative to WhatsApp/Snapchat and other instant messaging platforms, is planned. Furthermore, the areas of moderation, security, data protection and youth protection will be expanded and the platforms translated into several languages. Other "stretch goals" of the campaign include the financing of full-time developers, the creation of a cloud/CDN platform for the Fediverse and the establishment of a Pixelfed Foundation as a legal entity.
The developers of Pixelfed, Loops and Sup are committed to the "Ethical Web Principles", propagated by W3C and respectfulplatforms.org. These principles include promoting a healthy community and culture of debate, privacy protection, freedom of speech and ensuring the veracity of information.
Pixelfed, Loops and Sup present themselves as promising alternatives in the social media sector and as a counterpoint to the dominant platforms with their focus on open source, decentralization and ethical principles. The already successful Kickstarter campaign illustrates the growing interest in alternative social networks that prioritize users and contribute to a more open and democratic internet.
