Introduction

Mastodon is a free, open-source social networking server based on the ActivityPub protocol. It allows users to create their own communities, interact with others, and enjoy a decentralized social media experience. This guide will walk you through the steps of signing up for a Mastodon account, installing Mastodon on your server, and getting started with its API.

1. Signing Up for a Mastodon Account

Choosing a Website

To join it, you need to select a website, also known as an instance. Each instance has its own community, policies, and moderation rules. Think of it like choosing an email provider or a gaming server for your new character. The instance you choose will host your account, profile, and home feed.

Understanding a Website’s Policies

Before signing up, it’s crucial to understand the policies and terms of use of your chosen instance. These are usually listed on the /about/more page, accessible by clicking “learn more” on the landing page while not logged in.

Signup Modes

It instances can have different signup modes:

Open Signup: Register immediately by providing your username, email, and password.
Server Invites: The registration form is disabled, and you need an invite link to join.
Approval-Based Registration: Fill out a registration form, including a reason for joining, and await moderator approval.

Your Username and Your Domain

Mastodon usernames consist of two parts: the local username (e.g., alice) and the domain of the website (e.g., example.com). When sharing your username with others, always include the domain, e.g., @a>alice@example.com</a, to ensure people can find you easily.

2. Installing Mastodon

Preparing Your Machine

Disable Password-Based SSH Login

Ensure you login using SSH keys and not passwords to prevent lockout. Many hosting providers allow uploading a public key and setting up key-based root login automatically.

Read the full blog here:- https://hyscaler.com/resources/guide-to-install-and-use-mastodon/