open source tiktok
Today, instead of riffing off someone else's writing, I'm answering my own ask from my recent privacy frontend appreciation post:
For that matter, why stop at frontends? For example, I have seen multiple people wonder why nobody has developed an open source version of Tiktok yet. Maybe you can help create that or share what already exists with others?
While I don't use Tiktok, I suspect some of you may find these useful to test drive or contribute to. As of this post's published date, active open source Tiktok clones in development include the following federated options:
vidzy
Details:
- Guest visibility: Vidzy is the only clone I found showing videos a la Tiktok, at least without sign-up.
- Protocol: Their Github repository readme states that it has alpha federation through ActivityPub.
- Open source? Yes, see the repository below.
Links:
- Github repository (AGPL-3.0 license)
- Main instance (community-driven, recommended by Vidzy developers themselves)
- Project website
loops by pixelfed
Details:
- Guest visibility: As far as I know, joining the beta by signing up and logging in seems required to view content.
- Protocol: Their Federation help page states they are implementing ActivityPub at the moment.
- Open source: Their Frequently Asked Questions help page states Loops will be open sourced once it is stable.
Links:
- Github repository (backend server, AGPL-3.0 license)
- Project website (which also serves as the main instance)
olas
Details:
- Guest visibility: Admittedly, this is more of an Instagram clone. Although the website has a Reels link in the menu, I can't access it. Perhaps the feature is in development or locked behind sign-up?
- Protocol: Olas uses the Nostr protocol if you prefer that over ActivityPub.
- Open source? Yes, see the repository below.
Links:
- Github repository (MIT license)
- Main instance
- No project website found
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