OpenSourceProjects logo
mastodon logo

mastodonYour self-hosted, globally interconnected microblogging community

Your self-hosted, globally interconnected microblogging community

49,850 stars
7,431 forks
Ruby
AGPL-3.0
mastodon screenshot

mastodon

Mastodon is a free, open-source social network server built on ActivityPub standards that enables self-hosted, federated microblogging. Users can create interconnected communities that seamlessly communicate across different servers, breaking free from centralized social media platforms.

Key Features

  • Federated Architecture: Interoperable with any ActivityPub-compliant software, allowing users across different servers to follow and interact with each other
  • Safety and Moderation Tools: Comprehensive features including private posts, locked accounts, phrase filtering, muting, blocking, and a reporting system
  • Real-time Chronological Timeline: Live updates from followed accounts appear in the user interface without algorithmic filtering
  • Rich Media Support: Upload and display images, videos, and animated content with full media attachment capabilities
  • OAuth2 and REST API: Third-party developers can build custom applications using straightforward APIs and OAuth2 authentication

Use Cases

  • Community-Driven Social Networks: Organizations and communities can operate independent social platforms while remaining part of the broader Fediverse
  • Privacy-Focused Communication: Individuals seeking alternative social networks with control over their data and moderation policies
  • Decentralized Content Sharing: Publishers and creators distributing content across federated networks without reliance on corporate platforms

Who Is It For

Mastodon is ideal for system administrators, organizations, and communities wanting to operate independent social networks with control over moderation and user experience. It appeals to users seeking privacy-conscious alternatives to centralized social media platforms and those interested in decentralized internet infrastructure.

Trending Open Source Projects