Twitter is one of the world’s biggest social media apps that inspires discourse and speaking up. It is also a place where many social movements have come to life, such as the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements; and because of its success, many are trying to get a share of its users. Tons of Twitter alternatives pop up one after the other and each of these platforms offers slightly different features and user bases. Some platforms concentrate more on photography and short videos, while others focus on text-based posts and community interaction. In the end, sifting through these social media platforms to find the best fit for you might be a hassle to do. To help with that, we made this list of the best Twitter alternatives to gain fans or friends!
Also See: A Beginner’s Guide to the Twitter App
Why Look For Twitter Alternatives?
First off, you might be wondering, “why would I even need Twitter alternatives?”. While Twitter is still one of the most popular micro-blogging websites in the world and still has a vibrant and large user base of over 206 million active users (as of 2021), the platform has received a few issues over the years. A few of these issues include malicious bots, fake accounts, account hacking, and alleged censorship.
Aside from that, and without going into the political and ethical discussion, there have also been proven disinformation and malicious public information campaigns launched through the platform. With this range of issues and the political divide present in such a large user base, it is not that surprising to want to find an alternative, is it not?
Best Twitter Alternatives
For this list of Twitter alternatives, we will try to explain some of the unique features and capabilities of each app. While these are all alternative Twitter apps, we do have to emphasize that these are different from Twitter app mirrors or social media managers that instead manage and co-opt your Twitter account.
1. Mastodon
Platform: iOS (Toot!) / Android (Tusky)
Age Rating: Mature 17+ / Teens 12+
Price: $3.99 (Toot!) / Free with in-app purchases (Tusky)
When it comes to people wanting to maintain their privacy in social media, the Mastodon network might just be the best Twitter alternative for you. Created as a safer open-sourced alternative to Twitter and its corporate roots, Mastodon is a self-hosted micro-blogging service that copies a lot of Twitter’s features. Foremost among Mastodon’s features is a clear copy of Twitter’s famous “Tweets” system called “Toots.” The main difference between these two is the Toot’s higher character limit of 500 compared to a Tweets’ 280.
Due to its open-sourced nature, Mastodon itself does not have a first-party dedicated app. Instead, several “Mastodon” apps have been created by third parties to access and use the network. Some of these apps are being promoted and recommended by the Mastodon team, like Tusky for Androids and Toot! for iOS users.
We have a complete and easy-to-read guide on the Mastodon apps and platform that explains how the complicated system works and is moderated. For this Twitter alternative guide, though, there are only three things you would need to know about Mastodon. These three are its almost 1 to 1 feature similarity with Twitter, its increased focus on internet privacy and security, and its lack of a singular Mastodon app.
Get Toot! on the Apple App Store
Get Tusky on the Google Play Store
2. Tumblr
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Mature 17+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
One of the internet’s longstanding microblogging stalwarts, Tumblr has had a lot of ups and downs over the years. While many consider Tumblr to be a shadow of its former self after many users abandoned the platform when a controversial content policy was enacted in 2018, a lot of users still call Tumblr home.
When comparing the two platforms, Tumblr is a lot more versatile when it comes to the type of content someone can post on it. While Twitter has a strict character limit and limited multi-media uploads, Tumblr allows more customization of your Tumblr feed. This customization includes having GIFs, videos, audio, and personalized blog themes.
Even with its slightly turbulent history and “cliqued” user base, Tumblr is still one of the premier micro-blogging sites that can serve as a good Twitter alternative. If you want to learn more about the platform, we suggest having a look at our beginner’s guide to Tumblr.
Get Tumblr on the Apple App Store
Get Tumblr on the Google Play Store
3. Plurk
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Mature 17+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
The social media platform proudly shouts its pride as “a social network for weirdos,” Plurk is one of the more quirky Twitter alternatives available out there. Created by a Taiwanese company, Plurk is a breath of fresh air compared to the usually western-centric social media out there.
