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Mastodon
| Author | Eugen Rochko[1] |
|---|---|
| Developer | Mastodon gGmbH[2] |
| Initial release | Template:Start date and age[3] |
| Platform | iOS, Android, Linux, BSD, macOS, Microsoft Windows |
| Standard | ActivityPub |
| Type | Microblogging |
| License | AGPLv3+[4] |
| Website | [[[:Template:Official URL]] Template:Official URL] |
link=File:Mastodon_mascot_vector_version.svg|alt=A cartoon Mastodon mascot|thumb|The mascot of the Mastodon social network Mastodon is a free and open-source software platform for decentralized social networking with microblogging features similar to Twitter. It operates as a federated network of independently managed servers that communicate using the ActivityPub protocol, allowing users to connect across different instances within the Fediverse. Each Mastodon instance establishes its own moderation policies and content guidelines, distinguishing it from centrally controlled social media platforms.
First released in 2016 by Eugen Rochko, Mastodon has positioned itself as an alternative to mainstream social media, particularly for users seeking decentralized, community-driven spaces. The platform has experienced multiple surges in adoption, most notably following the Twitter acquisition by Elon Musk in 2022, as users sought alternatives to Twitter.[5] It is part of a broader shift toward decentralized social networks, including Bluesky and Lemmy.
Mastodon emphasizes user privacy and moderation flexibility, offering features such as granular post visibility controls, content warning options, and local community-driven moderation. The software is written in Ruby on Rails and Node.js, with a web interface built using React and Redux. It is interoperable with other ActivityPub-based platforms, such as Threads, and supports various third-party applications on desktop and mobile devices.
Functionality
Users post short-form status messages, historically known as "toots",[6][7] for others to see and interact with.
Organization
The project is maintained by the German non-profit Mastodon gGmbH[8] and was headed by founder Eugen Rochko, who officially stepped down as CEO on 18 November 2025[9] to be replaced by Felix Hlatky. The organisation chose to reward Rochko with a one-time compensation of 1 million Euro for his past contributions to the project.[10]
Mastodon was registered in Germany as a nonprofit organization (Template:Langx) between 2021 and 2024;[11][12] a US nonprofit was established in April 2024.[13] The organization started selling stuffed toys of its mascot in October 2024.[14]
See also
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Further reading
- Robert W. Gehl. 2025. Move Slowly and Build Bridges: Mastodon, the Fediverse, and the Struggle for Democratic Social Media. Oxford University Press.
References
External links
Template:Fediverse Template:Online social networking Template:Microblogging
- 2016 software
- Articles containing video clips
- Companies based in Thuringia
- Fediverse
- Free software programmed in JavaScript
- Free software programmed in Ruby
- Free software websites
- Microblogging software
- Social media
- Social networking services
- Software using the GNU Affero General Public License
- Web applications
- Software that federates via ActivityPub
- Distributed social networking