Mastodon server roundup

I just did a thread about this on Twitter, but like I said in my previous post, Twitter appears primed to melt down. So I wanted to do this roundup externally to Twitter as well, just in case that thread becomes inaccessible without warning.

As I said in my previous post, I’ve got a Mastodon account now that Dara’s set up an instance of it on a server on our house LAN. And I’m seeing in general that a lot of folks are eyeing Mastodon as a place to flee to if Twitter’s going to implode.

However, Mastodon has a big barrier to entry for new users: it’s decentralized. You don’t just go to a single Mastodon website, open an account there, and sign up. You have to actually find a server to join, and that’s a pain in the ass.

So for anyone who’s Mastodon-curious but intimidated by the prospect of finding a server that doesn’t suck, here’s a roundup post to note the various servers I’m currently aware of.

mastodon.social is the original one operated by the non-profit that created Mastodon to begin with. However, last I checked, this one maxed out its user capacity and isn’t currently taking signups.

mastodon.online is another one operated by the same non-profit.

I have at least two known mutuals on octodon.social, but this one is invite-only.

wandering.shop is also invite-only, but with a focus on SF writers and SF readers. I’ve already found two or three of the authors I’m interested in in their accounts. So even if you can’t join this server you might want to keep an eye on it, if your favorite authors are there.

mstdn.social is a general purpose server. Not to be confused with mastodon.social listed above. I have at least one known friend there.

mastodon.lol is not taking new signups, but bills itself as “A Mastodon server friendly towards anti-fascists, members of the LGBTQ+ community, hackers, and the like.” So if that sounds like a place you want to be, you might keep an eye on them to see if they open up to new accounts. Or if you have a friend already there, ask for an invite.

tech.lgbt says about itself: “This Mastodon instance is for tech workers, academics, students, and others interested in tech who are LGBTQIA+ or Allies.” They are taking signups, but signups require manual approval.

Editing to add 11/6/2022: mastodon.cloud is run by Sujitech, apparently a Japanese startup. I have one known mutual there.

Editing to add 11/6/2022: romancelandia.club, for readers and writers of romance.

Editing to add 11/7/2022: mastodon.art, art-focused instance, specifically disallows cryptoart and NFTs. Not currently open to new users as of this writing, they’re processing their waiting list and ask people to check back.

I will update this post with other servers as I hear about them. If you know of one I haven’t listed here that you’d like to recommend, drop me a comment and let me know!