GoToSocial
Lightweight ActivityPub server written in Go, built for small and single-user fediverse instances.
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 4
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About GoToSocial
GoToSocial is fediverse server software for people who want to run their own small instance. Written in Go and designed to run on modest hardware such as single-board computers or old laptops, it uses far fewer resources than Mastodon and is simple to install and maintain, with security-conscious defaults. It federates with Mastodon and the rest of the ActivityPub network, and because it implements the Mastodon client API you use it through apps such as Tusky or web front ends like Phanpy rather than a built-in posting interface. Features include granular post visibility, reply controls, local-only posts and RSS feeds. The project deliberately runs no flagship server and is not designed for influencers or engagement metrics. It is free and open source under the AGPL. GoToSocial is still in beta, so some features are missing and bugs remain, and it only suits people comfortable self-hosting.
Best for: People who want to self-host a personal or small fediverse instance on modest hardware.
Pros and cons
What works
- Very light on resources
- Works with Mastodon client apps
- Simple setup with sensible security defaults
Why people leave
- Still beta software
- No flagship server to join; self-hosting required
- No built-in web interface for posting
Top GoToSocial alternatives
See all 4- 1
Mastodon66.5The full-featured fediverse server, with many public servers to join.
- 2
Akkoma62.6A lighter-than-Mastodon server with a built-in front end and emoji reactions.
- 3
Misskey59.6A feature-rich fediverse server if resources aren't a concern.
- 4
Micro.blog48.9Hosted blogging that federates with Mastodon, with no server to maintain.
Why people left GoToSocial
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Reviews
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GoToSocial: common questions
Is GoToSocial free?
Yes. GoToSocial is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.
Is GoToSocial open source?
Yes. You can also run it on your own server.
What platforms does GoToSocial run on?
GoToSocial is available for Self-hosted.
What are the best alternatives to GoToSocial?
The highest-ranked GoToSocial alternatives right now are Mastodon, Akkoma and Misskey. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.