As social media platforms such as Twitter (now X) and Facebook faced growing scrutiny over how they handled political discussions, misinformation, and controversial content, Parler emerged as an alternative that emphasized freedom of expression. The platform attracted users who felt that mainstream social networks were restricting certain viewpoints.
The name Parler social media comes from the French verb meaning “to speak.” The platform gained attention in the United States, particularly among conservative users, and attracted prominent supporters, including Senator Ted Cruz.
Parler’s popularity surged around the November 2020 US presidential election. According to reports at the time, downloads increased sharply during the days surrounding the election, briefly making the app one of the most downloaded free apps in Apple’s App Store. This rapid growth brought the platform into the spotlight and sparked wider discussions about online speech, content moderation, and the role of social media in political debate.
What Is Parler and How Does It Work?
Parler is a social media platform launched in 2018 by John Matze and Jared Thomson. It was designed to let users share opinions, publish posts, upload photos, and participate in public discussions.
Its features resemble those found on other social networks. Users can publish content, comment on other people’s posts, and express support for posts through reactions. Parler also introduced a sharing feature called “Echo,” which works similarly to reposting or retweeting content on other platforms.
Parler promoted itself as a platform that supported free expression and sought to avoid removing content simply because of a user’s political views. Its stated approach attracted people who wanted an alternative to the moderation policies of larger social networks.
However, freedom of expression on a private platform does not mean that every type of content is permitted. Platforms still need policies addressing spam, illegal activity, threats, and other forms of harmful content.
A Closer Look at the Parler Social Media App
Parler received significant media attention in November 2020, when political tensions surrounding the US presidential election drove increased interest in alternative social networks. Its download numbers rose rapidly, and the platform gained visibility among users looking for a different approach to content moderation.
The app’s growth also highlighted a broader debate: how should social media companies balance freedom of expression with the responsibility to address misinformation and harmful material?
Supporters viewed Parler as an alternative for political discussion and open debate. Critics raised concerns about the spread of false claims and the challenges of moderating content while maintaining a commitment to free expression.
Parler’s history illustrates how public events and dissatisfaction with established platforms can quickly influence the popularity of a social network. Its early rise also showed that attracting users is only one part of building a sustainable platform. Maintaining trust, moderating content consistently, and providing a reliable service are equally important.
Parler Home Feed
Profile on Parler
Post
Settings
Verification
Types of Verified Accounts
Available on Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad
Download: for iPhone and iPad
Download: for Android devices
Who is using Parler social media?
The app had over 2,5 million users on its account by the end of July 2020, but its latest rise in downloads has possibly risen further. The content that has been shared tends mainly to the right, with several users saying that they joined, since other apps does not grant them “free speech.”
CEO Matze said in a statement in response to the recent development of the app “We welcome all to join our platform that highlights freedom to speak and open discourse.”
Several conservatives with a high profile are on the app. It was promoted by Ted Cruz. Jim Jordan, Elise Stefanik, Rand Paul, and Nikki Haley, Republican lawmakers, are there. Candace Owens, the right-wing expert, already attracted followers from Twitter to Parler in December 2018. Since revealing she will quit Twitter soon, the Fox News host María Bartimoro received more than 1.6 Million Parler followers.
Parler has managed to secure a big user: Donald Trump. With tweets more than 30 times censored in late days, the president has nearly 89 million Twitter fans who have opposed the site especially vocal.
Launched: September 2018; 2 years ago
Launched: September 2018; 6 years ago. Founder(s): John Matze, Jared Thomson
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