Mastodon
Mastodon is a free, open-source social network server that uses the ActivityPub protocol to create a federated network. Users can follow friends, discover new ones, and share links, pictures, text, and video. All servers interoperate seamlessly, forming the Fediverse.
Smart Download
Visit Project Homepage
No installer available yet — head to the source repository
Free, open-source, decentralized social network server based on ActivityPub.
Core Features
- Federated network based on ActivityPub with cross-server interaction
- Real-time chronological timeline updates
- Media attachments with GIF-like loop for silent videos
- Safety and moderation tools: private posts, locked accounts, filters, reporting
- OAuth2 and REST/Streaming API for third-party apps
What It Can't Do
- •Instance choice affects experience – different rules and communities. Decentralization means data is scattered; instance operators bear moderation responsibility. Running your own instance requires technical skills and resources.
Use Cases
- Host a personal or community social network as an alternative to Twitter
- Join an existing instance (e.g., mastodon.social) to connect globally
- Internal communication and public announcements for organizations
Detailed Introduction
Mastodon is a free, open-source social network server that uses the ActivityPub protocol to create a federated network. Users can follow friends, discover new ones, and share links, pictures, text, and video. All servers interoperate seamlessly, forming the Fediverse. It includes real-time timelines, media attachments, robust safety and moderation tools, and an OAuth2 REST API for third-party apps. The tech stack uses Ruby on Rails, PostgreSQL, Redis, Node.js, and React.
Troubleshooting & FAQ (1)
TroubleshootingWhy is the custom registration message not showing when signups are disabled in Mastodon?
A bug in earlier Mastodon versions caused the custom registration message to not appear when signups were disabled. It has been fixed by PR #39232. Update your instance to the latest version: run git pull and restart services, or use your admin panel to upgrade. After updating, the custom message set in Administration > Server Settings > Registrations will display correctly on the 'About' page when registrations are closed.
Tags
Getting Started
Download installer
Click the button above to download the installer for your system
Install the software
Double-click the downloaded installer and follow the prompts
For users: Visit joinmastodon.org, choose an instance (e.g., mastodon.social) and sign up.
For admins: Deploy using Docker (see docs) or use a one-click hosting service.
- For users: Visit joinmastodon.org, choose an instance (e.g., mastodon.social) and sign up.
- For admins: Deploy using Docker (see docs) or use a one-click hosting service.
Checksum not available
This project has not published a SHA-256 checksum on its GitHub Release page
SHA256 Checksum
No checksum available
Download directly from GitHub Releases and verify file integrity yourself
All SHA-256 checksums on this platform are extracted from the project's official GitHub Release page, without any modification. You can independently verify them on the GitHub Releases page.
Open Source Transparency
View GitHub SourceUninstall Info
For users: Delete account in instance settings. For self-hosted: Stop services, remove database and storage.
No Extra Dependencies
Ready to use after download. No additional runtime required.
Having issues? Check the FAQ below
1 FAQ
Similar Projects
syncthing
A continuous file synchronization program that syncs files between devices securely and automatically, with no central server.
SearXNG
SearXNG is a free metasearch engine that combines results from over 70 search services while respecting your privacy. Self-host it to keep your data under your control.
Immich
High performance self-hosted photo and video management solution with automatic backup, AI search, facial recognition, and multi-user support.