Introducing Loops: The New TikTok Alternative in the Fediverse

Introducing Loops: The Fediverse’s Alternative to TikTok

This week saw the exciting launch of Loops, a new short-form looping video app that presents a fresh response to popular platforms like TikTok. Developed by Daniel Supernault, the creator of the image-sharing platform Pixelfed, Loops is designed to provide an engaging and decentralized video sharing experience.

Key Features of Loops

• Video Length: Users can post videos up to 60 seconds in length.
• Coming Soon: Features like sound integration, video remixing, and pinned profile videos are on the way.
• Comment Section Control: Users will have the ability to curate their comment sections, making interactions more manageable.
• Content Categorization: While videos can be categorized, support for hashtags and mentions is not yet available.

Getting Started with Loops

Sign-up for the platform is currently available, but users should note that account creation requires a confirmation email, which may take some time. The iOS app is set to launch initially in TestFlight, Apple's beta testing program, requiring a free developer account. Additionally, an Android app will be "side-loadable".

Community Moderation and User Trust

The Loops platform emphasizes community moderation, calling upon users to help ensure a positive environment. Videos will be moderated based on a trust score assigned to local users:

• Those with low trust scores will have their videos held for moderation before becoming public.
• Content from trusted users will be published immediately.

Fediverse Integration and User Ownership

While full integration with the fediverse is underway, it isn't yet live. However, users can take comfort in knowing that they own their content. Loops does not sell or provide videos to third-party advertisers, nor do they train AI using uploaded content. The platform's revenue model will rely on grants, sponsorships, and donations instead.

Stay Informed and Engaged

For those keen to learn more about the platform's features and privacy policies, check out the privacy policy here or visit the official Loops website.

The Future of Video Sharing?

As Loops prepares for its rollout, it presents an exciting opportunity not just for creators but for users looking for a more private and community-driven alternative to mainstream video platforms. With a host of features on the horizon, this new app on the fediverse promises to enrich the short-form video landscape.