Squawker

Squawker

Squawker is a free and open-source microblogging platform similar to Twitter. It allows users to post short messages up to 240 characters called "squawks" and follow other users. Basic features include a public timeline, user profiles, replies, mentions, hashtags, and m
Squawker image
microblogging social-media messaging open-source

Squawker: Free Microblogging Platform

A free and open-source microblogging platform with features like public timelines, user profiles, replies, mentions, hashtags, and media uploading.

What is Squawker?

Squawker is an open-source, self-hosted microblogging and social networking platform, developed as an alternative to commercial services like Twitter or Mastodon. It provides similar core functionality, allowing users to post short messages up to 240 characters called "squawks", follow other users, reply, mention, hashtag, upload media, and more.

As an open-source project, Squawker places priority on freedom of speech, security, and privacy. It can be self-hosted on a server or VPS under the full control of the owner, avoiding reliance on third-party platforms. This allows creating private or public Squawker instances tailored to specific interests or communities.

From a technical standpoint, Squawker is written in PHP and JavaScript, using MySQL as the backend database. It supports open standards and protocols like ActivityPub for interoperability with the fediverse. Customizing Squawker's theming and adding new features is also possible by modifying its source code.

In summary, Squawker is a great open-source alternative for those seeking to operate their own Twitter-like platform with autonomy over management, moderation, privacy, branding, features, and integration with other decentralized social networks across the fediverse.

Squawker Features

Features

  1. Microblogging platform for short messages up to 240 characters
  2. Public timeline for viewing posts from followed users
  3. User profiles with posts, followers, and following
  4. Replies, mentions, and hashtags
  5. Media uploading (images, videos, and links)

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open-source software

Simple and easy-to-use interface

No data tracking or targeted advertising

Decentralized and self-hosted options available

Cons

Smaller user base compared to Twitter

Limited features and customization options

Potential for abuse and misinformation due to lack of moderation


The Best Squawker Alternatives

Top Social & Communications and Microblogging and other similar apps like Squawker

Here are some alternatives to Squawker:

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