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Getting Started

Welcome to Gab

The home of free speech online. Learn how to get started and make the most of your Gab experience.

What you'll learn

  • What Gab is and how it works
  • Key features available to all users
  • How to navigate the platform
  • Tips for getting the most out of Gab

What is Gab?

Gab is a free speech social network where you can post, share, and connect with millions of users who value open discourse. Unlike other social platforms, Gab does not engage in political censorship or algorithmic suppression of your content.

Founded in 2016, Gab has grown into a thriving community that includes a social network, marketplace, groups, messaging, news aggregation, and much more.

Key Platform Values

Quick Start Guide

  1. Create your account at gab.com/auth/sign_up with your email address.
  2. Set up your profile by adding a display name, avatar, and bio so others can find you.
  3. Follow people you're interested in. Check out the Explore feed to discover popular content and accounts.
  4. Create your first post by clicking the compose button. Share your thoughts with the community.
  5. Join groups that match your interests. Groups are a great way to connect with like-minded people.
Getting Started

Creating Your Account

Get up and running on Gab in just a few minutes.

Sign Up

  1. Visit gab.com/auth/sign_up in your web browser.
  2. Enter your desired username (this will be your @handle and cannot be changed later).
  3. Provide a valid email address for account verification and recovery.
  4. Create a strong password (at least 8 characters recommended).
  5. Agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
  6. Click Sign Up and check your email for a confirmation link.
Tip: Choose your username carefully. It cannot be changed after account creation and will be part of your profile URL (gab.com/yourusername).

Setting Up Your Profile

After verifying your email and logging in, set up your profile to help others find and connect with you:

You can edit these at any time from Settings > Profile.

Getting Started

Navigating the Interface

A tour of the Gab interface and how to find everything you need.

Desktop Layout

On desktop, Gab uses a three-column layout:

Mobile Layout

On mobile devices, the layout adapts to a single-column view:

Key Navigation Items

Getting Started

Installing the Mobile App

Gab isn't available on the Apple App Store or Google Play, but you can still get it on your phone.

Why no app store? Gab has been banned from the Apple App Store and Google Play since 2017 for refusing to censor legal speech. Our Progressive Web App (PWA) works just as well as a native app.

iPhone & iPad (Safari)

  1. Open Safari and navigate to gab.com.
  2. Tap the Share button (square with an arrow) at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen".
  4. Tap "Add" in the top-right corner to confirm.

Gab will now appear on your home screen with its own icon, just like any other app. It runs in its own window with push notifications and full-screen mode.

Android (Chrome)

  1. Open Chrome and navigate to gab.com.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  3. Tap "Add to Home screen".
  4. Tap "Add" to confirm.

The Gab app will be added to your home screen and app drawer. You'll receive notifications and it runs like a native application.

Tip: For the best experience, make sure you're using the latest version of Safari (iPhone) or Chrome (Android). The PWA works best with up-to-date browsers.
Core Features

Home Timeline

Your personalized feed of content from people you follow.

How It Works

The Home Timeline displays posts from accounts you follow in reverse chronological order (newest first). Unlike other social networks, Gab does not use opaque algorithms to decide what you see. Your timeline shows all posts from the people you follow.

Timeline Features

For You Feed

In addition to the standard Home timeline, the For You feed provides algorithmically curated content based on your interests and activity. Access it from the tab at the top of your Home timeline.

Core Features

Explore Feed

Discover trending and popular content from across the Gab network.

What is the Explore Feed?

The Explore feed shows popular and trending content from all of Gab, not just people you follow. It's a great way to discover new accounts and topics that are generating engagement across the platform.

Content Types on Explore

You can access the Explore feed from the left sidebar on desktop or the bottom navigation bar on mobile.

Core Features

Creating Posts

Share your thoughts, media, polls, and more with the Gab community.

Composing a Post

Click the Compose button (pencil icon or "What's on your mind?") to open the post composer. You can create various types of content:

Text Posts

Write up to 3,000 characters per post (GabPRO subscribers get extended limits). Format your text with basic Markdown-style formatting. Use @username to mention other users and #hashtag to tag topics.

Media Attachments

Polls

Create interactive polls to engage your audience:

  1. Click the poll icon in the compose toolbar.
  2. Enter your poll question and 2-4 answer options.
  3. Set the poll duration (how long voting remains open).
  4. Publish your post. Followers can vote and see live results.

Content Warnings / Spoilers

Use the CW (Content Warning) button to add a spoiler or content warning to your post. The post content will be hidden behind a warning that readers must click to reveal.

Post Visibility

Scheduled Posts

Write a post now and schedule it to be published at a later date and time. Access your scheduled posts from Settings > Scheduled Posts.

Core Features

Reactions, Reposts & Quotes

Engage with content through likes, reactions, reposts, quotes, and comments.

