Whalebird lets desktop users read and compose fediverse posts in a single-column client.
whalebird-desktop
Whalebird is a desktop client for reading and interacting with the Fediverse in a single column.
About whalebird-desktop
Whalebird is a desktop client for the Fediverse, a network of federated social platforms. It presents accounts in a single-column interface and can show desktop notifications and streaming updates. The app supports several Fediverse server software packages, and the source lists Mastodon, Pleroma, Friendica, Firefish, Gotosocial and Pixelfed as supported, with Akkoma, Hometown and Iceshrimp marked as unofficial. Installers are described for Mac, Linux and Windows.
Whalebird is free software under the GPL-3.0 license and does not carry advertising. The Windows binaries outside the Microsoft Store are not code signed, and the source recommends using the Windows Store version instead.
Key features
- Single-column interface described as similar to Slack
- Desktop notifications
- Streaming updates
- Management of multiple accounts in one app
- Supports Mastodon, Pleroma, Friendica, Firefish, Gotosocial and Pixelfed
- Unofficial support for Akkoma, Hometown and Iceshrimp
Best for: People who use one or more Fediverse accounts and want a desktop client with a single-column layout.
Good for
- Free software licensed under GPL-3.0 and open source
- Does not monetize through advertising
- Windows Store version is code signed
Watch out for
- Windows binaries outside the Store are not code signed and show warnings at launch
- Akkoma, Hometown and Iceshrimp support is unofficial
- Icons are not covered by the GPL-3.0 license
whalebird-desktop at a glance
- Category
- Social & Communities › Fediverse
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
whalebird-desktop alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Use Fedistar, a desktop client for viewing the Fediverse in multiple columns.
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Save bookmarks on Postmarks, a single-user bookmarking website designed for the Fediverse.
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Pachli is an Android client for Mastodon, providing a mobile interface for reading and composing posts.
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Go projects can interact with the Mastodon API using go-mastodon, a client library for the programming language.
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Use Megalodon, a Fediverse API client library for Node.js and browser environments.
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24 alternativesPopular in Fediverse
Well-known listings from the same topic.
Mastodonaddons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/mastodon-simp…Fediverse Observerfediverse.observerBridgy Fedfed.brid.gyAwesome Mastodongithub.com/hyperupcall/awesome-mastodonMasto.hostmasto.hostMastodonjoinmastodon.org
whalebird-desktop FAQ
Which operating systems can Whalebird be installed on?
The install instructions cover Mac, Linux and Windows. On Mac it can be installed with a .dmg file or Homebrew. On Linux, packages are available as .deb, .rpm and .AppImage files, and through snap and the Arch User Repository.
Is Whalebird free to use?
The source describes Whalebird as free software that does not use advertising. It accepts donations to support the project. The source does not list pricing details.
Why does the source recommend the Windows Store version?
The source states that only the Windows Store version is code signed. The .exe files and winget package are not code signed, so they can show warnings when launched.
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