Sharkey review
A free, open-source option for communities that want a customizable ActivityPub instance.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Sharkey pros and cons
- 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
Sharkey fact sheet, pricing and score →
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