Mastodon Tests Recommended Servers for New Users

Newcomers to Mastodon may soon find joining the fediverse simpler than ever. The decentralized social network is experimenting with ways to guide new users to servers that match their interests, rather than overwhelming them with hundreds of choices. By introducing default server recommendations, Mastodon aims to make onboarding smoother and more personalized for mobile users.

Currently, new users who sign up are directed to the generic mastodon.social server. The new approach adds a “join” button for recommended servers, which could be tailored by location, language, and user interest. This could significantly improve the first experience for users unfamiliar with Mastodon's unique, server-based structure.

How Server Recommendations Work

Unlike traditional social networks, Mastodon hosts hundreds of independent servers, each fostering distinct communities. The onboarding experiment is designed to suggest the most relevant server for a new user, reducing confusion while still offering flexibility.

Initially, these recommendations will appear only on iOS and Android apps. Mastodon plans to suggest servers based on geographic proximity and language preferences derived from app store data. Over time, the platform may also include options for recommending servers based on demographics and interests, creating a more personalized experience for users joining the fediverse.

New Help Center and “Packs” Feature

Server recommendations aren’t the only improvement for new Mastodon users. The platform has launched a new help center offering tutorials and guides to help users navigate the decentralized network. Additionally, Mastodon introduced “Packs,” which suggest curated groups of accounts to follow. These Packs are designed to give users a quick start in building their network, similar to starter guides seen on other social apps.

Together, these updates aim to lower the barrier for newcomers, making Mastodon more approachable while maintaining its decentralized ethos. The combination of recommended servers, Packs, and a dedicated help center signals a broader push to improve usability without compromising community-driven principles.

Transition to Open-Source Chat with Zulip

Mastodon is also moving away from Discord for its community communications. The platform announced plans to migrate to Zulip, an open-source chat app. This transition reflects Mastodon’s commitment to free and open-source software (FOSS), aligning its internal tools with the values promoted by its decentralized network.

The shift to Zulip is described as a long-term project, part of broader efforts to ensure Mastodon’s infrastructure remains open, transparent, and community-focused. For users, this means engagement with Mastodon’s teams and developers will increasingly occur on platforms aligned with its decentralized philosophy.

Making the Fediverse Accessible for Everyone

By testing recommended servers, launching a help center, introducing Packs, and moving to open-source communication tools, Mastodon is taking deliberate steps to make the fediverse more accessible. New users no longer have to feel lost in a sea of servers or unsure of how to start building connections.

These updates highlight Mastodon’s ongoing mission to provide a decentralized social experience that is both user-friendly and community-driven. As the platform continues refining onboarding, more newcomers may find it easier to explore niche communities while enjoying the freedoms and flexibility that a decentralized network offers.