GoToSocial

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.2 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Solo users and small self-hosted Fediverse instances
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  None
• Decentralized network
  Yes
• Founded
  2021
• Facts checked
  3 Oct 2026

• Where it wins

  • Federates with other ActivityPub servers
  • Offers public, unlisted, followers-only, direct, and local-only posting
  • Supports Mastodon-compatible clients and post alt text

• Where it doesn't

  • Provides a server backend, not an integrated client
  • Mobile access is through the web or compatible third-party apps
  • Documentation describes the software as beta

Our verdict on GoToSocial

GoToSocial is a free, open-source ActivityPub social network server for people who want to run a small or single-user Fediverse instance. It can be self-hosted, including on low-powered hardware, and lets accounts follow and interact with people on other Fediverse servers. Rather than bundling a social app, it provides a backend and API; users connect through a browser or compatible third-party client. That division makes it a fit for people comfortable choosing and using a separate client, not for anyone seeking a ready-to-use, all-in-one social app.

Its controls over publishing are a notable part of the offering. Posts can be public, unlisted, followers-only, or direct, and users can set reply interaction controls or publish locally. Posts support plain text and Markdown, with rich formatting, while images and videos can include alt text. The documented default maximum post length is 5,000 characters, and the maximum is configurable. Profiles can include themes, custom CSS, and an optional RSS feed. These options give small-instance operators room to shape how they post and present a profile without changing the product's server-first model.

For client and identity fit, GoToSocial supports the Mastodon API, so Mastodon-compatible clients are an option, and it can integrate with OpenID Connect identity providers. Two-factor authentication uses time-based one-time passwords. Support channels include email, community, and documentation. The documentation describes the software as beta, so it is a better match for users willing to run and manage self-hosted software than for those who want a finished hosted service or official mobile app. Choose it for control over a small federated instance; consider another service if an integrated client experience is essential.

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GoToSocial pricing

GoToSocial fact sheet

GoToSocial integrations

GoToSocial lists 2 integrations on its own site.

• Mastodon-compatible clients
• OpenID Connect identity providers

Alternatives to GoToSocial

• TThreadsA familiar public microblogging app with Instagram sharing and optional ActivityPub support.9.3
• BBlueskyA free social network with public posts, community-built feeds, and moderation controls.9.2
• MastodonA federated social network with chronological timelines and community-led moderation.9.1

See all GoToSocial alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 20 Oct 2026 · How we research and update