X is a wonderful microblogging platform but there is quite a bit of commotion going on around it. Loyalties have waned ever since Elon Musk took over Twitter and changed it into X.
With controversies and the rising trust issues of users, the platform is yet to gain stability. Be it the feeling of “It’s not how it used to be” or just a curiosity to get on newer microblogging sites like Threads, people have started looking for good X alternatives.
Whether you have been a long-time Twitter user looking for something similar or someone who just happened to be looking for an active social media platform other than Twitter, you are in the right place. We have compiled for you a list of the best X alternatives so that you find the social media community and platform that aligns best with your interests and tastes.
What is X?
X, which was formerly known as Twitter, is a social media platform that allows users to share images and microblogs, reshare them and communicate to a wide audience. Twitter has always been wildly popular with hugely influential, as its unrivalled functionality, features and straightforward interface made it one of the best social media platforms ever.
But ever since Twitter was rebranded as X after being purchased by Elon Musk, there has been dissatisfaction and apprehension from many users. To those looking for something similar yet different, we have a list of the best X alternatives.
10 Best X Alternatives
1. Reddit
A community forum/ social media app, Reddit leads you to a wide number of communities that are interested in what you are interested in. With more than 50 million active users every day it is one of the most popular platforms where all sorts of topics and discussions take place every day.
From politics to music to sports to meme culture, it is a haven for all kinds of micro-communities. You can share text and media content and take part in various features that enhance the community-building experience, making it one compelling X alternative. Some of its strong points include:
- Anonymous posting.
- Upvoting/ downvoting so users can push important and interesting topics forward.
- Can join thousands of subreddits based on interests.
- Interesting profile-building mechanics based on interactions and uploads.
2. Spill
Another strong X alternative, Spill is built by Alphonzo Terrel and DeVaris Brown, former employees from Twitter. It has a few similarities to Twitter, but the platform’s overall theme(Tea) consistently runs through it, making it a unique and fun experience. Posts are called “spills” and the recommended post section is titled “spillboard”. While still in beta, it is widely gaining popularity and speculations suggest that it might be among the next best thing to Twitter if it can hit all the right spots. Here are some strong points of Spill that can make it a worthy alternative to Twitter:
- More visual-oriented rather than text-based posts.
- Visually appealing UI design.
- AI-based moderation that is native to Spill.
- Appealing thematic coherence across the platform.
3. BlueSky
BlueSky is now the latest talk in town when it comes to Twitter alternatives and we can see why. Having a lot in common with Twitter, it is a decentralized network founded by Jack Dorsey, the former Twitter CEO. Having terminated the relationship with Twitter, BlueSky Social has since then grown into a strong competitor that could challenge and go up against X once it is out of its beta phase.
The interface shares a lot of similarities with Twitter and is built on the AT Protocol. BlueSky Social, even though it is still in beta has already gained more than 100,000 followers. Some of its strengths are:
- Twitter-like features.
- Decentralized and facilitates social interactions across platforms.
- No sponsored ads.
- Intuitive design and functionalities.
4. Threads
Meta’s Threads offers Twitter a head-on competition by offering many features that have so far been popularized with Twitter. As a platform for real-time conversations, Threads has already started making its mark, with many popular figures and celebrities instantly taking up the platform.
Threads is competing with X by catering to users who desire a more extensive, engaging and organized platform for conversation. This aligns with the current trend in social media where companies are starting to see the importance of fostering meaningful and healthier interactions on platforms. Its features and strengths include:
- Post text of up to 500 characters.
- Share videos of up to 5 minutes in duration.
- Minimalist design and interface.
- Can easily start if you have an Instagram account.
5. Post
Users who appreciate meaningful and plain information coupled with an aesthetically pleasing minimalist design can find a distraction-free atmosphere on Post, a social networking platform that emphasises short, text-based content.
Twitter, no matter how minimal and usable it is, lacks flair, and for those who agree to this, Post is a great X alternative. It offers a less cluttered online experience and provides users with more control over their content. Some of it’s core strengths include:
- Post content without a word limit.
- Comment, React, Retweet and Tip other users.
- Aesthetic user interface.
- Tailored well for journalism and news sharing.
6. Tumblr
Tumblr is a microblogging site with a focus on creative expression and personalization that combines short-form text posts, photos, GIFs, and multimedia material. Tumblr is the X alternative for those looking for a more visually rich and creatively focused platform. It’s multimedia integration and the overall aesthetics of its interface is nothing less than joyful to experience. Tumblr also boasts diverse user communities, with various niches and interests represented. Some of its features include:
- Facebook and Twitter integration.
- Customizable design for Tumblelog.
- Allows you to use a custom domain.
- SEO Optimization
7. Instagram
If you are not on Instagram yet, this might be your time to sign up. With around 1.3 Billion users, it is one giant of a social media platform. As X is struggling to find its feet, Instagram provides a great alternative social media experience that is visual-oriented and engaging. You can post video content as Reels, post short Stories that last 24 hours on your feed, and interact with endless content from other creators, users and artists. Some of its features are:
- Add and manage multiple accounts.
- Instagram Live Video.
- Image and video editing for posts and creating reels.
- Instagram analytics for businesses and creators.
8. Mastodon
Mastodon is a decentralised social networking site that works similarly to Twitter in that it employs a microblogging model, even though it cannot be called a social media channel by strict definition. It distinguishes itself by giving users more discretion and control. Mastodon’s open-source, federated structure has gained popularity as a result of growing worries about data privacy and centralization.
Mastodon’s decentralized nature appeals to users who are concerned about centralized control over their data, especially after recent events like Facebook’s data privacy scandals. Mastodon’s user base continues to grow as people seek alternatives that prioritize privacy and control over their social media experience. Its major pro points are:
- Fully decentralized.
- Many Twitter-like features.
- Great content moderation.
- Free of advertisement and sponsored content.
9. Discord
Now, Discord is very different from Twitter and is less of a social media than a chat app with community-based servers. From being a simple app for gamers to chat, it has evolved into an engaging platform to discuss all your favourite topics, much like Reddit. It is great for finding and engaging with niche community servers, streaming video content, and communicating with texts, audio or video in real time. If you are in need of something unlike X with more flexibility and community-based interactions Discord is the right place for you. Here are some of the pros of Discord:
- Customizable interface.
- No scrolling through feed.
- Accessible from PC, iOS and Android.
- Good for live-streaming.
10. Micro.blog
Twitter has always been THE platform for microblogging. But now there are robust and diverse alternatives and Micro.blog is a notable player among them. It allows you to view and comment on the content from other bloggers, share media or even keep your blog private and to yourself- a literal personal microblogging platform! It provides a simple and elegant alternative to Twitter, emphasizing user control and community engagement. Micro.blog also has an array of features like:
- Cross-posting on X, Mastodon, Tumblr, Facebook and more.
- Import/export from WordPress blogs.
- Customizable blog page.
8 More Great X Alternatives/Twitter Alternatives
Conclusion
Twitter has always been a popular channel where people have for ages come together to share content, news and more. But as things like subscriptions based on blue ticks, the overall rebranding and controversies piling on top of controversies, people are moving away and looking for similar or better alternatives.
With similar functionalities and features to Twitter/X, we have put together a few good alternatives that can take the place of your new favourite social media platform.