Indigo brings the open social web to one app

At a glance:

• Indigo app launches to unify Mastodon and Bluesky, offering a single interface for decentralized social networking.
• Users can cross-post content, sync timelines across devices, and distinguish between networks via color-coded profiles.
• Subscription pricing starts at $4.99 per month, with support for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

A unified gateway to the open social web

Indigo, a new application from Soapbox Software, is entering the market today with a promise to simplify the decentralized social media landscape. As more users seek alternatives to billionaire-owned platforms, Indigo aims to provide a seamless experience across multiple open networks without forcing a choice between them.

The app arrives at a time when decentralized social media is gaining traction. Platforms like Mastodon, built on the ActivityPub protocol, and Bluesky, which runs on the AT Protocol, offer users control over their algorithms, feeds, and moderation. However, managing separate accounts and interfaces can be cumbersome. Indigo addresses this by integrating both services into one cohesive app.

The decentralized shift and Indigo's role

The growing interest in decentralized social media stems from a desire for user autonomy and resistance to centralized control. Mastodon, an established player, uses the older ActivityPub protocol, which has also been adopted by Meta’s Threads for its federated features. Bluesky, a newer entrant, operates on its own AT Protocol, emphasizing a more scalable and user-friendly approach. Indigo doesn’t take sides; instead, it bridges these ecosystems, allowing users to engage with both communities effortlessly.

By bringing Mastodon and Bluesky together, Indigo taps into a niche but expanding user base that values openness and interoperability. The app’s co-creator, Ben McCarthy of Soapbox Software, emphasized that Indigo builds on the team’s experience with Croissant, a cross-posting tool, while adding robust features for a standalone experience. This evolution reflects a broader trend toward tools that enhance the usability of decentralized networks.

Features and user experience

Indigo’s interface is designed for clarity and efficiency. A unified timeline syncs across devices, ensuring users stay updated regardless of the platform they’re on. The composer allows cross-posting to both Mastodon and Bluesky simultaneously, saving time and effort. To help users differentiate between sources, Bluesky profiles are outlined in blue, while Mastodon profiles appear in purple—a simple yet effective visual cue.

Beyond basic integration, Indigo offers a suite of tools to customize the experience. Users can enable automatic scrolling to the top as new posts arrive, hide NSFW content, mute specific users or keywords, filter replies, and switch to dark mode. Additionally, the “more” menu provides access to custom feeds and lists from both networks, while universal search allows querying across Bluesky and Mastodon. Notifications are tracked centrally, reducing the need to switch between apps.

Subscription model and accessibility

Indigo operates on a subscription basis to support its development and maintenance. Pricing options include $4.99 per month, $34.99 per year, or a one-time purchase of $119.99 for those committed to the open social web. This model aligns with the app’s premium positioning, offering advanced features without ads or data harvesting.

Currently, Indigo is available on Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The focus on iOS and macOS may limit initial reach, but it ensures a polished experience on supported hardware. Future expansion to other platforms could broaden its appeal, especially as decentralized social media grows beyond early adopters.

The team behind Indigo and its evolution

Soapbox Software, the developer of Indigo, is also known for Croissant, a cross-posting tool that facilitates posting to Mastodon, Bluesky, and Threads from a single interface. Ben McCarthy, who co-created Indigo, has a history of developing utility apps like Obscura, which indicates a focus on practical, user-centric design. McCarthy noted to TechCrunch that Indigo was informed by Croissant’s success but extends further by integrating timelines and adding native app features.

This lineage shows a commitment to improving the decentralized social experience incrementally. While Croissant handled posting, Indigo manages the entire workflow—browsing, interacting, and posting—making it a comprehensive solution for power users and newcomers alike.

The broader context and future outlook

Indigo’s launch underscores the maturation of the decentralized social web. As protocols like ActivityPub and AT Protocol gain adoption, tools that unify these spaces become essential. Indigo not only simplifies access but also promotes the values of openness and user control that define the movement.

Looking ahead, the app’s success will depend on user adoption and the continued growth of Mastodon and Bluesky. If these networks expand, Indigo could become a vital hub for decentralized communication. However, challenges remain, including competition from native apps and potential fragmentation as more protocols emerge. For now, Indigo offers a compelling option for those looking to dive into the open social web without the hassle of juggling multiple apps.