On October 26, 2024, a new player emerged in the world of short-form video sharing—the app Loops made its debut as a promising alternative to TikTok within the fediverse. Conceived by Daniel Supernault, the brain behind the Instagram-like platform Pixelfed, Loops aims to revolutionize how users interact with short videos by providing a decentralized experience that prioritizes user control over content.

What is Loops?

Loops is a short-form, looping video app designed for the fediverse, an interconnected and decentralized web of social networks. The platform opened signups recently, allowing users to join a community that promises more autonomy and privacy. Significantly, Loops empowers users by allowing them to own their content, and the platform does not sell data to advertisers or utilize it for AI training.

Users can share videos up to 60 seconds long and expect future additions such as sound, video remixes, and the ability to curate comments. Notably, Loops will support categories for videos but does not yet incorporate hashtags and mentions.

Key Features and Developments

Loops is integrating with the fediverse but has yet to launch its open-source code. Users can sign up via the Loops website, and while creating an account involves a waiting period for email confirmation, it promises an inclusive and secure video-sharing experience.

The app will initially be available for iOS through TestFlight, requiring a free developer account to access, and an Android version will be downloadable from outside the official app marketplaces. Moderation on the platform will rest in the hands of human moderators, with a trust scoring system determining how quickly videos are posted.

Relying on Community Support

Eschewing traditional revenue models, Loops relies on community support through grants, sponsorships, and donations to sustain itself. This aligns with the platform’s mission to maintain user autonomy and privacy, a significant draw for those concerned about the data practices of more mainstream social media.

Looking Forward

Although still in its early stages, Loops offers a refreshing alternative to established giants in short-form video content, addressing privacy concerns and promoting decentralization. As the app integrates further into the fediverse and progresses in its open-source journey, it may redefine how we engage with social media.

For more details, the original article can be found at The Verge.