Archive:Mastodon features explained

Screenshot of Mastodon's basic interface

Let's go through every Mastodon feature...

Register for an account

So you have decided to get a Mastodon account and found an instance you want to join.
Registering for an account all you need is a working email address and a password.

Profile name

Choose a profile name. This will be part of the handle you'll be found under.
In this case the chosen profile name is PaulaToThePeople and the handle will be @PaulaToThePeople@climatejustce.social.
You can choose a different display name than your profile name.

Email address

Enter your email address. It's important you remember which one you chose and that you have access to the address.

Password

Choose a strong password. It's best to use a generated password and store it in a password manager like KeePass.
You'll have to enter the password twice to make sure there is no typo in it.

Server rules

To create an account you have to agree to the server rules. Read them carefully as you have to follow them and the other people on the instance have to too.
So don't just make sure you are okay with them, but also that you want others to behave accordingly.

Confirmation email

When you hit "register" you'll be sent a confirmation email. In that email there will be a link you have to click to confirm your email address and unlock your account.
Check your spam folder if you don't get the email.

What Mastodon looks like for new users

Follow suggestions

The first thing you'll see, when you open Mastodon after creating your account, will be some follow suggestions.
These are based on who other people on your instance follow.

Empty Interface

File:Mastodon empty interface.png

Toots

Advanced Interface

Profiles

Your profile

Someone else's profile

Settings