Mastodon
A free, open source federated social network enabling decentralized conversations across interoperable servers.
Overview
Mastodon is an open source, federated social networking platform designed to provide decentralized, community-controlled social media. It enables users to join or create independent servers (instances) that interoperate seamlessly using the ActivityPub protocol. This federation allows users across different Mastodon servers and other compatible platforms in the Fediverse to follow, share, and interact with each other’s content without relying on a centralized authority. Mastodon’s architecture addresses concerns around data ownership, censorship resistance, and platform control that are common in traditional social networks.
The platform consists of a web application and official mobile apps for Android and iOS, all open source and actively maintained by Mastodon gGmbH, a non-profit organization. Developers and server administrators can deploy their own Mastodon instances using the publicly available codebase, which includes backend, frontend, and API components. The system supports rich media, content moderation tools, and customizable user profiles. Integration with the broader Fediverse ecosystem enables cross-platform social interactions with other ActivityPub-compliant services.
Mastodon stands out by combining decentralization with a user-friendly interface and strong community governance. Unlike centralized social networks, it empowers communities to set their own rules and moderation policies while maintaining interoperability. Its open governance model and transparent development process foster trust and innovation. With over one million users globally and numerous independent servers, Mastodon has become a leading example of decentralized social media. Developers can get started by deploying the open source server from GitHub, exploring the comprehensive documentation, and joining community discussions to contribute or customize their instances.
The Problem
Centralized social media platforms concentrate control over user data and content moderation, leading to privacy concerns, censorship, and lack of user autonomy. Users and communities need a decentralized alternative that supports interoperability and community governance without sacrificing usability.
The Solution
Key Features
Rich Media and Content Moderation
Supports images, videos, and text posts with robust moderation tools for server admins and users.
Official Mobile and Web Clients
Provides native Android and iOS apps alongside a responsive web interface for seamless user experience.
Customizable Server Instances
Allows communities to deploy and configure their own servers with tailored policies and branding.
Key Strengths
How Developers Use Mastodon
Decentralized Community Social Networks
Communities deploy Mastodon instances to create social spaces with self-governance and tailored moderation.
Cross-Platform Social Interaction
Users engage with diverse Fediverse platforms, enabling broader social connectivity beyond a single app.
Open Source Social Media Development
Developers contribute to or customize Mastodon’s codebase to build new features or integrate with other services.
Power your next build
Discover trusted tools and services in the QuickNode Marketplace. Everything you need to launch faster and scale smarter.
Mastodon Alternatives
Explore web3 competitors and apps like Mastodon.
Steem Dollars (SBD)
Steem is a social blockchain that enables communities to grow and rewards users with cryptocurrency for sharing content.
friend.tech
friend.tech is a social trading platform that enables users to buy and sell social keys representing other users, creating a market-driven social network.
Decentraland
Decentraland is a decentralized social virtual world where users can explore, create, and interact in a blockchain-based metaverse.
Pricing
Self-Hosted | |
|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | Free |
| Price (Annual) | Free |
| Messaging | N/A |
| Support | Community support via GitHub and forums |
| Analytics |
Resources
Mastodon provides extensive documentation, community discussions, and contribution guides to help developers and server admins deploy, customize, and contribute to the platform.