misskey

Misskey is a free, open-source, decentralized social networking platform designed for self-hosting and federation. Like other federated networks, it allows users on one server to interact with users on other servers. Posts are called notes, which may include text, images, and other media; users can reply, boost, or favorite notes, and can react with emoji. The platform supports polls, mentions, bookmarks, private notes, and a variety of privacy settings. The user interface emphasizes keyboard navigation, customizable themes and layouts, and extensible features through plugins or themes.

Misskey originated in Japan and was introduced in the mid-2010s as part of the broader movement toward federated microblogging. It is developed by the Misskey project and a community of volunteers and server operators. Its architecture centers around independent servers (instances) that interoperate through a federation protocol; users create accounts on specific servers and can interact with users elsewhere.

Misskey provides its own federation protocol and API, and in later iterations added compatibility with the ActivityPub standard to improve interoperability with other networks in the Fediverse (such as Mastodon and Pleroma). The platform exposes a developer API for client apps and server administration. Several web clients and mobile apps exist to access Misskey instances, and administrators can customize features, themes, and moderation tools.

Misskey remains active with ongoing development and a global user base. It is used by individuals, communities, and organizations that favor self-hosting and control over data. Its openness and flexibility have contributed to a diverse ecosystem of servers and forks.