Given the situation with TikTok—marked by censorship and the app's recent control by MAGA-aligned interests—I checked Reddit to see what TikTok users are saying. It turns out many are asking for alternatives. Most replies suggest other proprietary apps, and I haven’t seen any recommendations for decentralized platforms like LOOPS and others from the Fediverse.

In my opinion, we now have a small but critical window of opportunity to introduce people to the Fediverse. We need to go where young people are—Reddit, Instagram, or whatever platforms they use—and explain the basics of decentralization and why choosing another proprietary app will only lead to the same outcome. LOOPS is easy to join and feels exactly like Tiktok.

I had the chance to discuss this topic with my college students just last semester. Young people are not the “imbeciles” mainstream media often portrays them to be. They see what’s happening and want to participate in change. I am firmly convinced that they are a key component of the social revolution we need, and that with their help, we could dismantle the GAFAM economy in just a few weeks.

So I believe we have to seize this moment: share, explain, and promote the Fediverse wherever you can—especially in the coming days—because every invitation is a step toward a truly free and user-owned internet.

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[–] Silent9218@lemmy.zip 1 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

Sorry if this isn’t allowed, it’s maybe not strictly fediverse but I like skylight from Bluesky. Bsky has a lot of public figures and brands which I think is a necessary evil in pulling critical mass in times where an exodus is occurring because of political censorship. I tried skylight on iOS and it’s fine. Obviously not the same grade of content as the TikTok/reels/shorts but after linking my bsky account with already curated feeds of my interests I find that it combines them in an easily digestible way. Hopefully some big content creators explore their options because they do exist and are ready to be used.

[–] Yerbouti@sh.itjust.works 6 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

I don't see why this wouldn't be allowed, this is the Fedi, it's open to various opinions.

My problem with this is the same with all the proprietary platforms, the only thing that matters is the amount of money it can bring to investors. So when Bluesky gets popular enough, some rich douche will make sure to gain control over it and use it as a propaganda machine for the right, it's just a matter of time.

[–] Silent9218@lemmy.zip 3 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

That’s a very good point. Hopefully the underlying openness of the AT protocol enables homebrewed alternatives where you can simply port your account over, though the threat of this seems like a non-issue for activity pub from the start.

I’ve just installed the loops beta on iOS. I don’t really care for short form video content in general but here’s to hoping open social media can become more mainstream.

[–] Yerbouti@sh.itjust.works 2 points 18 hours ago

I’ve just installed the loops beta on iOS. I don’t really care for short form video content in general but here’s to hoping open social media can become more mainstream.

Same. Not my bag but if we can get a peak in registrations, that might help to promote the app.