With the current situation with Tiktok, it's time for the Fediverse to rise.
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Oh, yeah. Loops recently started doing a recommended algorithm and I haven't opened it up for a while to see how that's going. Cuz my two main issues with it has been a lack of variety in content due to the low user count, and the complete inability to find anything I might actually like.
Yeah, there's just not enough people using Loops.
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Given the situation with TikTokāmarked by censorship and the app's recent control by MAGA-aligned interestsāI 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 havenāt 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 areāReddit, Instagram, or whatever platforms they useāand 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 āimbecilesā mainstream media often portrays them to be. They see whatās 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 canāespecially in the coming daysābecause every invitation is a step toward a truly free and user-owned internet.
I just gave Loops a look. Seems kinda cool. The bulk of TikTok users are likely to flock to something like Lemon8, though.
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I know it can be challenging to convince people to migrate, but itās crucial that we keep spreading awareness. I recently tried posting about decentralized alternatives on r/tiktok, but it seems the post was suppressed. I ended up sharing the same message as comments in relevant discussions instead.
Even small actions matter. If each of us can introduce just three people to the Fediverseāand they do the sameāwe can create a ripple effect that drives real growth.
Personally, alongside talking with my students, Iāve started running free workshops in Montreal on ādeGAFAMingā your digital life. The first sessions had only 5ā6 attendees, but the online version Iām hosting in February already has 30 registrations. Iāve even helped a small organization transition from Google Workspace to Nextcloud.
No matter how small your action may seem, every effort counts. Keep sharing, keep inviting, keep building. The future of the internet depends on it.
Here is a message aimed at tiktok users you could share around:
*If we leave TikTok for another proprietary app, we're just moving from one walled garden to another. Sooner or later, the same issuesācensorship, political control, or corporate takeoverāwill follow us there.
Thatās why we should try Loops instead. https://loops.video/
Loops is a decentralized alternative. No single company, political group, or billionaire can buy it or control what you see. You own your space. You shape your feed. You keep your voice.
Yes, Loops is smaller right nowāand it might take a little time to adjust. But with your help, it will grow into the vibrant, free, and people-powered platform we deserve
Here's a short video introduction the Fediverse and decentralized social media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRJHIJy5Nno *
I recently tried posting about decentralized alternatives on r/tiktok, but it seems the post was suppressed.
Reddit has been known for a good while to shadowban even mere mentions of the fediverse or anything involving it, as well as shadowbanning accounts. If you want to truly promote an alternative to a walled garden, it has to be out there in the open, not in another walled garden.
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I think they've really dropped the ball not having Loops do some kind of soft re-launch this week. We've known the changeover was coming, there probably won't be a better moment than this to tell anyone "Hey, Loops is an alternative if you're leaving".
Not having a ready to download app in any store, even F-Droid, is such a shame. IMO, short form video makes more sense on worse platforms like a mobile phone. (I'm observing, not complaining too much - it's not like I rolled up my sleeves and contributed.)
For anyone that wants to make videos, every category is wide open. If you're making anything compelling (outside maybe Linux and politics), there's not much competition. Claim your spotlights now.
If anyone that makes videos on Loops reads this: I'm begging you, please put captions on your videos. Most of my 'doomscrolling on the phone' time doesn't happen in situations where turning the volume up is convenient/appropriate.
Funny that you say that, as Loops just posted to their Kickstarter and blog on Thursday that Loops is in the App Store, and no longer beta!
Hopefully that drives up some engagement.
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The alternatives to many of these services should be nothing
Unfortunately that's just not how people work. I hate Tiktok and never used it, but I still want Loops to do well so people can have a far healthier and privacy-considerate service. There are many inventions huamns have made that do harm instead of good, but we have to learn how to minimize what we can as we depend on them. Forcing people to "not have Tiktok-like services" is not a solution.
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Unfortunately that's just not how people work. I hate Tiktok and never used it, but I still want Loops to do well so people can have a far healthier and privacy-considerate service. There are many inventions huamns have made that do harm instead of good, but we have to learn how to minimize what we can as we depend on them. Forcing people to "not have Tiktok-like services" is not a solution.
Yea it is
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Funny that you say that, as Loops just posted to their Kickstarter and blog on Thursday that Loops is in the App Store, and no longer beta!
Hopefully that drives up some engagement.
Yeah, I saw. Really good! Also saw that F-Droid should be soon, and that sign ups have spiked. The content on there has already improved slighly in the last handful of days. There's hope for it!