Likes & Reactions

Show your appreciation for a post by clicking the like (heart) button. You can also use extended reactions to express different emotions beyond a simple like.

Reposts

Share someone else's post with your followers by clicking the repost (circular arrows) button. The original post will appear in your followers' timelines with attribution to the original author.

Quote Posts

Add your own commentary to someone else's post by using Quote. This creates a new post that embeds the original post with your added text above it.

Comments

Reply to any post to start or join a conversation. Comments are threaded, so you can reply to specific comments within a thread. Click on any post to see the full comment thread.

Core Features

Bookmarks & Collections

Save posts for later and organize them into collections.

Bookmarking Posts

Click the bookmark icon on any post to save it for later. Bookmarks are private and only visible to you. Access your bookmarks from the navigation menu.

Bookmark Collections

Organize your bookmarks into collections for easy retrieval:

  1. Navigate to your Bookmarks page.
  2. Click "Create Collection" and give it a name.
  3. When bookmarking a post, select which collection to save it to.
  4. Browse your collections to find saved content organized by topic.
Social

Following & Followers

Build your network by following accounts and gaining followers.

Following Accounts

Click the Follow button on any user's profile to follow them. Their posts will then appear in your Home timeline. You can unfollow at any time by clicking the button again.

Your Followers

When someone follows you, your public posts will appear in their Home timeline. You can see your follower count and list on your profile page.

Follow Requests

If you set your account to private, new followers must send a follow request that you can approve or deny. Manage pending requests from Settings > Follow Requests.

Top Friends

Gab lets you designate Top Friends — your favorite accounts that you interact with most. These appear in a special section on your profile and help others discover who you recommend following.

Social

Notifications

Stay updated on likes, follows, mentions, and more.

Notification Types

Filtering Notifications

Use the notification filter panel to show only specific types of notifications (e.g., only mentions, only follows). This helps you focus on the interactions that matter most to you.

Notification Settings

Customize your notification preferences from Settings > Notifications. Control which types of notifications you receive by email and which appear in your notification feed.

Social

Blocking & Muting

Control your experience by blocking or muting accounts.

Blocking

When you block a user:

To block a user, click the three-dot menu on their profile or post and select "Block". Manage your blocked accounts from Settings > Blocks.

Muting

When you mute a user:

Muting is a more subtle way to control your feed without the other person being aware. Manage muted accounts from Settings > Mutes.

Social

Reporting Content

Report posts or accounts that violate Gab's Terms of Service.

How to Report

  1. Click the three-dot menu on the post or profile you want to report.
  2. Select "Report" from the menu.
  3. Choose the reason for your report (e.g., spam, illegal content, etc.).
  4. Add any additional comments to help moderators understand the issue.
  5. Submit the report. Our moderation team will review it.
Note: Gab supports free speech, so disagreeing with someone's opinion is not grounds for a report. Reports should only be filed for content that violates the Terms of Service, such as illegal content, spam, or threats of violence.
Groups

Discovering & Joining Groups

Find communities that match your interests.

Browsing Groups

Navigate to the Groups section from the sidebar to explore available groups. You can browse by:

Joining a Group

Click the Join button on any group to become a member. Some groups may require approval from a moderator before you can join. Once you're a member, the group's posts will appear in the group's timeline and you can participate in discussions.

Group Feeds

Each group has its own timeline with posts from members. You can also browse a group's media, links, and about page for more information about the community.

Groups

Creating & Managing a Group

Start your own community on Gab.

Creating a Group

  1. Navigate to Groups and click "Create Group".
  2. Enter a group name and description.
  3. Upload a cover image and avatar for the group.
  4. Choose the group category and tags.
  5. Set privacy settings (public or private).
  6. Click Create and start inviting members.

Managing Members

As a group admin, you can:

Groups

Group Moderation

Keep your group's community healthy and on-topic.

Moderation Tools

Group admins and moderators have access to the following tools:

Tip: Write clear group rules and pin them to the top of the group. This helps set expectations for members and makes moderation decisions more transparent.
Feeds

Custom Feeds

Create curated timelines with specific accounts.

What are Feeds?

Feeds (also called Lists) are custom timelines that only show posts from accounts you've added. They're a great way to organize the content you want to see by topic, interest, or priority.

Creating a Feed

  1. Navigate to Feeds from the sidebar menu.
  2. Click "Create Feed".
  3. Give your feed a name (e.g., "News Sources," "Tech Accounts").
  4. Set the feed's visibility (public feeds can be followed by others).
  5. Add members to your feed by searching for accounts.

Subscribing to Feeds

Browse the Feed Directory to find public feeds created by other users. Subscribe to any feed to add it to your navigation for easy access.

Feeds

Feed Directory

Discover curated feeds created by the community.

Browsing the Directory

The Feed Directory lists all public feeds available on Gab. Each feed shows its name, creator, number of subscribers, and the accounts included. Browse the directory to find feeds that match your interests.

