---
title: "Mastodon & the Fediverse"
description: "Federation, instances, hashtags, and how to grow on a decentralized network that doesn't have an algorithm."
canonical_url: "https://bolta.ai/university/courses/mastodon-fediverse"
markdown_url: "https://bolta.ai/university/courses/mastodon-fediverse.md"
last_updated: "2026-04-27"
content_type: "feature"
publisher: "Bolta"
---

# Mastodon & the Fediverse

Source: https://bolta.ai/university/courses/mastodon-fediverse
Last updated: 2026-04-27

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

## Summary

Course overview for "Mastodon Fediverse" in Bolta University. The full course text follows.

## Who this is for

- Founders
- Creators
- Marketing teams
- Agencies

## Limitations and boundaries

- Course material describes the product and the platforms at the time of writing; verify current behaviour in the app.
- Social network features, limits, and algorithms change independently of Bolta.
- Current prices and plan limits must be verified on the Bolta pricing page.

### 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

## Relevant links

- [Bolta University](https://bolta.ai/university)
- [Bolta pricing](https://bolta.ai/pricing)