You could run Kodi, Emby, or Plex and get local access through DLNA access.

I have a QNAP RAID set up that Emby catalogs and handles access for. An Emby app on my LG TV, and a Roku on other TVs. Some RAID systems will just plug into your network and allow you to install apps on them directly.

Another option is to use MediaMonkey to catalog and provide access. They even have an Android app.

Lastly, regular external HDD are meant for occasional access, not continuous work. Most have a duty cycle of about 25%, meaning they should only be run about that amount of time before dying. This is why I went with NAS HDDs. If you have the money, go with an expandable RAID. Once you start using that capacity, you’ll find you want more.

I’m pretty sure that would not be in Meta’s best interest, from their point of view. After all, Meta is all about harvesting your personal data. I believe whether to federate or not will come down to how egregious the federation terms are that Meta will propose because you know they will want to access user data in some fashion for their own profit. If they want the same kind of data from the Fediverse as they get from their native app, the answer will be a resounding “no”. If they ask for even 20% of that data, the answer will remain the same.

https://www.distractify.com/p/does-threads-allow-nsfw

I’m thinking the answer will be “no federation with threads”.

I believe heavy users, such as influencers, companies, and some government agencies would want to host their own instances.

The big attraction for using TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, whatever, is the ease of use, the almost zero learning curve. Find a hosting company that has a 1-click instance install, and then put an admin frontend on it where just about anybody can just check boxes to configure it. Once you’ve done that, everybody will spin up their own instance.

Agreed. Anybody want to invite TruthSocial? I didn’t think so.

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1333323

(11) “Social media company” means a person or entity that provides a social media platform that has at least five million account holders worldwide and is an interactive computer service.

So, it looks like they passed the law, but still haven’t got their shit together.

D. The division may adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act that provide examples of all of the following:

(1) Acceptable processes or means by which a social media company may meet the age verification requirements of this Chapter, including adjusting for new technologies.

(2) Acceptable forms or methods of identification for individuals to verify that they are over the age of sixteen, which may not be limited to a valid identification card issued by a government entity.

(3) Acceptable processes or means to confirm that a parent or guardian has provided consent for the minor to open or use an account pursuant to this Section.

I love this part:

§1754. Parental access to social media account settings; parental supervision

A social media company shall provide a parent or guardian who has given parental consent for a Louisiana minor account holder as provided in this Chapter with a means for the minor account holder or the parent or guardian to initiate account supervision. Such supervision shall include the ability for the parent to view privacy settings of the minor’s account, set daily time limits for the service, schedule breaks, and offer the minor the option to set up parental notifications when the minor reports a person or issue.

Even Facebook, with all of their money, doesn’t have these features.

Glad we can block instances.