Top Open Source Social Network (OSSN) Alternatives for Your Community

Open Source Social Network (OSSN), also known as opensource-socialnetwork, is a PHP-based social networking software that empowers you to create your own social website, fostering connections and shared interests among members. While OSSN is a capable platform, many users seek alternatives offering different features, privacy policies, or deployment options. This article explores some of the best Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative options available today, helping you find the perfect fit for your community.

Best Open Source Social Network (OSSN) Alternatives

Looking for a different approach to building your online community? These alternatives to Open Source Social Network (OSSN) provide diverse functionalities, from enhanced privacy to robust content management, catering to a wide range of needs.

Diaspora

Diaspora is a federated social networking service designed as a privacy-aware alternative to Facebook, making it an excellent Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative for those prioritizing data privacy. It is Free and Open Source, supporting Linux, Web, BSD, Ruby, and Self-Hosted deployments. Key features include decentralization, self-hosting in intranet or private cloud, ActivityPub support, encryption, and a strong focus on user privacy.

Minds

Minds is a free and open-source platform that allows you to launch your digital brand, social network, and mobile app, making it a compelling Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative. It's a global social network that champions free speech and anti-censorship. Available on Web, Android, and iPhone, Minds offers features like encrypted chat, security focus, blogging, content discovery, decentralization, encryption, gamification, and a unique point system for engagement.

Gab

Gab is a social network that champions free speech, individual liberty, and the free flow of information online. As a Freemium and Open Source platform available on Web, Android, and Self-Hosted, Gab stands out as a strong Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative for those valuing uncensored communication. Its features include ad-free experience, live topics, censorship-bypassing apps, community-based structure, anonymity, and robust privacy features.

GNU social is a continuation of the StatusNet project, offering social communication software for both public and private use. This Free and Open Source platform is self-hosted and is an excellent Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative for those seeking a decentralized, ad-free social experience built on PHP.

Friendica

Friendica is a distributed social network with a strong focus on decentralization, privacy, and interoperability. As a Free and Open Source platform supporting Linux, BSD, Self-Hosted, and PHP, Friendica is a highly capable Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative. It boasts features like federated networking, commodity hosting support, community events, Diaspora and Twitter integration, and robust privacy controls.

HumHub

HumHub is a free social network software and framework designed to facilitate teamwork. It's a lightweight, powerful, and Open Source Freemium solution available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, BSD, and Self-Hosted environments, making it a versatile Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative. HumHub includes features like intranet functionality, real-time collaboration, task management, and team collaboration, all built with PHP.

Okuna

Okuna (formerly Openbook) is an open-source, zero-tracking, zero-spying, zero-advertisement, secure social network that dedicates 30% of its revenue to making the world a better place. Available for Free on Web and Android, Okuna serves as an excellent Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative for users who prioritize privacy and ethical practices, featuring an ad-free experience and no tracking.

BuddyPress

BuddyPress offers social networking in a box, allowing you to build a social network for your company, school, sports team, or niche community all based on the power and flexibility of WordPress. As a Free and Open Source, Self-Hosted WordPress plugin, BuddyPress is a highly accessible Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative, integrating seamlessly with your existing WordPress site and featuring an iTunes-like user interface.

MeWe

MeWe, formerly Sgrouples, is marketed as "The World's Private Communication Network." Available for Free on Web, Android, and iPhone, MeWe provides a strong Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative for users seeking enhanced privacy. Its features include public communities discovery, audio comments, cloud storage, encrypted chat, no filter bubble, and robust security and privacy controls.

Libertree

Libertree is free, libre, open-source software designed to enable individuals to create their own social networks. As a Free and Open Source, Self-Hosted solution, Libertree is a straightforward Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative for those looking to host their community with complete control, offering basic blogging and social networking functionalities.

Exploring these Open Source Social Network (OSSN) alternative platforms provides a comprehensive view of the diverse options available for building and managing your online community. Whether you prioritize privacy, specific features, ease of use, or deployment flexibility, there’s an alternative that can perfectly fit your needs. Take the time to evaluate each option based on your community’s unique requirements to find the best social networking solution.