This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on September 12, 2022 - September 18, 2022

From the Kardashians to Patreon CEO Jack Conte and regular content creators, a majority of social media users are sick and tired of the algorithms on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

It is no surprise that this is happening. As the World Wide Web transitions to its third iteration (Web 3.0), people are demanding better, personalised and transparent platforms, prompting different communities to set up their own.

Here are some of the social media alternatives that are making waves in the market:

A subscription service set up in 2015, Vero’s main selling points are that it is ad-free and does not sort your timeline using algorithms. The app is free for now and any new signups will receive free lifetime membership to the platform. It is uncertain, however, whether the service will return as a paid subscription. 

The image- and video-focused app is similar to Instagram, drawing the attention of photographers, videographers and social media influencers. The platform does not limit who can join, including brands and creators too. Vero is available for download on Android and iOS devices, and a desktop version is also available. 

A less corporate version of LinkedIn, Polywork brings together working folk while recognising that people are no longer confined to just one job title. The website’s registration process requires users to declare the expertise they can offer on the platform as well as expertise gained while employed.

The platform’s user interface and experience are also more creatively stimulating, providing a welcoming front to users. People can connect with the working class from across the world and collaborate with anyone in the industry. The platform is accessible via web browser at www.polywork.com.

Created in 2019, this photo-sharing app is designed to show a snapshot of what a user is doing at a certain point during the day, no matter how mundane. The photo-based social media app prompts a user to take a simultaneous front and back camera picture once a day, at a random time, within a two-minute window.

The idea is to show users and their surroundings at that precise moment, regardless of how regular the location or activity. The aim is to create a more authentic online interaction, just like the beginnings of Instagram a decade ago. Photos can be taken outside the two-minute window but users cannot see their friends’ content until they have posted something themselves. BeReal is available for download on mobile devices.

Ello markets itself as an ad-free Facebook alternative and promises to never sell its users’ data. It has not reached the mainstream but gained significant interest in 2014 when Facebook enforced its real-name policy. With a minimalistic design and focus on content, Ello is a particularly attractive alternative for artists, photographers and other creatively minded individuals. However, it lacks a private user-to-user chat function and some other handy Facebook features.

Launched in 2016, MeWe is fairly new to the social networking scene as a Facebook-like clone and promises greater data security. According to the website, the power is shifted back to users, as they are able to control their content, interactions and level of privacy. 

MeWe also claims not to share or sell user’s personal information to advertisers or marketers, hence the absence of ads, no targeting and no news feed manipulation. MeWe is available for download on mobile devices.

According to its website, Minds is an open source social network dedicated to internet freedom, allowing users to speak freely, protect their privacy and earn crypto rewards.

Users can also be rewarded for contributing and growing the social network by earning MINDS Tokens (ERC-20) every day for creating popular content, referring friends or providing liquidity. The tokens can then be used to promote content (1 token = 1,000 impressions) or send tips to content creators to show support and unlock special perks. The app can be downloaded for use on mobile devices.

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