How to Install GoToSocial on Rocky Linux VPS (10 Minute Launch Guide 🚀)

This article provides a guide for how to install GoToSocial on Rocky Linux VPS.

What is GoToSocial?

GoToSocial is an open-source, self-hostable social network server that is part of the Fediverse, a collection of interconnected but independent social networks. It allows you to create and manage your own social media platform with features similar to Twitter and integrates seamlessly with other Fediverse services like Mastodon, PixelFed, and more.

Key Features of GoToSocial:

• Self-Hostable: You can run your own server, giving you full control over data and moderation.
• Federated Network: Connects with other servers in the Fediverse using the ActivityPub protocol.
• Microblogging Platform: Supports short posts, images, replies, boosts, and likes.
• Privacy Controls: Offers granular control over post visibility and interactions.
• Moderation Tools: Tools to manage users, content, and interactions on your server.
• Lightweight and Minimal: Designed to be resource-efficient and run on modest hardware.

Common Use Cases:

• Creating a Private or Public Social Network: Ideal for communities, organizations, or personal use.
• Enhancing Brand Presence: Can be integrated with existing social strategies (e.g., alongside PixelFed for visual content).
• Experimenting with Decentralized Social Media: Great for learning about the Fediverse and decentralized technology.

How to Use GoToSocial:

1. Install GoToSocial: Can be installed directly on Rocky Linux VPS.
2. Configure Your Server: Set up domains, SSL certificates, and server settings.
3. Connect to the Fediverse: Allow your users to interact with other platforms like Mastodon.
4. Customize and Launch: Personalize the interface and invite users.

Benefits of Using GoToSocial:

• Data Ownership: You own all the data on your server.
• Customization: Adapt the platform to specific needs or branding.
• Interoperability: Connects with a wide array of other decentralized networks.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

• A Rocky Linux VPS with root or sudo access.
• A domain name (optional, but recommended).
• SSH access to your server.
• Basic knowledge of Linux commands.

How to Install GoToSocial on Rocky Linux VPS

To install GoToSocial on Rocky Linux VPS, follow the steps below:

1. Update Your System

   First, log into your Rocky Linux server via SSH and update the package lists:

   sudo dnf update -y sudo dnf upgrade -y

2. Install Required Dependencies

   GoToSocial requires several packages, including Git, Docker, and Docker Compose. Install them using the following commands:

   sudo dnf install -y git curl wget
   

   1. Install Docker

      sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo=https://download.docker.com/linux/centos/docker-ce.repo sudo dnf install -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io sudo systemctl start docker sudo systemctl enable docker sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

   2. Install Docker Compose

      sudo curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/download/$(curl -s https://api.github.com/repos/docker/compose/releases/latest | grep -Po '"tag_name": "\K[^"]+')/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose

      Verify Docker and Docker Compose installations:

      docker --version docker-compose --version

3. Create a Directory for GoToSocial

   mkdir -p ~/gotosocial && cd ~/gotosocial

4. Download GoToSocial

   Clone the GoToSocial repository using Git:

   git clone https://github.com/superseriousbusiness/gotosocial.git .

5. Configure GoToSocial

   Create a configuration file for GoToSocial:

   cp config.yaml.example config.yaml nano config.yaml

   Edit the config.yaml file according to your domain and server setup. Save and exit the editor.

6. Start GoToSocial with Docker Compose

   Create a docker-compose.yml file:

   version: '3' services: gotosocial: image: superseriousbusiness/gotosocial:latest container_name: gotosocial ports: - '8080:8080' volumes: - ./data:/data restart: unless-stopped

   Start the container:

   docker-compose up -d

   Verify the service is running:

   docker ps

7. Access GoToSocial

   Open your web browser and navigate to http://your-server-ip:8080. You should see the GoToSocial interface.

Optional: Configure a Reverse Proxy (Nginx)

For production environments, it’s recommended to set up a reverse proxy with HTTPS using Nginx and Certbot.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully installed GoToSocial on your Rocky Linux VPS! You can now start building your own social media presence and connect with the fediverse. If you encounter any issues, refer to the official GoToSocial documentation for additional help.