Endchan

Endchan: An Anonymous Imageboard of the New Generation
Origins

Endchan was launched in 2016, at a time when the imageboard community was looking for alternatives to large platforms such as 8chan (now 8kun). Its creators envisioned a more flexible and open platform where users could both participate in discussions and help shape the site itself.

One of Endchan’s defining features was its use of Infinity Next, a software engine designed to allow user-created boards, decentralized moderation, and integration with anonymity networks.

Key Features

User-created boards.
Unlike traditional imageboards with a fixed set of boards, Endchan lets users create their own. This makes the structure highly decentralized and diverse.

Access via Tor and I2P.
Endchan can be reached on the clearnet but also provides mirrors on Tor and I2P, ensuring resilience against takedowns and appealing to privacy-focused users.

Flexible moderation.
Each board is managed by its own moderators, with its own rules, fostering a “community of communities” environment.

Minimalist interface.
The site retains the classic imageboard aesthetic, focusing on text and images without modern web clutter.

Community and Topics

The Endchan community is diverse:

  • Politics. The site hosts active debates spanning left-wing, right-wing, and fringe ideologies.
  • Culture and hobbies. Boards cover art, music, technology, and gaming.
  • Memes and subcultures. Endchan has preserved the “old internet” spirit, with users creating and spreading their own memes.
  • Because moderation is decentralized, discussions often feel freer and less restricted than on mainstream platforms.

Reputation and Challenges

Like many anonymous imageboards, Endchan has faced criticism for hosting extremist content. At times, the site has drawn the attention of media and law enforcement. The administration, however, emphasizes that the platform is meant primarily as a tool for free speech and self-expression.

Endchan has also dealt with technical hurdles: server outages, traffic spikes, and the need to maintain Tor and I2P mirrors to stay resilient.

Place in Imageboard Culture

Despite its controversies, Endchan has secured a place in the wider imageboard ecosystem. It illustrates how anonymous platforms can combine user-driven board creation, decentralized governance, and anonymous access.

For some, Endchan is a symbol of absolute freedom and creativity; for others, it represents chaos and radical content. Either way, it remains an important part of internet culture.

Conclusion

Endchan is one of the most recognizable non-mainstream imageboards. It blends the traditions of old anonymous boards with modern technologies and a philosophy of decentralization. Though often criticized, it endures as a symbol of anonymity, independence, and resistance to centralized platforms.

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