Mastodon

Key Features That Make a Difference

Decentralized Network (The Fediverse): Join any independent server (instance) you choose, each with its own culture, rules, and moderation, yet interconnected with the wider network.

Chronological, Algorithm-Free Timelines: See posts from people you follow in the order they were made, with no hidden algorithms deciding what you should see.

Powerful Content Warnings & Moderation: Users can apply content warnings (CWs) to sensitive topics, and each server is community-moderated, allowing for tailored and responsive content policies.

Open-Source & Ad-Free: The software is transparent and developed publicly. Servers are typically funded by donations, not ads or data harvesting.

Interoperability with Other Platforms: Through ActivityPub, you can potentially interact with users on other compatible platforms like Pixelfed (photos) or PeerTube (video).

Who Is This App For?

Users Disillusioned with Mainstream Social Media: who are tired of algorithms, ads, and opaque content policies.

Community-Oriented Individuals & Niche Interest Groups: wanting to connect with like-minded people on servers dedicated to specific topics or locales.

Advocates for Digital Privacy & Open Source: who value transparency, control over their data, and software they can trust and audit.

Creators & Writers: seeking a platform for long-form discussion and building an audience without fighting an algorithm.

Anyone Curious About the "Fediverse": the growing decentralized social web that challenges the centralized model.

How to Start Using Mastodon

Click “Check All Versions” below to download and install Mastodon on your device or browser.

Choose your server (instance): This is the most important first step. Use the app's guide or visit joinmastodon.org to find a server that matches your interests (e.g., tech, art, general chat, regional).

Create your account on that server: Sign up directly within the app by selecting your chosen server and completing registration. Your username will be @[email protected].

Complete your profile and find people to follow: Fill out your bio and profile picture. Use the explore or search features to find interesting people, both on your server and across the fediverse.

Understand the timelines: The "Home" timeline is people you follow. The "Local" timeline is everyone on your server. The "Federated" timeline is posts from all connected servers.

Post, boost, and engage: Share text, images, and polls. "Boost" (like a retweet) posts you like. Use content warnings (#CW) for sensitive topics to be considerate of others.

In a world where social media is increasingly centralized and algorithm-driven, the desire for a more open, community-controlled, and human-centric platform is stronger than ever. Mastodon emerges as the leading decentralized social network, designed to give you control over your feed, your data, and your online community. More than just an alternative app, it's a gateway to the "fediverse"—a vast network of independently run servers (instances) where you can follow people, share posts (called "toots"), and engage in conversations without corporate manipulation. Whether you're joining a server focused on art, technology, a local region, or a general interest, this app provides the chronological timelines, powerful moderation tools, and ad-free experience needed for thoughtful, user-powered social networking. Its open-source ethos and federated design work seamlessly, empowering you to choose your digital home.

Key Features That Make a Difference

Decentralized Network (The Fediverse): Join any independent server (instance) you choose, each with its own culture, rules, and moderation, yet interconnected with the wider network.
Chronological, Algorithm-Free Timelines: See posts from people you follow in the order they were made, with no hidden algorithms deciding what you should see.
Powerful Content Warnings & Moderation: Users can apply content warnings (CWs) to sensitive topics, and each server is community-moderated, allowing for tailored and responsive content policies.
Open-Source & Ad-Free: The software is transparent and developed publicly. Servers are typically funded by donations, not ads or data harvesting.
Interoperability with Other Platforms: Through ActivityPub, you can potentially interact with users on other compatible platforms like Pixelfed (photos) or PeerTube (video).

Who Is This App For?

Users Disillusioned with Mainstream Social Media: who are tired of algorithms, ads, and opaque content policies.
Community-Oriented Individuals & Niche Interest Groups: wanting to connect with like-minded people on servers dedicated to specific topics or locales.
Advocates for Digital Privacy & Open Source: who value transparency, control over their data, and software they can trust and audit.
Creators & Writers: seeking a platform for long-form discussion and building an audience without fighting an algorithm.
Anyone Curious About the "Fediverse": the growing decentralized social web that challenges the centralized model.

How to Start Using Mastodon

Click “Check All Versions” below to download and install Mastodon on your device or browser.
Choose your server (instance): This is the most important first step. Use the app's guide or visit joinmastodon.org to find a server that matches your interests (e.g., tech, art, general chat, regional).
Create your account on that server: Sign up directly within the app by selecting your chosen server and completing registration. Your username will be @[email protected].
Complete your profile and find people to follow: Fill out your bio and profile picture. Use the explore or search features to find interesting people, both on your server and across the fediverse.
Understand the timelines: The "Home" timeline is people you follow. The "Local" timeline is everyone on your server. The "Federated" timeline is posts from all connected servers.
Post, boost, and engage: Share text, images, and polls. "Boost" (like a retweet) posts you like. Use content warnings (#CW) for sensitive topics to be considerate of others.