Mastodon

From Join the Fediverse
Twitter and X redirect here. For other microblogging services see Misskey, Pleroma and GoToSocial.


Mastodon logo
Mastodon
Website joinmastodon.org
Official instance mastodon.social
Official instance 2 mastodon.online
List of instances fediverse.observer
Mastodon account @mastodon

Mastodon is a microblogging platform and one of the Fediverse's replacements for Twitter.

What does Mastodon feel like?

Mastodon is a lot like Twitter.
You can write short messages, add pictures, videos, audio, image/video/audio descriptions, content warnings and polls.
You can @ other people on the Fediverse in your posts and send private messages.
You can use hashtags and find posts based on hashtags.

What are some advantages over Twitter?

With Mastodon you can post longer posts - usually 500 characters, though some instances have even larger character limits.
There is no algorithm deciding what you get to see and what not, but the feed is chronological and based on who you follow and what the people you follow boost.
On Twitter & Co the algorithm doesn't necessarily show you what you want to see, but amplifies hate and controversy, to keep you watching ads as long as possible.
If you have a lot of followers on Twitter expect to have a narrower reach on Mastodon, but the people who follow you are usually more happy to interact with you in a meaningful way.


Comparison of microblogging services
Twitter Mastodon Pleroma Akkoma GNU Social GoToSocial Misskey
character limit 280 500 admin decision 3000
feed algorithmic chronological
reach far familiar


What are some limitations?

With all the advantages, like Twitter, Mastodon still has some limitations.

Some things that are fixed and the admins can't change for their instances:

  • character limit (500)
  • poll options (4)
  • profile fields (4)
  • max number of pinned posts (5)
  • users must provide an email address to register

Further Reading


External Links

Main article: Mastodon weblinks

Guides

What is Mastodon (video)
Getting started with Mastodon
Guide to Mastodon
Mastodon: Friendly Microblogging


Navigation bar
About the Fediverse
🏠 🐎 🔠 💬 👤 ✏️ 🚚 📱 😇 📍 🔗
Fediverse projects
Mastodon

Moderation (Mastodon)
Scheduling and analytic tools for Mastodon

Wiki More Editing
ℹ️ 🗺 ⌛️ 🏅 🌍 📰 🛠 🔄 💢 🚧 ☑️ 🎮