Mastodon
Decentralized, open-source social network where users can publish posts and follow microblogs across independent servers
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What is Mastodon?
Mastodon is a free, open-source decentralized social media platform that operates as part of the Fediverse, a network of interconnected servers using the ActivityPub protocol. Created in 2016 by Eugen Rochko and developed by Mastodon gGmbH (a German non-profit), it serves as a Twitter/X alternative with microblogging features including posts (called
Mastodon pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Mastodon is completely free for users. The software is open-source and free to join on any public server. There are no premium tiers, subscription plans, or paid verification required. The non-profit Mastodon gGmbH is funded through Patreon crowdfunding. For those wanting complete control, hosting your own server starts at approximately $6/month for about 5 active users, $9/month Planet plan for 50GB storage and 20 users, and $19/month Star plan for 100 users and 100GB storage (though these hosting plans may be unavailable). Business hosting for organizations is available via [email protected]. U.S. tax-deductible donations can be made through Mastodon, Inc. (501(c)(3) non-profit).
Mastodon pros
- Completely free to use with no mandatory paid tier
- No ads or surveillance tracking algorithms
- Open-source software anyone can contribute to
- Decentralized—no single company owns the platform
- Chronological timeline with no algorithmic manipulation
- 500-character post limit (almost double Twitter's 280)
- Ability to edit published posts after posting
- Built-in content warnings for sensitive material
- Choose your server or host your own instance
- Part of Fediverse—interacts with PeerTube, Pixelfed, and more
- Strong privacy controls and user autonomy
- Custom emoji support across instances
- Link verification without requiring payment
- Redesigned profiles with better mobile editing (2026)
- Quote posts and Collections (starter packs) added in 2026
Mastodon cons
- Much smaller user base than Twitter/X (under 1M monthly active)
- Confusing onboarding for newcomers unfamiliar with instances
- Server/handle format (@user@server) confuses new users
- No native Spaces audio feature like Twitter Spaces
- Search across instances is uneven and limited
- UI can feel cluttered with confusing settings
- Moderation consistency varies between instances
- Certain niche features require third-party tools or workarounds
Frequently asked questions about Mastodon
What is Mastodon and how is it different from Twitter?
Mastodon is a free, open-source decentralized social network within the Fediverse, while Twitter is a centralized platform owned by one company. Mastodon has no ads, no algorithmic feed (chronological only), 500-character posts vs Twitter's 280, and users join independent servers that all communicate with each other. Twitter requires one account at twitter.com, while Mastodon lets you choose from thousands of servers with different rules.
How do Mastodon servers/instances work?
Mastodon operates like email—you choose a server (instance) when signing up, similar to choosing Gmail vs Hotmail. Each server is independently managed with its own rules and moderation, but all servers communicate through federation. You can follow and interact with users on any server. Your handle includes both your username and server (e.g., @[email protected]). You can join multiple servers with the same account.
What is the Fediverse?
The Fediverse is a collective term for interconnected decentralized servers hosting various platforms (Mastodon, PeerTube, Pixelfed, etc.) that communicate via the open ActivityPub protocol. A Mastodon user can share content and communicate with users on other Fediverse platforms. This creates an ecosystem of interoperable, distributed social networks based on openness, diversity, and instance self-control, rather than one company controlling everything.
Is Mastodon completely free?
Yes, Mastodon is completely free and open-source software. It's free to join 99% of public servers with no mandatory paid tier, no ads, and no required subscriptions. The non-profit behind it is funded through Patreon crowdfunding. The only cost comes if you want to host your own private server, which starts around $6/month for small hosting plans.
Can I follow users on different servers?
Yes, thanks to federation you can follow users on any Mastodon server, see their content, and communicate with them seamlessly. The federated network allows different instances to communicate and interact, so even though users register on different servers, they can follow, share, and react to content as if part of one large network. You discover content beyond your own instance through federation.
How do I edit posts on Mastodon?
Mastodon allows you to edit published posts after posting, unlike Twitter. This is one of the platform's key advantages. You can modify your toots to fix typos, add information, or update content. The edit history is preserved for transparency. This feature is available on web, iOS, and Android clients.
What is the character limit on Mastodon?
Mastodon has a 500-character limit per post, which is nearly double Twitter/X's 280-character limit. This gives users more room to express themselves without truncation. The longer limit is one reason many users prefer Mastodon for detailed technical discussions, journalism, and nuanced conversations.
How do I verify my identity on Mastodon?
Mastodon offers link verification to establish credibility without becoming a centralized authority or requiring payment like X's blue check. You can add a verified link to your profile that demonstrates your identity. Link verification is now easier to access (no longer buried in settings) after the 2026 profile redesign. Custom fields on profiles display links, pronouns, and other information side-by-side.
What happened to Mastodon's non-profit status?
Mastodon was incorporated as a gGmbH (German non-profit LLC) in 2021 but lost non-profit status when Germany removed software projects from eligibility. In 2025, the team began moving the project to a new foundation and implementing community governance. Mastodon, Inc. in the U.S. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports growth and can receive tax-deductible U.S. donations.