Mastodon is an open-source, decentralized microblogging platform that is part of the broader 'Fediverse'. Instead of one central company managing all data and access, Mastodon consists of many independent servers ('instances'), each run by an organization, community, or individual. These servers communicate via an open protocol called 'ActivityPub', allowing users to follow each other and exchange posts even if they are on different servers.
The platform offers an experience similar to traditional microblogging services but emphasizes privacy, autonomy, and community-driven moderation. Each server can have its own moderation policies, themes, and culture, enabling users to choose a space that aligns with their values. At the same time, communication across the entire network remains possible, fostering a sense of openness and interoperability that is lacking on closed social media platforms.
Because Mastodon is open-source, the software can be freely modified, extended, and audited by the community. This transparency and flexibility have contributed to its growing adoption, especially at moments when users seek alternatives to commercial platforms. As a result, Mastodon has become a key example of how social media can function without centralized control or profit-driven incentives.
Mastodon offers a range of features that give users greater control over how they communicate and who can see their posts. The platform supports 'quote-posting', allowing you to cite someone else's post with your own commentary, useful for adding context, discussion, or explanation. You can also set the visibility of each post individually: from fully public to visible only to your followers, or even only to people you explicitly mention. This fine-grained visibility control helps users express themselves safely and comfortably within their preferred audience.
Mastodon also provides strong controls for managing followers. Users can choose to manually approve new followers, ensuring that only people they trust gain access to their non-public posts. This makes the platform particularly well-suited for those who value privacy, safety and small-scale online interactions.
Mastodon makes it relatively easy to switch servers without losing your social network; using the built-in migration feature, you can move your account to another server, for example, because you've found a community that suits you better or because your old server is shutting down. During this process, you can automatically have your followers migrate with you: they will begin following your new account as soon as the move is complete. Your posts and media are not transferred, but your social connections remain intact, allowing you to transition smoothly without having to start over.