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# A Beginner’s Guide to Decentralized Social Media -  Loops
- URL: https://blog.gelbphoenix.de/beginners-guide-to-loops/
- Published: 2025-02-20T11:00:11.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-14T15:58:30.000Z
- Author: Phoenix Paulina Schmid
- Tags: WtF?! - What the Fediverse?

In the aftermath of the disaster that was the **TikTok** ban in the US are users looking for an alternative to the platform that has revolutionized how we consume content. However, growing concerns about data privacy, centralized control, and algorithmic manipulation as well as the trend of major US-based social media companies like Meta to shift towards the new US administration under President Trump have spurred a search for alternatives. 

Enter **Loops**, a decentralized, privacy-respecting video-sharing platform developed by the creators of [**Pixelfed**](https://blog.gelbphoenix.de/beginners-guide-to-pixelfed/), bringing the excitement of short-form video to the [**Fediverse**](https://blog.gelbphoenix.de/fedi-what/).

## **What is Loops?*

Loops is a standalone project developed by the same team behind Pixelfed, a decentralized photo and video-sharing network built on the **ActivityPub** protocol. While related to Pixelfed in its philosophy and underlying technology, Loops is a separate application. Unlike TikTok, which is governed by a single corporation, Loops exists within the Fediverse—a network of interconnected, independent servers (called instances). This decentralized structure empowers users, allowing them to choose an instance that aligns with their values or even host their own. While numerous Pixelfed instances exist, it's worth noting that at this time, there are likely more Pixelfed instances overall than instances specifically dedicated to Loops. Loops functionality is available on compatible instances.

## Why choose Loops over traditional Social Media?

- **Decentralization & Federation**  
Loops isn’t controlled by a single entity. Instead, different servers communicate with each other, fostering a diverse and open social network.
- **Privacy-Focused**  
In contrast to mainstream platforms that extensively track user data, Loops prioritizes user privacy and avoids invasive advertising.
- **Community-Driven**  
Instead of being driven by corporate interests, the platform is built by and for its community, with open-source contributions and transparent development.

***If you like this blog post you can support my work by either becoming a paid member or leaving a tip.**

[Donate ](#/portal/support) 

## **How to Get Started with Loops*

1. **Find a Loops Instance**  
Because Loops is decentralized, you'll need to select an instance to join.  
    
Examples include:  
[vido.social](https://vido.social/?ref=blog.gelbphoenix.de) – An instance hosted in Europe by [Stux](https://mstdn.social/@stux?ref=blog.gelbphoenix.de)  
[loops.video](https://loops.video/?ref=blog.gelbphoenix.de) – The official instance hosted by the developer  
    
Resources like [FediDB](https://fedidb.org/?ref=blog.gelbphoenix.de) can help you find more available instances.
2. **Create an Account**  
Once you've chosen an instance, sign up and create your profile.
3. **Start Posting**  
Upload short-form videos and interact with content from other users. Because Loops is federated, you can connect with users on other instances as well.
4. **Follow & Discover Content**  
Unlike traditional platforms, Loops encourages a more organic approach to finding and engaging with content, emphasizing following accounts rather than AI-driven recommendations.

## **The Future of Loops*

While still under development, Loops represents a significant step towards a more open and user-friendly alternative to TikTok and Instagram Reels. As more users embrace decentralized platforms, and as more Fediverse instances adopt Loops, it has the potential to become a major player in the short-form video space.

***Ready to explore the world of decentralized social media? Give Loops a try and take control of your social experience!*** 📹

If you want to hear more from me you can find me in the Fediverse at [@gelbphoenix@social.gelbphoenix.de](https://gelbphoenix.link/mastodon?ref=blog.gelbphoenix.de) (Mastodon) or [@gelbphoenix@gram.social](https://gelbphoenix.link/pixelfed?ref=blog.gelbphoenix.de) (Pixelfed). For more posts like this subscribe to my newsletter or support me by [**becoming a member**](https://blog.gelbphoenix.de/#/portal/signup) or [donating](https://blog.gelbphoenix.de/#/portal/support).

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