Loops: A New TikTok Alternative Targets the Fediverse

The development of a fediverse alternative to TikTok, named Loops, is currently underway with signups beginning this week. Loops is a short-form looping video application created by the developer behind Pixelfed, an Instagram alternative, as reported by TechCrunch.

Individuals who register are able to upload videos of up to 60 seconds, according to information shared by developer Daniel Supernault on Mastodon. Supernault also mentioned that additional features, such as using sounds, remixing videos, pinned profile videos, and the ability to curate comment sections, are in the pipeline. While videos can be categorized, the platform currently lacks support for hashtags and mentions.

Registering for an account requires waiting for a confirmation email, which could take a while, according to Supernault. Initially, Loops’ iOS app will be available via TestFlight, Apple’s platform for testing pre-release applications, which necessitates a free developer account. An Android app that can be “side-loaded” is also planned, as stated by Supernault.

Loops will operate with human moderators, and Supernault has sought volunteers for this role on Mastodon. Videos shared on the platform will be moderated based on each local user’s trust score. Supernault indicated that videos from users with lower trust scores would require approval prior to publication, whereas content from "trusted users" will be published immediately.

The integration of Loops with the fediverse is in progress but not yet active, and the platform has not been open-sourced at this time, according to the FAQs on its website. Users retain ownership of their content, and Loops ensures that content is neither sold to third-party advertisers nor used for AI training, as outlined in their FAQs. The platform aims to secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and donations, rather than through traditional advertising methods. Further details on privacy policies are available on their site.

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