Mastodon is a decentralized open-source social network platform that allows you to connect with friends, family, and like-minded people worldwide. So if you want to ditch Twitter and join vibrant communities in a safe and privacy-oriented social network, don't think twice and jump in the car.
What is Mastodon?
Mastodon is an ad-free and open-source software solution designed to run decentralized networking services; it was developed by Mastodon gGmbH and created by Eugen Rochko as Twitter started to become a company that could be sold to any billionaire. Bringing new social-networking concepts to life, the network is composed of independent servers called Instances where users can interact with each other.
What are the key features of Mastodon?
- Interface: Mastodon interfaces are intuitive, modern, and nice-looking, as they are pretty similar to what you can expect on other social networks, so you will instinctively understand how to use them. Also, it features a Dark Mode, and some servers have themes based on a specific interest.
- Decentralized: As Mastodon is decentralized and composed of independent servers, the whole network cannot be blocked, censored, or sold. Each server instance has its code of conduct, privacy policy, terms of service, privacy options, and content moderation policies.
- Send messages: You can post messages of up to 500 or more characters to interact with your followers or the whole community, create polls to ask other people for their opinion, and explore trending hashtags and mentioned accounts. In addition, custom emojis, GIFs, images, and videos are supported to let you fully express yourself.
- Content moderation: The Mastodon moderation approach lets each server device limit and filter all types of content; this is called community-based moderation. It works pretty well as smaller communities can quickly handle and manage inappropriate content. Administrators of servers can block other servers from interacting with their own so that one server instance cannot pollute the other communities by consensus. Also, users can block and report users to administrators.
- Privacy: A set of privacy-oriented features distinguishes Mastodon from other social networks. Each message has different privacy options, so you can decide whether everyone or only your followers will see what you share. Also, messages can be marked as unlisted from timelines or directly between users. Speaking of accounts, you can create a private account and only interact with your followers.
- Peculiarities: Some features are differently implemented or lacking on purpose to discourage bad behaviors and harassment. Unlike other social networks, searches based on full texts are not allowed by default, and messages are displayed in federated timelines. Only hashtags can appear in trending topics, not random famous words. A feature like "quote tweets" is not implemented to avoid toxicity, as it can encourage people to "dunk" on others.
How to use Mastodon?
It is super simple to join Mastodon, follow our dedicated guide.
Is it free?
Absolutely, Mastodon is free to use.
Is it safe?
Mastodon is a safe, open-source social network composed of independent servers. There is no unique privacy policy, as each server has specific rules and privacy policies.