Edition 20 | Fediverse Is The New Meta?

So, Meta just made a move that could seriously shake things up - they’ve stepped into the fediverse with Threads.

What’s the Fediverse?

The fediverse is a network of independent social media platforms that are connected through a protocol called ActivityPub. It’s a bit like email - just as you can send a message from Gmail to Yahoo, in the fediverse, you can post on one platform (like Threads) and have it visible on another (like Mastodon or Flipboard).

For years, we’ve been stuck in these closed ecosystems where each platform operates like a gated community. The fediverse flips this on its head. It’s decentralised, meaning no single entity controls it, and it’s interoperable, meaning your content isn’t stuck in one place.

This is a massive shift from the way social media has worked for years. Meta, the company that’s built its empire on walled gardens, is now exploring open networks. It’s a sign that even the giants are recognising the value of decentralisation.

Implications for Brands and Audiences

Here’s why this matters for brands: Instead of just pushing content out on one platform and hoping your audience sees it, there’s the potential for your audience to carry your content with them across the digital landscape.

This is huge. Your content becomes more fluid, more adaptable, and ultimately, more powerful.

But it’s more than just about reach. This shift is tapping into the same principles that drive blockchain and Web3: decentralisation, user control, and transparency. People are fed up with the old model of social media where platforms control everything - from what you see in your feed to how your data is used.

Right now, most social platforms are built around centralised control, where data is collected, stored, and monetised by big corporations, often without clear user consent. We’ve seen time and again how this data is mishandled - sold to third parties, exposed in breaches, or used to manipulate our behaviour online. The fediverse, much like Web3, is about giving that control back to the users. It’s about privacy, freedom, and creating a more equitable digital environment where you decide what happens with your data.

But There’s a Flip Side...

Now, let’s not ignore the elephant in the room. There’s a valid concern that Meta, by entering the fediverse, could end up dominating it, which would run counter to the whole idea of decentralisation. Some platforms in the fediverse have already started blocking Threads because they don’t want Meta’s influence creeping in. This is where the ideals of decentralisation - user control, freedom, and privacy - might clash with the reality of big tech trying to play in this space.

So, while this move by Meta could bring a lot of benefits, it’s also a critical moment for the fediverse. Will it stay true to its decentralised roots, or will it start to look more like the centralised platforms we’re all trying to move away from?

What's the Bigger Picture?

Meta stepping into the fediverse is a clear signal that the future of social media is shifting. It’s moving towards more open, interconnected networks where content and audiences are more fluid. For brands, this means new ways to connect, engage, and grow - potentially with more control and less reliance on any single platform.

But it’s also a time to tread carefully. We need to make sure that as this evolution happens, we don’t lose sight of the core values of decentralisation - values that are becoming increasingly important as we move towards a Web3 future. In this future, users could finally have the power to control their own data, interact freely across platforms, and engage with brands on their terms - not the terms set by tech giants.

How do you see this playing out for your brand? Do you think Meta’s involvement in the fediverse is a good thing or a threat to decentralisation?