In theory, joining Mastodon is as easy as creating any other social media account.
However, in practice, the fact that Mastodon is decentralized makes it a confusing process as the Mastodon network exists across hundreds of different servers (websites).
It is easy to get confused, particularly if you have no idea what server you want to sign up via. Our step-by-step guide below will help walk you through the process:
1. Head to Joinmastodon.org
Joinmastodon.org exists to simplify the potentially complex process of joining the decentralized social network.
2. Click Download The App
You can download the Mastodon app from:
3. Open The App And Select ‘Get Started’
4. Find A Server To Join
This is the tricky bit that many people find confusing.
Mastodon is hosted over many different servers, servers are built around different interests or regions.
If you already have friends on the platform then it makes sense to go on the same server as them, though don’t worry if you don’t do that, you can still follow people on different servers.
If you’re not sure what server to join there are more general-purpose servers available such as Mastodon.social, alternatively you can go to Instances.Social for help finding a server that suits you.
Once you’ve found a server select it and tap ‘next’.
Then read through the ground rules and tap ‘I agree’.
Then review the privacy policies and tap ‘I agree’.
5. Setup Your Account
Choose a display name and username, then input your email of choice and password.
Click the link sent to your email to verify your account.
6. Make Your First Post
7. Explore Mastodon
To expore Mastodon tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the app.
You can then use the tabs at the top of the app to explore.
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