Mastodon & the Fediverse

Federation, instances, hashtags, and how to grow on a decentralized network that doesn't have an algorithm.

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Module 1: The Fediverse 101

  • ActivityPub, federation, and what they actually mean
  • How Mastodon differs from other social networks
  • Who Mastodon is for in 2026

Module 2: Choosing the Right Instance

  • Why instance choice matters
  • Instance themes and what they signal
  • When to run your own

Module 3: Profile, Bio & Content Warnings

  • What a Mastodon profile should signal
  • The content warning convention
  • The local vs federated context

Module 4: Hashtag-Driven Discovery

  • Why hashtags are the algorithm on Mastodon
  • Picking the right ones
  • Hashtag etiquette

Module 5: Cross-Instance Networking

  • How federation actually works in practice
  • Following across instances
  • Boosts as the cross-instance distribution mechanism

Module 6: Lists, Boosts & Replies

  • Lists as a focus tool
  • Boosts as endorsement (different from RT)
  • Reply norms — quieter than X, deeper than Bluesky

Module 7: Bolta Workflow for Mastodon

  • Which presets fit
  • Cadence and post mix
  • Cross-posting from Bolta

Module 8: Mastodon vs Bluesky vs X

  • The strategic differences
  • Where each platform wins
  • The portfolio approach