Managing Your Feeds

From the Feeds section, you can:

Messaging

Direct Messages

Private conversations with other Gab users.

Sending a Message

  1. Navigate to Chats from the sidebar or bottom navigation.
  2. Click "New Message" to start a conversation.
  3. Search for and select the user(s) you want to message.
  4. Type your message and press Send.

Conversation Features

Messaging

Chat Requests & Settings

Manage who can message you and control your chat experience.

Chat Requests

Messages from people you don't follow go to your Chat Requests inbox. You can choose to accept or decline these requests. Accepted requests become regular conversations.

Blocking in Chat

Block specific users from sending you messages. Blocked chat users are separate from your main block list and can be managed from your chat settings.

Muted Conversations

Mute specific conversations to stop receiving notifications for them without leaving the conversation. You can unmute at any time.

Marketplace

Browsing the Marketplace

Discover products and services from the Gab community.

Exploring Listings

Access the Marketplace from the sidebar to browse listings from Gab users and businesses. You can filter listings by:

Saving Listings

Save interesting listings to review later by clicking the bookmark icon. Access your saved listings from your Marketplace dashboard.

Marketplace

Creating & Managing Listings

Sell products and services on the Gab Marketplace.

Creating a Listing

  1. Navigate to the Marketplace and click "Create Listing".
  2. Enter a title and detailed description.
  3. Set the price and condition.
  4. Upload photos of your item (multiple images recommended).
  5. Select a category and add relevant tags.
  6. Publish your listing. It will be visible to all Gab users.

Managing Listings

From your Marketplace Dashboard, you can:

Business Pages

Creating a Business Page

Establish your business presence on Gab.

Getting Started

Business Pages let you create a dedicated presence for your business on Gab, separate from your personal account. Businesses can list products, share updates, and connect with customers.

  1. Navigate to Businesses from the sidebar.
  2. Click "Create Business Page".
  3. Enter your business name, description, and category.
  4. Add your business hours, location, and contact information.
  5. Upload a logo and gallery images.
  6. Submit your page for approval.
Tip: Fill out as much information as possible when creating your business page. Complete profiles appear more professional and trustworthy to potential customers.
Business Pages

Business Dashboard

Manage your business page, listings, and coupons.

Dashboard Features

Media

Gab TV & Videos

Watch and share video content on Gab.

Browsing Videos

Access Gab TV from the Explore menu to browse video content posted by Gab users. Videos are displayed in a dedicated feed optimized for video content with large previews and easy playback controls.

Uploading Videos

Upload videos directly when composing a new post. Videos are processed and optimized for streaming automatically. GabPRO subscribers enjoy higher upload limits and priority processing.

Video Player

The built-in video player supports:

Media

Clips

Short-form video content on Gab.

What are Clips?

Clips are short video posts featured in a dedicated timeline. They're designed for quick, engaging content that captures attention. Browse the Clips feed from the Explore menu to discover trending short videos.

Media

Photos & Galleries

Share and browse photos across Gab.

Photo Timeline

Browse a dedicated feed of photo content from the Photos section in Explore. See beautiful photography, memes, infographics, and more shared by the Gab community.

Profile Galleries

Every profile has a Photos and Videos tab that displays all media posted by that account. This makes it easy to browse a user's visual content.

Media Viewer

Click on any image to open it in the full-screen media viewer. Navigate between images in a post using arrow keys or swipe gestures on mobile. You can also download images from the viewer.

Gab Deck

Multi-Column Layout

Power-user interface for monitoring multiple feeds simultaneously.

What is Gab Deck?

Gab Deck provides a multi-column layout (similar to TweetDeck) that lets you monitor multiple timelines, notifications, and feeds side by side. It's perfect for power users who want to keep an eye on everything at once.

Setting Up Deck

  1. Access Gab Deck from the sidebar "More" menu.
  2. Click "Add Column" to add a new column.
  3. Choose from available column types: Home, Notifications, Explore, Hashtag, Group, Feed, etc.
  4. Arrange columns by dragging them to your preferred order.
  5. Each column scrolls independently, so you can browse multiple feeds at once.
Tip: Gab Deck works best on wide screens. Use a desktop or tablet in landscape mode for the best experience.
GabPRO

Pro Features & Benefits

Upgrade to GabPRO for premium features and support the platform.

What is GabPRO?

GabPRO is Gab's premium subscription that unlocks additional features while directly supporting the platform's mission of free speech. Since Gab is user-funded, PRO subscriptions are a key way to keep the platform running.

PRO Benefits

How to Subscribe

Visit pro.gab.com to subscribe to GabPRO. Subscriptions are available on monthly and annual plans.

GabPRO

Pro Timeline

An exclusive timeline for GabPRO subscribers.

