The best Nostr alternatives to centralized services

Damus caused a stir a few months ago when it arrived as a decentralized alternative to Twitter. Backed by Twitter's own co-founder and former CEO, Jack Dorsey, Damus is built on the Nostr protocol, which allows developers to create decentralized and censorship-resistant social media platforms.

We were the first exchange to get on Damus but since then the protocol has grown well beyond being solely a Twitter replacement. All sorts of alternatives to centralized services are being built on top of Nostr at the moment, to the point tracking them all can get overwhelming.

Here's a few options to help you stay ahead of the curve and connect with like-minded users. 👇

1. Nvote: The Reddit alternative

Meet Nvote, the rebellious cousin of Reddit. It packs innovative features to combat censorship and keep things user-friendly. How? By ditching the control of a single company and embracing a decentralized database. Nvote rocks a reputation points system that acts like a VIP pass for quality content.

This system effectively promotes the visibility of top-tier content while discouraging the proliferation of spam and misinformation.There are no ads, javascript, or images except in posts; inline images can be disabled in the platform settings.

While still in the development stage, Nvote has the potential to become a prominent contender in the realm of decentralized social media.

2. Nostrgram: The Twitter alternative

For Android users patiently awaiting their BlueSky code, there's another noteworthy Twitter alternative called Nostrgram.

Nostrgram is a decentralized microblogging platform that allows users to post concise messages called "toots." These toots are limited to 500 characters and can include text, images, and links. Like Twitter, users can follow others and view their toots in their timelines. Nostrgram also incorporates familiar Twitter features such as hashtags, mentions, and direct messages. This creates a sense of continuity for users transitioning from Twitter to Nostrgram.

If you are on Android and are looking for a Damus or BlueSky alternative, you can also give Amethyst a try on the PlayStore.

3. Pinstr: The Pinterest alternative

Pinstr is an open-source and decentralized social network allowing you to showcase your favorite things in a list format. Think of it as a public bookmark page but for more than webpages. If you're new to the Nostr protocol, some lists can help you discover new clients built on Nostr. And others simply list personal interests like movies or video games.

Other Nostr clients and platforms to explore

The Nostr protocol can appear overwhelming for some new users. However, the tools and platforms below should help simplify your onboarding experience.

1. Nostr Sorvn: Sorvn makes it easier to set up your privately controlled NIP-05 identifier/Nostr address. You'll have one address for your profile, lightning wallet, and email. Sorvn can complete the process for you, whether you want to use your own server (30000 SATS) or the Bitcoin Nostr server (15000 SATS). Alternatively, Sorvn offers a free guide to setting it up yourself.

2. OstrichGram: OstrichGram empowers you to take control of your online identity. With OstrichGram, you can generate your unique keys and identities, securely store your friends' public keys, and explore various relays to join chatrooms. You can also engage in group conversations and effortlessly send encrypted messages directly to your trusted contacts. As of now, it's only available for Linux and Windows.

3. Nostr Development Kit: The Nostr Development Kit (NDK) is a user-friendly library designed to support the development of cross-platform Nostr applications. By using NDK, devs can focus on building their applications without being burdened by the intricacies of the underlying processes. Additionally, beginners can benefit from the project's comprehensive tutorials, offering step-by-step guidance on building applications within the Nostr protocol.

4. Jester: Jester is a multiplayer chess experience allowing you to engage in exciting matches against another user or an AI opponent. Although currently focused on chess, Jester plans to introduce additional games soon.

The final word

As you can see, Nostr is undoubtedly more than just a Twitter alternative. In fact, the protocol sees new clients budding every week. So whether you're a participant looking for a new decentralized social platform or a developer, Nostr might have something in store for you.

Remember, though: some of these clients are still in the experimental phases. While you're exploring, never share your private keys with anyone.

Disclaimer
This content is provided for informational purposes only and may cover products that are not available in your region. It is not intended to provide (i) investment advice or an investment recommendation; (ii) an offer or solicitation to buy, sell, or hold crypto/digital assets, or (iii) financial, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Crypto/digital asset holdings, including stablecoins and NFTs, involve a high degree of risk and can fluctuate greatly. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding crypto/digital assets is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. Please consult your legal/tax/investment professional for questions about your specific circumstances. Information (including market data and statistical information, if any) appearing in this post is for general information purposes only. Some content may be generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools. While all reasonable care has been taken in preparing this data and graphs, no responsibility or liability is accepted for any errors of fact or omission expressed herein. OKX Web3 Wallet and its ancillary services are not offered by OKX Exchange and are subject to the OKX Web3 Ecosystem Terms of Service.

Related articles

View more
MP Cover
DeFi

Gas-related concepts

Gas fee Fee paid to miners. Take Ethereum as an example: when a user transfers money on the Ethereum network, the transaction can only be completed after miners pack this transaction and put it on the blockchain. This process consumes the computational power of the blockchain.
Jun 16, 2025
694
OKX's Proof of Reserves 23
Security

How to identify onchain scams and secure your wallet

As Web3 continues to evolve at pace, the onchain ecosystem is flourishing, with rising numbers of users participating in onchain transactions and other activities. Simultaneously, various onchain scams are emerging, with fraudsters tricking users into authorizing transactions or revealing their keys to steal assets.
Jun 16, 2025
778
trade-academy-spot-1
Security

Seed Phrase: Understanding and Safeguarding Your Cryptocurrency Assets

As the world of cryptocurrency continues to grow, more and more users are entering the market and handling their digital assets. One critical aspect of managing these assets is the seed phrase, a uniq
Jun 16, 2025
4,293
Your money your choice
GameFi
NFT
Wallets

A complete guide to the best crypto phones in 2024

Crypto phones  first appeared in 2018. They're smartphones equipped with Web3 connectivity, simplifying access to the decentralized web. Despite recent improvements, mobile Web3 apps can still be less user-friendly than desktop versions, challenging blockchain interactions on smartphones.
Jun 4, 2025
13
Best of Web3 thumb
Blockchain
DeFi

What is a blockchain oracle?

Blockchain technology has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its potential to revolutionize virtually every industry in some way. However, in order for blockchains to function efficiently, they require trusted and reliable data sources. This is where blockchain oracles come in.
Jun 4, 2025
Intermediate
2
golpe de investimento
Regulation

What is the SOC (service organization control) report and what does it mean for crypto?

Among the many controls and processes put in place to protect consumers and clients of professional services vendors, the service organization control (SOC) report stands as one of the most important.
May 27, 2025
Beginners
2
View more