Sharkey
Sharkey: A free, open-source option for communities that want a customizable ActivityPub instance. Ranked #23 of 33 in Twitter Alternatives by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for communities seeking self-hosted federation and UI control.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCommunities seeking self-hosted federation and UI control
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Decentralized networkYes
- Facts checked3 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Federates with ActivityPub services including Mastodon and Pixelfed
- Supports editing posts across federation
- Operators can customize layouts, widgets, themes, and sign-up approval
Where it doesn't
- Running a self-hosted instance requires operator involvement
- Joining costs may depend on the instance
- The listed platform access is web-based
Our verdict on Sharkey
Sharkey is an open-source social networking platform forked from Misskey, for individuals and communities who want to publish posts and interact across ActivityPub services. It can be run as an instance by its operators, and its public website lists instances people can join. The project is a fit for people seeking a customizable, federated alternative to centralized social networks; it is less suited to those looking for a conventional centralized service with an operator-managed account experience.
Federation is central to the product. Sharkey supports interaction with other ActivityPub-compatible services, including Mastodon and Pixelfed, and offers a Mastodon-compatible API. Federated post editing lets users revise posts across that network. ListenBrainz music status integration and profile background customization add personal touches, while layouts, widgets, and themes let users change the web interface. Those capabilities make Sharkey relevant to people who value cross-server social interaction and interface control more than a uniform experience across services.
The software is free and open source, but costs may depend on which instance a user chooses. Operators can control sign-up approval, which gives communities a way to manage who joins their instance; it also means the experience can vary by operator. The listed platforms are web and self-hosted, so buyers seeking a dedicated mobile app should consider alternatives. Choose Sharkey if federation, operator control, and customization are priorities; look elsewhere if you want a centralized network or a product centered on mobile apps.
Your product? Our editors can test Sharkey in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →
Sharkey pricing
Sharkey fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Decentralized network | Yes |
| Public posts | Yes |
| Post length limit | Not verified |
| Federation protocol | Activitypub |
| Mobile apps | Web only |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: ActivityPub, Mastodon API, ListenBrainz |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | joinsharkey.org |
| Facts checked | 3 Oct 2026 |
Sharkey integrations
Sharkey lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- ActivityPub
- Mastodon API
- ListenBrainz
Alternatives to Sharkey
- ThreadsA familiar public microblogging app with Instagram sharing and optional ActivityPub support.9.3
- BlueskyA 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 Sharkey alternatives →
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Featured on iTechGuides
Sharkey is listed in our Twitter Alternatives directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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