Mastodon

overview

type

microblogging

created

2016

official page

joinmastodon.org

license

AGPL-3.0

source code

repository

written in

Ruby

protocols

ActivityPub,

for users

for techies

tutorials

How to Mastodon /
Guide /

utilities

forks / modifications

population ~ 8 884 943 accounts

active users ~ 1 764 670people

servers > 9 632 instances

(statistics updated regularly, latest update - 24 Oct 2024)

world

mascot

mastodon,

dwellers

mastonauts

communities

List of servers by theme /

connects

Friendica,
Hubzilla,
microblog.pub,
Misskey,
PeerTube,
Pixelfed,
Pleroma,
Plume,
WriteFreely,

Mastodon is the largest federating social network. You'll find everything you want of a microblogging platform, and much more. There are numerous Mastodon servers (called "instances") created specifically for certain communities and dedicated to various interests, spheres of knowledge, regions and activities.

Default tweetdeck layout

Alternative Pinafore layout

Alternative Halcyon layout

features

polls
custom emojis
pinned posts
featured hashtags
admin announcements
hiding followers
spoiler warnings
user-level mutes and blocks
bookmarks
redrafting posts
contact lists
image upload with focal points
verifying external links in your profile
filtering out unwanted content by keywords
two-factor authentication (TOTP)

information

Direct messages ("private messages") are delivered with limited visibility (non public) only between Mastodon users. Friends from other Fediverse networks may get such "direct messages" as public (visible to all) because some networks (GNU Social) don't support DMs. Keep that in mind when sharing private information via a DM.

early adopters

join the network

Choose a server with open registrations and create an account:

Choose a mobile application from the available ones:

Mobile apps

additional reading

contributing

Please, keep in mind that you are a participant, not a customer. DONATE

If you'd like to help the Mastodon network grow, you can contribute in different ways.

Donate to development team or the administrator of your server (if you have the means to do that).
Set up your own instance, to make federation stronger and healthier, with many small servers.
Spread the word. Invite your friends. Explain why it's important.
Contribute with code. Send a pull request. Resolve an issue. Take a bounty.
Help translating. Design promo materials. Print and distribute stickers.

Thank you. See you in Mastodon.

find your perfect community