Mastodon, the decentralized social network and a popular alternative to Twitter, announced today that they are introducing a new default sign-up option to make the sign-up process easier for new users.
According to the social media company, deciding which Mastodon service provider to start with can be confusing, as the platform and the service provider are not the same. However, this choice is what makes Mastodon different from other social media platforms.
Mastodon has a decentralized network, which means that there is no one central entity or company controlling the entire network.
Instead, Mastodon is made up of multiple independent servers, each run by different people or organizations, but all of which can communicate with one another.
This photograph, taken on November 7, 2022, shows the logos of social networks Twitter and Mastodon reflected on smartphone screens in Paris.
Default Sign-up Option
The new default sign-up option works with a server operated by Mastodon, which makes the onboarding process easier for new users.
Mastodon offers its users the freedom to leave or switch to another server anytime they want. The company is convinced that simplifying the sign-up process will enable new users to interact with others more swiftly, resulting in a greater likelihood of demonstrating the advantages of decentralized social networks.
"We understand that deciding which Mastodon service provider to start with can be confusing," said Mastodon in a statement. "To make this step easier, we now have a default sign-up option that works with a server we operate. If you wish to leave or join a different server, you can do so at any time."
Although decentralization is a crucial part of Mastodon's mission, the company recognizes the importance of offering a product that stands out on its own and is not solely dependent on its ideology.
The company asserts that if it exclusively attracts users who are already interested in decentralization, it will be challenging to make decentralization a mainstream concept.
"Mastodon has grown so much over the past 6 months even despite some of the perceived onboarding challenges," the company said.
"Our platform has become home to diverse discussions, perspectives, and voices, including artists, writers, journalists, and political organizations. We just surpassed a billion posts per month, which validates the very real and engaged conversations happening across Mastodon and the wider Fediverse."
Upcoming Features to Look Out For
The company also announced that they are continuously working on improving content and profile discovery, onboarding, and their extensive set of moderation tools.
They are also bringing some of the most requested features, such as quote posts, improved content and profile search, and groups. Although the platform has not revealed the exact date for the rollout of these features.
Related Article: Twitter Alternative Mastodon Explodes in Popularity Following Elon Musk Acquisition: From 300K to 2.5 Million Active Users
