This new TikTok alternative might solve some of its biggest problems

TikTok’s popularity might be unmatched, but it’s no secret the platform struggles with content moderation. In recent months, TikTok has shifted heavily towards AI to police its endless stream of videos, but critics argue that automation isn’t cutting it when it comes to handling sensitive or harmful content. Now, a new player in the social media space called Loops is taking a different approach, and it might just address what TikTok can’t.

What is Loops?

As highlighted by Tech Crunch, Loops is a decentralized, short-form video app aiming to give users a fresh alternative to TikTok. Created by the developer behind Pixelfed—a photo-sharing app positioned as an Instagram competitor, Loops brings short, looping videos to the fediverse. The fediverse is a collection of decentralized platforms that communicate with one another using open protocols like ActivityPub.

Unlike TikTok, which relies increasingly on algorithms to catch rule-breaking content, Loops is doubling down on human moderation. This could be a game-changer for social media users frustrated by the gaps in AI-driven systems.

Why human moderation might be a big deal

TikTok’s switch to AI moderation has been a controversial one. After firing hundreds of human moderators, TikTok now bets heavily on algorithms to identify harmful videos. However, this shift has been criticized for letting dangerous content slip through, like videos promoting self-harm or risky viral challenges, leaving some wondering whether AI alone is capable of managing these nuanced situations.

Loops takes the opposite approach:

• Videos will be moderated based on a trust score assigned to users.
• Content from users with low scores will be held for manual review before going live.
• Trusted users’ videos, on the other hand, will be posted immediately, creating a smoother experience for those with good standing.

This approach does make perfect sense, though like with most social media, it’s not foolproof. Nevertheless, it seems to be going on the right path, offering a balance between speed and responsibility. Only time will tell if bad actors try boosting their “trust scores” and then post harmful content that bypasses human moderation for long enough.

That said, human moderation without proper guidelines for moderators to follow, could also pose a tricky situation. For instance, Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, recently revealed that improper guidelines for human moderators was the reason why content on Threads was being aggressively moderated.

Privacy and decentralization as selling points

One of Loops’ biggest draws is that it operates differently from TikTok when it comes to data. Loops promises not to sell videos to advertisers or use them to train AI models. Users retain full ownership of their content, and the platform relies on grants, sponsorships, and donations rather than ad revenue.

Additionally, Loops isn’t controlled by a single company. Since it’s built on decentralized technology, users aren’t locked into the platform. In theory, this setup could give creators more freedom and control over their content compared to TikTok’s more closed ecosystem.

Loops’ features and early access

For now, Loops allows users to post videos up to 60 seconds long, and the platform plans to introduce features like:

• Pinned profile videos
• Sound remixes and video collaborations
• The ability to curate comments

The app is currently available through Apple’s TestFlight for iOS users and offers a side-loadable Android version. However, signups aren’t instant, users may need to wait for confirmation emails, a move intended to control early access and prevent spam.

Final thoughts

While Loops won’t be dethroning TikTok in the number of active users anytime soon, the company is banking on the idea that users are ready for something different. As governments crack down on social media’s content moderation failures, especially concerning the mental health of younger audiences, an alternative that focuses on human oversight and privacy might resonate with those looking for a safer social media experience.

Plus, being part of the fediverse adds a level of independence that centralized platforms can’t offer. The ability to integrate with other decentralized apps like Mastodon and Pixelfed means Loops could appeal to creators seeking more control over their digital footprint.

Whether it will be enough to lure creators away from TikTok remains to be seen, but Loops’ unique approach could mark a turning point for the future of social media. We’ll just have to wait and see how things pan out for this new TikTok alternative.