About the Pro Timeline

The Pro Timeline is a special feed that only shows posts from other GabPRO subscribers. It provides a curated, premium experience with content from users who are invested in the platform.

Accessing the Pro Timeline

If you have an active GabPRO subscription, the Pro Timeline is accessible from the sidebar navigation. The timeline works just like the Home or Explore timelines but exclusively features content from PRO members.

Settings & Account

Profile Settings

Customize how you appear on Gab.

Editing Your Profile

Navigate to Settings > Profile to edit:

Account Settings

From Settings > Account, manage:

Settings & Account

Display Options

Customize the look and feel of Gab.

Theme

Gab offers multiple display themes including light, dark, and other color options. Access Display Options from the account menu or sidebar to switch themes.

Font Size

Adjust the text size across the interface to your preference. Choose from several size options to find the most comfortable reading experience.

Layout Options

Customize which elements are visible in your interface, including panel visibility and timeline layout preferences.

Settings & Account

Privacy & Security

Secure your account and control your privacy.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Add an extra layer of security to your account:

  1. Go to Settings > Two-Factor Authentication.
  2. Install an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) on your phone.
  3. Scan the QR code or enter the setup key into your authenticator app.
  4. Enter the 6-digit code generated by the app to verify.
  5. Save your backup codes in a safe place. These can be used if you lose access to your authenticator app.

Private Account

Set your account to private to require approval for new followers. When your account is private, only approved followers can see your posts. Toggle this from Settings > Preferences.

Session Management

Review and revoke active sessions from your account settings to ensure no unauthorized devices have access to your account.

Settings & Account

Filters

Automatically hide content containing specific words or phrases.

Creating Filters

  1. Navigate to Settings > Filters.
  2. Click "Add Filter".
  3. Enter the word or phrase you want to filter.
  4. Choose where to apply the filter (Home timeline, Notifications, Public timelines, etc.).
  5. Optionally set an expiration date for the filter.

Filtered content will be hidden from the selected timelines. You can edit or remove filters at any time.

Settings & Account

Data Export

Download a copy of your Gab data.

Exporting Your Data

Gab allows you to export your data at any time. Navigate to Settings > Export to download:

Data exports are provided in CSV format that can be opened in any spreadsheet application or imported into other services.

FAQs

Common Questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Gab.

Is Gab really free?

Yes! Gab is completely free to join and use. You can create an account, post, follow people, join groups, use the marketplace, and access all core features at no cost. GabPRO is an optional premium upgrade for users who want extra features and to support the platform.

Why isn't Gab on the App Store or Google Play?

Gab was banned from both the Apple App Store and Google Play in 2017 for refusing to censor legal speech that those companies demanded we remove. Instead, Gab is available as a Progressive Web App (PWA) that you can install directly from your browser. See our Mobile App Installation guide for instructions.

What content is not allowed on Gab?

Gab supports free speech but does have rules. Content that is illegal under US law, explicit adult content, spam, and targeted threats of violence are prohibited. See the full Terms of Service for complete details.

How do I get verified on Gab?

Verification on Gab is available through GabPRO subscriptions. Subscribe at pro.gab.com to get a verified badge on your profile. You can also apply for identity verification through Settings > Verification.

Can I use Gab anonymously?

Yes. You do not need to use your real name on Gab. You can choose any username and display name you like. An email address is required for account recovery, but your email is never displayed publicly.

How does Gab make money?

Gab is funded by its users through GabPRO subscriptions, the Gab Shop, advertising, and donations. Gab does not sell user data to third parties. This user-funded model ensures that Gab's interests are aligned with its community, not advertisers.

How do I delete my account?

You can delete your account from Settings > Account. Scroll to the bottom and click "Delete Account." This action is permanent and cannot be undone. All your posts, followers, and data will be removed.

FAQs

Technical Limits

Understanding Gab's platform limits and restrictions.

Post Limits

Account Limits

Rate Limits

To prevent spam and abuse, Gab enforces rate limits on certain actions. If you encounter a rate limit, wait a few minutes before trying again. Rate limits apply to:

Upload Limits

Tip: If you need higher upload limits, consider upgrading to GabPRO for increased file size allowances and additional features.
FAQs

Account Issues

Troubleshoot common account problems.

Forgot Password

If you've forgotten your password:

  1. Go to the login page.
  2. Click "Forgot your password?"
  3. Enter the email address associated with your account.
  4. Check your email for a password reset link.
  5. Click the link and create a new password.

Email Not Verified

If you haven't received your verification email:

Account Suspended

If your account has been suspended, you will receive an email explaining the reason and any actions you can take. Common reasons for suspension include:

Account Locked

If your account appears locked, it may be due to suspicious activity detection. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity and unlock your account. If you continue having issues, contact support.

Need more help? If you can't resolve your issue with the information above, you can reach out to the Gab team through the feedback channels available in the app settings.