X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, is hemorrhaging users to several Twitter alternatives. Many people are increasingly frustrated as the platform continues limiting how much you can view in a single day and has changed its TOS to allow all your data to go to an AI bot. If you’re looking to abandon Twitter altogether and find a social platform that’s more aligned with you, these are some great X alternatives.
Tip: before you stop tweeting, make sure you delete everything from Twitter.
1. Bluesky
If you’re looking for greener grass due to the increasing tensions on X, it may be time to fly over to Bluesky. Before its sale to Elon Musk, Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter, launched Bluesky as an invite-only beta in 2023, then rolled it out to the general public in February 2024.
Although the interface looks very similar to old-school Twitter, some key differences exist. For example, when you create your handle (username), you can choose between the default domain of .bsky.social or enter your website’s domain. Also, profiles include more sections than X, with Starter Packs and Lists added to the familiar Posts, Replies, and Media lineup.
The other appeal of Bluesky is the amount of control you have over your data and your feed. The app is decentralized and includes customizable feeds. You can control what content you see without interference from algorithms or hidden agendas by the developers (One of my favorites is the “Cat Pics” feed, where you only see pictures of cats posted by Bluesky users).
2. Threads
If you’re already highly invested in the Metaverse, you may as well join Threads. You can quickly sign up using your existing Instagram account, then join one of the most prominent Twitter alternatives. With over 275 million users (and counting), you’ll undoubtedly find your people here.
Each post on Threads can contain up to 500 characters, giving you more room to say what’s on your mind. Like Twitter, you can also “thread” multiple posts together, add links, images, or video clips, or share others’ posts with your own commentary.
With Threads, you get zero ads and much more moderation of content than X. Unfortunately, hashtags are limited in Threads: you can only add one per post. Additionally, Threads has no direct messaging feature, but most people get around this by simply using Instagram to message users.
3. Mastodon
Mastodon is an open-source microblogging platform that is an excellent alternative to Twitter (X). The app puts a unique spin on short posts called ‘toots’ instead of tweets. (See what they did there?)
Instead of being centrally hosted, Mastodon uses individual “instances” created by users, allowing you to join various communities, each with its own rules, policies, and code of conduct. This way, you get to engage with the types of people you want to, rather than expose yourself to the whole world.
Toots are a lot like Threads, with 500-character limits, as opposed to Twitter’s 280. Unlike most other mainstream social media apps, Mastodon operates with no ads, trackers, or algorithms. Your timeline only shows posts from people you follow, in chronological order.
If you want to put your thoughts into the void without worrying about having your data used to train AI, Mastodon is the X alternative for you.
4. SPILL
In addition to the recent TOS changes, many people are fleeing X due to toxic rhetoric and attacks on marginalized communities. This is why Spill exists: it’s a safe and inclusive space for people to discuss whatever is on their minds.
Unlike most of the other Twitter alternatives on this list, SPILL requires users to enter their phone number to create an account. However, the signup process is easy and can be done in just a few clicks. Once your profile is live, you can start “spilling” the tea 90 characters at a time.
To procure a feed, you must “build your brew” by selecting up to five interests. You can also “find your people” by following profiles that interest you or are people you know. But don’t assume it’s all like Twitter: SPILL has fun features like the game Spades and attending Tea Parties, which are live events for users to chat.
5. Spoutible
Have you ever wished Twitter came with different animal themes than a bird? With Spoutible, you essentially get everything Twitter offers – except the “mascot” of the app is a whale. You can access the platform through the mobile app or the Web.
On Spoutible, you can “spout off” in a post of 300 characters or fewer. You can also add images, GIFs, short video clips, and polls. From your timeline, you can view content from people you follow, use the Explore feature to find new content or check out the “waves” (trending content). Sharing other people’s posts is also allowed (called an Echo), as are direct messages.
However, there are some clear differences between Spoutible and Twitter, all of which are intentional. First and foremost, Spoutible advertises itself as a social media platform where people can “engage without fear.” It strictly prohibits harassment, misinformation, and any form of discrimination. Spoutible doesn’t use an algorithm to curate content, so what shows up in your feed is completely controlled by who you follow.
6. CounterSocial
Platforms: Web | Android | iOS
If you’re looking for a platform free from trolls, bots, and bad actors, CounterSocial is a haven for users seeking an online sanctuary. This unique platform features zero advertising, no trackers, and a strict no-tolerance policy for harassment or misinformation.
CounterSocial’s layout will feel familiar if you come from a traditional social media site, like X or Facebook. It offers a chronological timeline, allowing you to focus on content from the people you follow without algorithm interference. The character limit per post is 500, and you can include images, links, or videos.
The platform stands out with innovative features like “CounterRealms,” a VR space for social interaction, and “CounterTV,” a live-streaming news service. However, one limitation is that some features are restricted to paid subscribers, such as advanced analytics or greater customizability. If you value a moderated, troll-free social media experience, CounterSocial could be your next favorite app.
7. Gab
Platform: Web
Sitting on the opposite end of the political spectrum, Gab has built up a reputation as a haven for conservatives, libertarians, and other traditionally right-leaning folk. The principle here is free speech above all, which inevitably means much more unmoderated and virile content. Gab is also where you’ll find several high-profile people who were banned from Twitter, including the infamous Alex Jones.
This platform lets users post “gabs” of 300 characters or fewer. These posts can also include images or videos. Users can like, comment, repost, quote, or share posts from others. The app also adds some fun features, like polls and a marketplace, and includes “Feeds,” which break the content down based on the name of the feed (e.g., “memes” or “Pastors on Gab”).
Unlike most mainstream social media apps, though, Gab doesn’t moderate the content that’s posted. There isn’t any fact-checking, censoring of hate speech, or community guidelines to uphold. Gab also has a pro-subscription tier and its own web browser extension, “Dissenter,” that creates its own commenting system.
Good to know: regardless of the platform you use, you need to secure your social media accounts.
8. Hive Social
For those seeking a return to simplicity and a dash of nostalgia, Hive Social combines elements of Instagram, Twitter, and MySpace into one platform. Hive Social is community-focused and prioritizes user-friendly, chronological feeds, where everyone has an equal chance to shine.
Hive allows users to post updates, share media (including images and music!), and even personalize their profile with a song – reminiscent of MySpace’s golden era. The platform doesn’t impose a strict character limit, making it versatile for short updates or longer musings.
What sets Hive apart is its inclusive vibe and commitment to user safety. It features robust moderation to ensure a positive community experience, and there are no ads to disrupt your scrolling. Currently, Hive lacks a desktop version and some features you’d find on more established platforms, like hashtags or advanced analytics. Still, its nostalgic charm and focus on creative self expression make it one of the most appealing Twitter alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Twitter different from other social media platforms?
Twitter offers many benefits over other mainstream social media platforms because of how it operates. Twitter’s search functionality is far more sophisticated than other apps, and it’s far easier to share links and reshare other posts.
Why are people leaving Twitter?
Twitter has undergone many changes since Elon Musk took over the platform in October 2022. Many people are leaving because of new limitations on how many posts users can read per day, the increasing amount of hate speech, and requirements of monthly payments to obtain a verified account.
What’s the most popular Twitter alternative?
Meta’s Twitter alternative, Threads, has had the fastest rate of growth of any Twitter alternatives that launched in recent years. Bluesky has become the one most people are talking about recently.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Megan Glosson.
