Reddit is in full meltdown mode, and users are flocking to alternative platforms. Many of these new platforms incorporate a similar look and feel to Reddit, though they differ significantly, most notably in whether they are unified and centralized. We’ve compiled this list of the best Reddit alternatives, taking an in-depth look at their features and whether they’re also unified and centralized,
advice: Got Reddit content you just can’t part with? Learn how to download Reddit videos.
1. To Mimi
A quick search for Reddit alternatives will almost certainly land you whom. It’s probably the closest to Reddit in terms of look and feel, yet differs from Reddit in a significant way: it’s decentralized. The content on Lemmy is not located on a central server and is instead maintained independently, calling multiple servers home. These servers can connect and talk to each other.
Some proponents would argue that the decentralized nature would prevent the kind of problems plaguing Reddit right now. Lemmy is not as user friendly as Reddit. Reddit is hosted on a single server with subreddits, so no one person or group has complete control over the platform.
![Reddit Alts Lemmy World](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2023/07/reddit-alts-lemmy-world.jpg)
Lemmy calls its subforums “instances”, and they are all run on separate servers. It’s not as organized and curated compared to Reddit. As a result users spend a lot of time just trying to find the communities they are interested in. Users may find the dull nature of the platform a hindrance.
advantages
- Decentralized – no one person can trigger broad changes
- Tens of thousands of monthly users leave plenty of content to explore
Disadvantages
- A lack of an efficient experience has the potential to limit user growth
- The home page is confusing to navigate
good to know: We’ve compiled a list of the best subreddits to follow.
2. Cabin
cabin Similar to Lemmy in that it is unified and decentralized. The Kbin platform functions as a content aggregator, like Reddit, with topics of interest called “magazines” and user posts called “threads”. In addition to aggregating content, Kbin also allows users to engage in microblogging, similar to Twitter. These are somewhat confusingly called “posts”.
![Reddit Alts Kbin Social](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2023/07/reddit-alts-kbin-social.jpg)
The appeal of Kbin is that it is part of the “Feddbars”. In theory, user content could be collected and shared by a variety of unified platforms. But Kbin is not easy on the eyes, and user adoption may be hindered by the lack of a user-friendly interface, without prompting from the Kbin home page. As a result, Kbin may seem like too much for casual users who are used to Reddit’s easier-to-understand structure.
![Reddit Alts Kbin Home](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2023/07/reddit-alts-kbin-home.jpg)
Despite these shortcomings, Kbin offers a lot of promise in its open source nature that allows users to customize their experience. This includes the ability to rearrange the interface according to individual user preference.
advantages
- Interface can be customized
- The content is unified
Disadvantages
- There is no dedicated mobile app
- The user base is small
- Very early in beta testing
3. Beho
Beho Markets itself as a social media platform, where users are encouraged to share news articles, websites and start discussions – which many other social networks, including Reddit, already do. What sets Beehaw apart from its competitors? The founding principle is kindness and community, without intolerance. The goal is for Beehaw to be a safe place online where people can come together, regardless of politics, ethnicity, religious views, etc.
![Reddit Alts Beehaw Home](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2023/07/reddit-alts-beehaw-home.jpg)
To achieve this, the Beehaw developers have stated that they have no qualms about giving users the boot if they are found to be fluffing too many feathers. Furthermore, they strongly oppose downvoting. Their philosophy sees downvoting as serving no real purpose, believing it prevents conversation between users. Beehaw is firmly rooted in basic philosophical concepts: no one is “right,” and everyone deserves to be heard—unless they’re trolls.
![Reddit Alts Beehaw Mod](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2023/07/reddit-alts-beehaw-mod.jpg)
Beehaw is part of the “Federation” and will not hesitate to cancel the federation if it feels another federated platform is becoming too problematic. They will essentially cut ties with this platform and its content. As of this writing, Lemmy.world has been kicked out of the federation due to Beehaw stating that they cannot effectively moderate Lemmy.world users.
advantages
- Has the potential to be a nicer place
- Trolling is not tolerated and moderation is quick
Disadvantages
- Concerns about censorship
- Lack of a karma system may make it difficult to find quality content
for your information: Learn how to view deleted Reddit posts and comments.