Filled with everything from K-pop to shows on the Netflix app and anime, Plurk is an odd combination of Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. Its most notable features are its “Plurks,” a community “Karma” system, and its horizontal timeline.
Plurks are the platform’s version of a Tweet with a maximum character limit of 360 characters. The platform’s Karma system, meanwhile, is made as a way for the community to self-moderate and lock unruly or unwanted users. Plurk’s most striking feature is the horizontal timeline. Compared to other websites where everyone scrolls up or down, Plurk has users scroll to the sides instead.
While you can create a fun and loyal following of friends or fans on the platform, Plurk also lets its users prioritize their anonymity which is a big plus nowadays. Aside from that, Plurk is very similar to Twitter, including its multi-media functions, instant messaging, and message threads. Those switching from Twitter to Plurk would find it easy to adjust to the platform.
Get Plurk on the Apple App Store
Get Plurk on the Google Play Store
4. Instagram
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Teen 12+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
One of the best Twitter alternatives out there for the photogenic among us, Instagram is the world’s foremost photo-centric social media platform available. While it does focus on photos, it does not mean the platform is just filled with selfies; it also allows its users to share stories, videos, and other media.
Considered as one of Twitter’s rivals as the largest social media platform, Instagram also has a lot of space for new faces alongside its sizable roster of celebrities like Kim Kardashian West, Lionel Messi, and even the former President Barack Obama.
If you want to find out more about Instagram, we have a few guides and tutorials you can look through. Some of these include our beginner’s guide to the Instagram app, a how-to on scheduling Instagram posts, and a quick guide on how to use the Instagram creator’s studio.
Get Instagram on the Apple App Store
Get Instagram on the Google Play Store
5. Reddit
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Teen 12+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
A place that really lets you dive into anything, Reddit is an odder choice as a Twitter alternative. More closely resembling an internet image-based bulletin board or “imageboard” like the notorious 4chan than traditional social media, Reddit is a place to discuss and talk about anything under the sun.
A more depersonalized and anonymous social media as compared to Twitter, Reddit users mostly congregate in “sub-reddits” of varied topics instead of following individuals. These sub-reddits range from more serious ones like “r/politics” to more niche hobbies like “r/hololive.” If it exists, there is probably a board someone created, and people will be interested in it. While users do focus more on these sub-reddits, each also has its own micro-blogging profile.
These Reddit profiles let them create posts on their feed akin to Twitter with photos, videos, links, and even polls. Compared to Twitter’s more hierarchical nature of followers and fans flocking to one celebrity or another, Reddit has a more communal feel to it. When it comes to finding like-minded people to seriously talk about your hobbies, Reddit is one of the better Twitter alternatives to choose from.
Also See: Best Reddit Apps for iOS and Android
Get Reddit on the Apple App Store
Get Reddit on the Google Play Store
6. Snapchat
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Teen 12+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Our sixth choice Twitter alternative is Snapchat, an image and video-centric social media platform. Closer to a mix between TikTok and Instagram, Snapchat users mostly interact through posting “Snaps.” These Snaps are quick photos users post on their Snapchat profiles or give through user-to-user trades.
Snapchat does also has a lot of similar features and systems to Twitter. These include its direct messaging, multi-media posts, and video uploads. Where the two differ, though, is with Snapchat “premium.” While not actually a separate service, this feature allows users to sell adult content through their Snapchat accounts.
There are a lot of differences between the two platforms, and we explain more about them in our Snapchat user guide. For this Twitter alternatives list, what you need to remember about this platform is its strong fan base when catering to adult content and its focus on user-to-user interaction instead of “communities.”
Get Snapchat on the Apple App Store
Get Snapchat on the Google Play Store
7. Pinterest
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Teen 12+
Price: Free
Yet another photo-centric platform, Pinterest calls itself a “catalog of ideas” and allows its users to express themselves through photos and art. While Pinterest started off as a closed-off community with exclusive access only to people in the know, it has since opened its doors to the rest of the internet.
