Tŵt, the community-run Welsh social network, has announced the forthcoming launch of its mobile application.
Taking place in Cardiff on 28 February, the launch represents a major progression for the platform. After eight years serving a digitally engaged community, Tŵt is moving beyond its early adopter phase to deliver a more streamlined and accessible experience for a broader public audience.
The event marks the conclusion of the six-week Pethau Bychain campaign, which has encouraged widespread participation in a vision for a healthier online space. Attendees will be given a preview of the new app ahead of its public release on Dydd Gŵyl Dewi.
Jaz-Michael King, Tŵt Cymru’s founder and Director said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our mobile app as the next step in our journey.
“This launch comes at a period of unprecedented volatility for mainstream social media. With platforms like X (formerly Twitter) facing ongoing instability, uncertainty surrounding the new ownership of TikTok, and the increasing commercialisation of user data, the need for a stable, community-owned alternative has never been more urgent.
“Tŵt offers a digital lifeboat for Wales and the Welsh, at home and abroad—a space that cannot be bought, sold, or broken by the whims of a single billionaire.”
A central element of the rollout is a collaboration with the Newsmast Foundation, whose Apps for Change infrastructure underpins the app. The partnership is intended to support locally governed digital spaces and provide an ethical environment for independent Welsh journalism to reach audiences without algorithmic interference.
Michael Foster, Co-Founder of the Newsmast Foundation and ex-director of Reuters New Media said: “Journalism needs a home that isn’t owned by a billionaire or governed by an opaque algorithm. This is about more than just social media; it’s about creating the self-governed infrastructure necessary for communities, supported by independent news, to survive and thrive. We’re proud to be working with Tŵt to showcase our technology and help Welsh people take another step towards digital sovereignty.”
The initiative has attracted support from those advocating for a more resilient Welsh digital landscape.
Dr David Clubb, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, notes that community-owned digital spaces like Tŵt are essential for a sovereign, connected, and sustainable Wales. He said: “The adoption of communication tools by the public sector in Wales has seen us become dependent on American-owned global media giants, where surveillance has become baked into our ability to receive public information. This is the antithesis of future generations’ thinking.
“Tŵt offers a completely different direction of radical open-ness and community that is both exhilarating, and beautifully aligned with Wales’ future generations obligations.”
Jaz-Michael King added: “This isn’t just about launching an app; it’s about gathering the people who will call this space home.
“We will convene in the heart of our national capital to celebrate culture, community, and digital sovereignty – proving that Wales can lead the way in creating social spaces that prioritise people over profit.”
Tŵt operates as a Welsh node within the Fediverse, allowing users to interact across decentralised platforms such as Mastodon, Bluesky, WordPress, Ghost, Pixelfed and Peertube. Launching on St David’s Day positions the project as a contemporary contribution to Welsh cultural life while connecting to a global social network.
Further information is available at croeso.toot.wales and www.newsmastfoundation.org.