4. Tildes
A tilde is a small wavy line commonly used to estimate a figure, such as time: ~30 minutes. The symbol has a long history in relation to technology, being used for a variety of purposes. As a social platform, Tildes Founded with an explicit goal: to be a non-profit corporation without profit intentions, without open source, without investors.
![Reddit Alts Tildes Home](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2023/07/reddit-alts-tildes-home.jpg)
The founder of Tildes believes that online communities and social platforms are being corrupted by the pursuit of revenue growth. As a result, at some point, the nature of a traditional business model leads to the abandonment of the original principles on which the platform was founded in favor of increasing revenues. Ultimately, user privacy and interactions are exploited for the financial gain of a few people.
![Reddit Alts Tildes Groups](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2023/07/reddit-alts-tildes-groups.jpg)
Like Reddit, Tildes is a content aggregator, but it sets itself apart in two ways. First, most interactions on Tildes are primarily text-based, wanting to be a community where people exchange thoughtful ideas, rather than being a meme factory. Second, the volume of commenting is significantly lower on Tildes: it has a much smaller user base than Reddit, and there is less emphasis on creating content for the sake of karma. Tildes rejects the idea of votes in favor of creating a platform where more informed discussion is common.
advantages
- Less emphasis on individual posters
- The user base determines the growth of the platform
Disadvantages
- A simplistic look is not for everyone
- No karma/reputation system
- Currently, there is no mobile app available, and an official app is unlikely
5. Quarrels
God quarrels The platform aims to be the exact opposite of a “fight” by combining the best parts of Reddit and Twitter. The developers behind Squabbles noticed that Reddit makes it easy to become part of a community; However, it lacks the ability to make meaningful connections with individual users. While Twitter makes it easy to follow individual users, it doesn’t have tight-knit communities. Squabbles was designed to allow users to participate in larger community discussions, while being able to pick the brains of individual users.
![Reddit alts bickering at home](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2023/07/reddit-alts-squabbles-home.jpg)
Squabbles is home to various “communities” that users can join. Like Reddit, these communities are diverse and cater to different interests. However, while you may be able to find a community on a niche topic, don’t expect to engage in deep conversations, at least not yet. Many of the communities on Squabbles boast only a handful of subscribers. At the time of writing, the largest Squabbles community is /s/gaming, which is home to just over 7,000 users.
![Reddit Alts Feud Communities](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2023/07/reddit-alts-squabbles-communities-2-1.jpg)
Despite the small user base, Squabbles seems to be picking up steam. The ability to follow individual users has the potential to combine Reddit’s link aggregation and the more social aspects of other platforms. At this point, the homepage is not as carefully curated as Reddit, which risks alienating new users.
advantages
- A variety of communities
- Double emphasis on social aspects and accumulating links
Disadvantages
- Mobile apps in beta and in some cases invite only
- A small user base can make some communities feel very quiet
- The home page does not collect communities
for your information: This tutorial shows how to create your own Reddit with Teddit.
Common questions
Why do users leave Reddit?
In short, Reddit has raised the prices for access to its application programming interface (API). Simply put, an API allows information to be sent between a user and a website or application. In Reddit’s case, the price increases were so high that it actually killed various third-party Reddit apps. This resulted in a user revolt. Moderators of various subreddits shut down their communities in protest. Some managers have decided to close the store permanently until the controversial policy changes are reversed.
How do I join a platform that is still in alpha/beta?
It depends on the platform. Some platforms simply require people who want to join the beta to sign up, while in some cases, a waiting period or invitation may be required.
What does it mean to be a “federation”?
A social network is a kind of exclusive club. To gain access, you must create an account. Everything you post can only be seen by other people with an account on that particular platform.
Alternatively, “Fediverse” is a collection of networks. With a single account, these networks can communicate with each other. Therefore, any content you post is aggregated. Once one network is aware of your content, it can push that content to other networks.
Image credit: Paxels. All screenshots by Ryan Lynch.
Sign up for our newsletter!
Our latest tutorials are delivered straight to your inbox