Unlike the popular social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc. opening an account on Mastodon can be altogether a different experience. Why? Because it’s a decentralized platform where there are various Mastodon ‘server’ providers and you have to choose from one of the providers to open an account & that’s the main difference. Its official site refers Mastodon as “not a single website. For example if you are opening an account on Twitter, Facebook then you simply go to one single server and simply sign up i.e. “twitter.com“; “facebook.com” etc. It’s like a single place (website) and you may be from anywhere in the world, you visit the same website for signing up. But in Mastodon you have to first choose a server you like from a long server list to open an account who lets you connect with others across Mastodon Social.
How Mastodon Works?
If you visit joinmastodon.org and click on the ‘servers’ page you will find that there are multiple (servers) providers who offer you different servers. Some of them will let you instantly create an account, others will let you create an account only after their approval. Interestingly, Mastodon offers various types of servers such as ‘Location based’- Regional & Global; or ‘Interest/Topic based’- tech, art, sports, technology, disability or simply general.
Now, if you are wondering that if you join a local server/a particular server based on topic, will it be like a completely a closed off group and only people who have chosen that server will be interact with you and your post? Absolutely not! You can connect with anyone even though they have hosted their account on different server. You can follow, interact with anyone you want. Only difference it would make is, after your user name the particular server will be added.
For example, if your username is – ‘bunny’ and your server is “mastodon.world” then your username would be – ‘@bunny@mastodon.world’. Similarly, suppose your server is ‘mastodon.online’ then your username would be ‘@bunny@mastodon.online”. I know it looks slightly odd compared to how other platforms function, but that’s how it works! You can just check any user and see which server their account is hosted on.
How To Create a Mastodon Account? Step by Step.
Follow these steps to create your account on Mastodon.
Step 1: Go to joinmastodon.org
First visit the website joinmastodon.org
Step 2: Click on “Create account”.
When you click on ‘Create account’ it will take you to Mastodon ‘servers’ page. Scroll down and you will see multiple providers/servers- region based, based on topic. Decide which one do you want.
Step 3: Choose a “Server” of your choice.
While choosing a server of your choice you must check whether it allows you to create the account instantly or you have to apply for it and wait for their approval first. As a beginner I would recommend you to choose a server that lets you create account instantly. You can see the example of both types of accounts.
Step 4: Click on “Create account” [Instant account] or “Apply for an account” [Have to wait for the approval]
When you click on “Create account” it will take to that particular server. For example – if you choose ‘mstdn.social‘ it will take you to https://mstdn.social/auth/sign_up. But before they let you sign up you have to accept their ground rules.
So, first click on “Accept”.
Step 5: Fill up the information
Once you accept their ground rules, the sign up page will open up and you will be able to sign up. Fill all the required information. The below example is the creation of ‘Artistic Owl Writer’s account on “mstdn.social” server.
Step 6: Verify your email address.
Finally, you will get a confirmation email. Check your inbox and click on “Verify email address. Now, its done!
After email confirmation. It will be redirected to the Log In page. Now, put your email & password to log in to your Mastodon Social account.
Note: The Mastodon platform is very close to how Twitter functions. Though it is similar to twitter yet some of its features are amazing. I might write about it in other article. So, if you are looking for an alternative platform to Twitter then you should definitely join Mastodon.