Frequently asked questions
A few common questions about Mello, the cosy social network.
What is Mello?
Mello is a cosy, calm social network for keeping up with the people you actually know. There is no algorithm, no ads and no strangers - just your Wall, a Guestbook, your Circle of Friends and a few playful extras like the Bean Jar.
How is Mello different from other social networks?
Mello shows you posts from your friends in the order they happened, not whatever an engagement algorithm picks. There are no ads, no news feed of strangers, and interactions are limited to friends you have accepted. It is designed to feel small, personal and calm rather than endless and noisy.
Is Mello like Bebo?
Mello is a modern Bebo alternative in spirit rather than a clone. It brings back the things people loved about that era - a profile page you arrange yourself, doodling on a friend's Guestbook (like the old whiteboard), marking your closest people, and a small Circle of Friends - but calmer and more private, with no algorithm, no ads and no strangers.
I miss Bebo - what can I use instead?
If you miss Bebo, MySpace or the early days of personal profiles, Mello is built for you. You get a little home page that is all yours, a doodle Guestbook, your closest few 'My People', a Bean Jar for small appreciations, and a Circle of Friends - a cosy, nostalgic social network for the people you actually know.
Is there a social network with no algorithm?
Yes - Mello has no algorithm and no ads. You see posts from your friends in the order they were made, never re-ranked to maximise engagement, and there is no feed of strangers or suggested content. It is a calm, chronological social network by design.
Is Mello free?
Yes. Mello is free to join and use. It does not show ads or sell your attention.
How do I join Mello?
You can create an account at mello.social when signups are open, or ask a friend already on Mello to invite you. Everyone confirms they are 18 or over when they join.
Do I need an invite to join?
Not always. An invite from a friend is the quickest way in, but signups can also be opened to the public with an age check. Either way, joining is quick.
Is Mello only for adults?
Yes. Mello is for people aged 18 and over. New members confirm their age when they sign up, either through an on-device age check or by uploading a photo ID for review.
Does Mello have an app?
Mello is a web app that works in any browser on your phone, tablet or computer, and you can add it to your home screen so it opens like an app. There is no separate download from an app store.
How does Mello handle my privacy?
Mello is private by default. Your profile and content are for your friends, profiles are kept out of search engines, and the on-device age check never uploads or stores your photo. You can read the full details in the privacy policy.
What are beans and the Bean Jar?
Beans are a playful way to show appreciation. Each day you get a small tin of beans to give to friends, in twenty hand-drawn flavours, and the ones you receive collect in your Bean Jar.
What is the Guestbook?
The Guestbook lets friends sign your profile with a little doodle, the way you might scribble a note in a real guestbook. It is one of the small, personal touches that make a Mello page feel like yours.
Still curious? Read more about Mello or say hello at hello@mello.social.