Get Started with Holis
Holis is built for organizers. Whether you're creating a local mutual aid group, a creative collective, or a movement space, you can start in minutes — and grow it over time.
This guide walks you through how to launch a community, invite your people, and start building something powerful.
Download or Open the App
You can use Holis in your browser or on desktop.
Create Your Account
You'll be asked to:
- Choose a display name
- Set your profile image (optional)
- Link to your preferred Nostr identity (or auto-generate one)
This identity is portable. It can be used across any Nostr-based app — not just Holis.
Create a Community
Start your own group by:
- Naming your community
- Adding a short intro message
- Setting visibility (public, private, or invitation-only)
Every new group comes with:
- A shared feed for threads and updates
- Optional events, asks/offers, and polls
- Access to unlocking tools via group contributions
Share Your Custom Invite Link
Invite people via:
- A custom short link (e.g.
app.holis.social/join/mycrew) - QR code (great for flyers, events, meetups)
- WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or email
You can also set:
- Onboarding questions
- A welcome post or guide
- Roles (admin, mod, trusted member)
Tip: Personal invites go a long way. Record a short message or voice memo explaining what the group is for and why it matters.
Use the Feed & Threads
Every community has:
- A group feed (chronological, not algorithmic)
- Threaded replies
- Reactions for ideas, agreements, flags, or follow-up
- Pinned posts for norms, links, or FAQs
You can also:
- Schedule and announce events
- Set up ask/offer mutual aid threads
- Enable announcements-only mode for broadcasts
Direct Messages & Notifications
Each member can:
- Send direct messages (DMs)
- Get notifications for threads they follow
- @mention people in comments or posts
- Subscribe to important threads (e.g. rides, alerts)
We prioritize minimal distraction — you control your notification preferences.
Cultivate Your Culture
Holis is not just a chat tool. It's a community platform.
Ways to cultivate your space:
- Rotate community roles like facilitator or greeter
- Use emojis and pinned messages to reinforce culture
- Create threads like: "Introduce yourself," "What are we working on?" "What support do you need this week?"
Unlock Tools & Share Resources
Groups can crowdfund to unlock premium features like:
- Private video storage
- Custom usernames (like
@[email protected]) - Public websites or join portals
- Voting and proposal tools
Any extra funds stay with the group. You decide together how to spend them: pay a mod, translate onboarding materials, or support a member in need.
Stay Flexible
Holis is built on Nostr, a decentralized protocol. That means:
- You can migrate to another server or app
- You can self-host if desired
- You can integrate with other Nostr-based tools over time
Holis is a gateway — not a gatekeeper.