What is Hubzilla?¶
Hubzilla is one of the most powerful tools in the Fediverse—like combining Facebook Groups, a file cloud, and a mini-community site, all in one place. It supports features like groups, calendars, files, forums, and fine-grained privacy control.
🌐 Where to Join Active Hubzilla Servers¶
Not all hubs allow new users, but here are some that currently support open registration:
- lugnsk.org — General-purpose, welcomes new sign-ups.
- hub.trollskog.de — Community-operated, open registrations.
- respiroaventura.com.br — Brazil-based, open with tiered access.
- hub.netzgemeinde.eu — Berlin-based, free and open.
👉 For the latest list of active servers, check the official Hubzilla directory:
https://hubzilla.org/pubsites
✅ Choosing a Good Hub¶
Before creating an account, here’s what you can check:
- Terms of Service: Many hubs publish this at
/help/TermsOfService. - Admin Contact: Look for admin info at
/siteinfo.json. - Reliability: Prefer hubs that show steady uptime and active moderation.
- Software Version: Visit
/siteinfoon the hub to ensure it’s up-to-date.
Tip: If you’re not sure, start with one of the larger hubs listed above, then move later if you want to. Hubzilla makes account migration possible.
How to Create a Group in Hubzilla¶
- Choose a server from the list above.
- Register for an account—treat it as your personal “channel.”
- Go to the Channel section in the menu and create a new channel—this will serve as your group.
- Choose its privacy settings:
- Public: anyone on the Fediverse can see it.
- Private: invite-only access.
- Share the channel link with friends or community members to invite them in.
Take your time to test out permissions, post sample content, and invite a trusted few before going fully public.
Tips for First-Time Users¶
- Start with a test group. Invite only a few people to explore features safely.
- Experiment with features like file sharing, calendars, forums, and thread structure. Hubzilla’s strength lies in its versatility.
- Don’t rush. Hubzilla has a rich feature set — using it as a sandbox first is smart before committing to migrating fully.
📚 Extra Resources¶
- Hubzilla Public Sites Directory — official list of hubs that allow new registrations.
- Fediverse.party on Hubzilla — overview of Hubzilla’s features in the wider Fediverse.
- Hubzilla Project Wiki — official documentation and guides.
- JoinFediverse Wiki: Hubzilla — community-written introduction and tips.