# Fediverse

> open social media network using the ActivityPub protocol

**Wikidata**: [Q30325419](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30325419)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fediverse)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fediverse

## Summary
The Fediverse is an open, decentralized social media network that uses the ActivityPub protocol to enable communication between independently hosted platforms. It allows users to interact across different services like Mastodon, Pixelfed, and Pleroma, offering an alternative to centralized platforms like Twitter or Facebook. As of 2024, it comprises over 40 documented software projects and services.

## Key Facts
- **Protocol**: Built on the ActivityPub standard (preferred protocol), with legacy support for OStatus and WebFinger.
- **Structure**: A distributed social network with no central authority, composed of interoperable platforms such as Mastodon, Friendica, and Hubzilla.
- **Notable Platforms**: Includes software like Pleroma (launched 2016), Pixelfed (18 sitelinks), and Mobilizon (inception 2019).
- **Logo**: Proposed logo available at [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Fediverse_logo_proposal.svg).
- **Related Projects**: Over 20 associated software projects, such as GoToSocial, Honk, and BookWyrm (launched 2022).
- **Community Resources**: Official server lists at [joinfediverse.wiki](https://joinfediverse.wiki/Instances) and [fedidb.org](https://fedidb.org/network).

## FAQs
### Q: What makes the Fediverse different from traditional social media?
A: The Fediverse is decentralized, meaning users host their own servers or join independent instances, avoiding corporate control and data monopolization.

### Q: How do I join the Fediverse?
A: Users can sign up on any Fediverse-compatible platform (e.g., Mastodon, Pleroma) by choosing a public instance or hosting their own server.

### Q: Is the Fediverse free to use?
A: Most Fediverse software is free and open-source, but hosting costs may apply for self-managed instances.

## Why It Matters
The Fediverse represents a paradigm shift in social networking by prioritizing user autonomy, privacy, and interoperability. Unlike centralized platforms, it eliminates single points of failure and corporate oversight, aligning with ethical tech principles. Its growth—marked by the rise of platforms like Mastodon and the adoption of ActivityPub—reflects a global demand for alternatives to proprietary systems. By enabling cross-platform communication, the Fediverse fosters diverse communities and reduces reliance on ad-driven business models, offering a resilient infrastructure for online interaction.

## Notable For
- **Decentralized Architecture**: No single entity controls the network, ensuring resilience against censorship or shutdowns.
- **Interoperability**: Platforms like Mastodon (microblogging) and Pixelfed (photo sharing) seamlessly interact via ActivityPub.
- **Open-Source Ecosystem**: All core software is freely modifiable, with contributions from global developers.
- **Ethical Design**: Prioritizes user privacy and data ownership, contrasting with corporate platforms.

## Body
### Definition & Core Protocol
The Fediverse is a network of decentralized social applications linked by the **ActivityPub** protocol, standardized by the W3C in 2017. This protocol enables cross-platform communication, allowing users on different services (e.g., Mastodon, Pleroma) to follow, share, and interact with one another.

### Key Platforms & Software
- **Mastodon**: The most widely recognized Fediverse platform, launched in 2016, offering Twitter-like functionality.
- **Pixelfed**: A photo-sharing platform (18 sitelinks) designed as a decentralized alternative to Instagram.
- **Pleroma**: A lightweight, open-source microblogging service (inception 2016-10-26) with a strong focus on privacy.
- **Friendica**: A Canadian-developed social network (14 sitelinks) supporting ActivityPub and legacy protocols.

### History & Development
- **Early Beginnings**: Emerged from OStatus-based networks like GNU Social and diaspora* (launched 2010).
- **ActivityPub Adoption**: Widespread transition to ActivityPub began in 2017, boosting interoperability.
- **Recent Growth**: New platforms like Loops (video-focused, 2024) and Mobilizon (event organizing, 2019) expanded the ecosystem.

### Governance & Community
The Fediverse operates without a central governing body, relying on community-driven norms and technical standards. Projects like **joinfediverse.wiki** and **fedidb.org** provide decentralized resources for users and developers.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Fediverse",
  "description": "Open social media network using the ActivityPub protocol",
  "url": "https://joinfediverse.wiki",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48734031",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fediverse"
  ],
  "additionalType": "https://schema.org/SocialMediaPlatform",
  "logo": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Fediverse_logo_proposal.svg"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://codeberg.org/Vocata/vocata/)
2. [Source](https://activitypub.ghost.org)
3. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Fediverse-YX9MW39)
4. [Press coverage of the Fediverse - sh.itjust.works](https://sh.itjust.works/c/fediverse_press@lemmy.world)
5. [Fediverse - sh.itjust.works](https://sh.itjust.works/c/fediverse@lemmy.ml)
6. [Fediverse - sh.itjust.works](https://sh.itjust.works/c/fediverse@kbin.social)
7. [Best Of Fediverse - sh.itjust.works](https://sh.itjust.works/c/bof@lemmy.intai.tech)
8. [Atlas of the Fediverse - sh.itjust.works](https://sh.itjust.works/c/fediverseatlas@feddit.uk)