While similar to the previous apps like Instagram and Snapchat, Pinterest focuses on more artistic and creative works. These works range from more intricate things like paintings and sculptures to simpler works like collages and photos. A good Twitter alternative for those on the creative side of things, Pinterest has user timelines curated by the company’s AI. This allows users to fine-tune the content they are shown on the platform.
Usually used by people as a “visual search engine,” users are free to explore and create their own niche on the platform and find like-minded friends. We have an in-depth guide to Pinterest for beginners if you want to learn more.
Get Pinterest on the Apple App Store
Get Pinterest on the Google Play Store
8. Facebook
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Teen 12+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Facebook — need we say more? While mostly seen nowadays as a platform for “oldies” and for connecting with family members, Facebook is still the biggest and, some would say, most controversial social media platform in the world. Aside from that, Facebook is also a good Twitter alternative.
One of the more versatile platforms, Facebook allows different types of media to be posted by its users. Facebook gives its users a lot to play with when customizing their profiles. These include uploads of photos, polls, videos, GIFs, and cross-linking to other platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp.
Facebook continues to enjoy its massive 2.8 billion strong user-base (as of 2020). Most of these users are part of a Facebook Group or two and, while not as “public” as Twitter, Facebook Groups have some of the most prolific hobbyists as members. With focus topics and organizations ranging from bird watching in Yellowstone to your local school’s PTA group, you are going to find a fan or two of your hobbies.
Public perception aside, Facebook is still the biggest social media platform and continues to be a good way to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. There are a few ways to go onto the platform, like the Facebook apps for Android and iOS. You could also use the older Facebook Touch website for smartphones as well.
Get Facebook on the Apple App Store
Get Facebook on the Google Play Store
9. Peeks Social
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Mature 17+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Peeks Social is mainly a video streaming and recording platform, that’s why it’s the Twitter alternative for the users who adore video uploads. While it is closer to Twitch than Twitter, Peeks Social is the first purpose-built video streaming monetization platform that lets users earn money from their streams. Due to being dominated by gamers and game streamers, Peeks Social has a good base of like-minded users and creators.
While Peers Social lets users and streamers earn money, there are a few problems with the platform. The largest of which involves the proliferation of adult-rated content and the lack of user moderation. Even with those problems, though, if you want to find a friend to game with, Elden Ring or Halo Infinite, this might be a good place to start.
Get Peek Social on the Apple App Store
Get Peek Social on the Google Play Store
10. Amino
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Teen 12+
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Billed as a social ”micro-network,” Amino is quite similar to a mix between Twitter and Reddit. Amino is similar to both because of its “community-centric” groups with integrated personal pages, public posts, and user-to-user direct messaging. Users migrating to Amino from Twitter would not need that much time adjusting due to the similar features in place.
A good Twitter alternative for teens and young adults, Amino is mainly community moderated with different guidelines per community group. These groups have stricter guidelines compared to Twitter, which is probably for the best due to the average age of its user base.
Get Amino on the Apple App Store
Get Amino on the Google Play Store
11. Gab
Platform: iOS and Android
Age Rating: Mature
Price: Free
Our final choice for a Twitter alternative is Gab. Compared to the other apps on this list, Gab describes itself as a “free speech” platform that does not have moderation or censorship. This leads to a lot of problems. Among these include the prevalence of offensive and perverse content like hate speech, racism, and pornography.
While we did include this on the list, do note that this platform has been banned by both Apple and Google due to its refusal to moderate or comply with rules on adult and offensive content. If you are fine with a platform populated by people with strong political beliefs and a strong sense of “free speech,” you might just find your home in Gab.
Due to their ban on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, those that want the Gab app have to go to the Gab website to download and install them.
What Next?
So, there you have it — a solid 11 Twitter alternative apps to choose from! We hope you find the best alternative for you from our list. If you want to find more alternatives to your current apps, you might find our guide to apps like Instagram or TikTok helpful.
