OpenSocials

OpenSocials is an open web app browser for Android and iOS that aims to put users back in control of their social media usage, helping people stay connected without all the distractions and time-wasting scrolling. Use OpenSocials to access the useful features your social media apps (including Instagram, Facebook and YouTube) while blocking any distracting or addictive features (such as the Feed, Reels or Shorts). Configure which features you want to block and which features you want to remain accessible.

OpenSocials' most popular use case is its ability to block all Instagram features except DMs, allowing you to message your Instagram followers while avoiding the Feed, Reels, Explore page and other addictive or distracting features.

Installation

For Android users, download and install the latest app-release.apk from GitHub: https://github.com/liamperritt/opensocials/releases.

For iOS users, join the open Beta and install via TestFlight: https://testflight.apple.com/join/mqGMYrer.

Building the Project

This is a React Native project, bootstrapped using @react-native-community/cli.

Note: Make sure you have completed the Set Up Your Environment guide before proceeding.

Step 1: Start Metro

First, you will need to run Metro, the JavaScript build tool for React Native.

To start the Metro dev server, run the following command from the root of your React Native project:

# Using npm
npm start

# OR using Yarn
yarn start

Step 2: Build and run the app

With Metro running, open a new terminal window/pane from the root of the React Native project, and use one of the following commands to build and run the Android or iOS app:

Android

# Using npm
npm run android

# OR using Yarn
yarn android

iOS

For iOS, remember to install CocoaPods dependencies (this only needs to be run on first clone or after updating native deps).

The first time you build the project, run the Ruby bundler to install CocoaPods itself:

bundle install

Then, and every time you update your native dependencies, run:

bundle exec pod install

For more information, please visit CocoaPods Getting Started guide.

# Using npm
npm run ios

# OR using Yarn
yarn ios

If everything is set up correctly, you should see the app running in the Android Emulator, iOS Simulator, or your connected device.

This is one way to run the app — you can also build it directly from Android Studio or Xcode.

Step 3: Modify your app

Now that you have successfully run the app, let's make changes!

Open App.tsx in your text editor of choice and make some changes. When you save, the app will automatically update and reflect these changes — this is powered by Fast Refresh.

When you want to forcefully reload, for example to reset the state of the app, you can perform a full reload:

• Android: Press the R key twice or select "Reload" from the Dev Menu, accessed via Ctrl + M (Windows/Linux) or Cmd ⌘ + M (macOS).
• iOS: Press R in iOS Simulator.

Congratulations! 🎉

You've successfully run and modified the React Native App. 🥳

Now what?

• If you want to add this new React Native code to an existing application, check out the Integration guide.
• If you're curious to learn more about React Native, check out the docs.

Troubleshooting

If you're having issues getting the above steps to work, see the Troubleshooting page.

Learn More

To learn more about React Native, take a look at the following resources:

• React Native Website - learn more about React Native.
• Getting Started - an overview of React Native and how setup your environment.
• Learn the Basics - a guided tour of the React Native basics.
• Blog - read the latest official React Native Blog posts.
• @facebook/react-native - the Open Source; GitHub repository for React Native.