The recent shift in social media dynamics has brought attention to Mastodon, an open-source microblogging platform that has emerged as a prominent alternative to Twitter, now known as X. Following Elon Musk‘s acquisition of Twitter, millions of users seeking a different experience have turned to Mastodon, which was founded in 2016 by German software developer Eugen Rochko. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Mastodon operates as a nonprofit, prioritizing public benefit over shareholder profit.
Mastodon distinguishes itself from Twitter with a decentralized structure, likening its operation to email systems. Upon creating an account, users select a server, which acts as their profile’s address. For instance, if a user registers through a climate justice server, their address will appear as @[username]@climatejustice.social. This allows communication across different servers, similar to how Gmail users can email Hotmail users. However, some servers may block others, impacting user interactions based on community guidelines.
The terminology used within Mastodon can be unique. Users often refer to individual communities as “instances” or servers. Each server is managed by various entities—individuals, groups, or organizations—that establish their own rules regarding user sign-up and moderation. While some servers are open to all, others require an invitation or approval, catering to specific interests or professional backgrounds. For example, a server dedicated to scientists might ask applicants to provide links to their research credentials.
Joining Mastodon may seem daunting due to the variety of servers available, but users can transfer their accounts between servers if necessary. Additionally, within the interconnected ecosystem known as the “Fediverse,” Mastodon users can engage with other decentralized social networks, broadening their online interactions.
While many Mastodon users still refer to individual posts as “toots,” the term is gradually giving way to “posts,” reflecting a shift in user preferences. Mastodon supports familiar social media features such as replies, retweets, favorites, bookmarks, and hashtags. Notably, the platform has introduced a quote feature in 2025, which aims to foster constructive dialogue rather than encourage negative interactions.
As an open-source platform, Mastodon allows anyone to download, modify, and run the software on their own server, fostering a collaborative environment. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the source of the code. For instance, Donald Trump‘s social media platform, Truth Social, faced scrutiny for initially utilizing Mastodon’s code without proper attribution.
Creating a Mastodon account is straightforward. Users can visit the official website and click on “create account,” which leads to a page listing various servers. Users can filter their options by region, language, and other criteria to find a community that resonates with them. For those overwhelmed by the selection process, the platform now offers an option to create an account on mastodon.social, simplifying the initial setup.
Navigating interactions across different servers is possible, as users can follow and reply to individuals from other instances. However, finding users on different servers requires manually searching for their usernames, a departure from the more seamless experience offered by traditional social media platforms.
Mastodon features distinct timelines: the Home timeline displays posts from followed users, the Local timeline shows posts from all users within a server, and the Federated timeline presents public posts from users that connections within the server follow. Users can adjust their preferences to manage the flow of information, such as enabling “Slow Mode” to reduce timeline updates.
Moderation policies vary by server, as individual administrators determine the guidelines that govern their communities. Prospective users should review these policies to ensure alignment with their values and expectations.
Despite its advantages, Mastodon does face challenges compared to X. Its user base remains significantly smaller, with approximately 10 million registered users as of summer 2025, compared to X’s estimated 132 million daily active users. Additionally, the platform’s navigation may not be as intuitive, given its focus on decentralized operation rather than a mass-market design.
Nonetheless, many users appreciate Mastodon’s customizable nature, allowing for varied experiences across different servers. While Mastodon may not replicate the global conversation atmosphere once defined by Twitter, its smaller user base can foster more intimate and meaningful interactions.
Mastodon also offers features to enhance user safety, particularly through its decentralized nature. Users can select servers with stricter moderation policies to create a more controlled environment. The platform encourages users to manage their post visibility, allowing for public, unlisted, or follower-only options, which can help mitigate unwanted attention.
Media sharing on Mastodon is more limited compared to X; it supports images, videos, audio, and polls, but the maximum file sizes differ. Users can upload up to four images, each with a limit of eight megabytes, while video and audio files can be up to 40 megabytes without length restrictions.
Verification on Mastodon operates differently from X, as there is no universal verification system. Some servers may implement their own vetting processes, and users can self-verify by linking to personal attributes in their profiles. Certain servers allow playful verification options, like adding emoji checkmarks next to display names.
As Mastodon continues to evolve, its future remains uncertain. While it currently boasts fewer users compared to larger platforms, it offers a unique experience that may appeal to those seeking alternatives to mainstream social media. Users can also explore cross-posting from X to Mastodon through third-party tools, facilitating connections between platforms.
In conclusion, Mastodon represents a significant development in the social media landscape, appealing to users looking for a decentralized alternative to mainstream platforms. Its focus on community-driven moderation and customizable experiences offers a refreshing approach to online interaction, even amidst a competitive social media environment.
