Mastodon redesigns user profiles to improve usability

On Thursday, Mastodon announced a redesign of its user profiles to make the platform more appealing and easier to use. The decentralized social networking software maker is attempting to address usability pain points that have historically slowed its growth. The platform currently has around 800,000 monthly active users, down from a million monthly active users at the height of the Twitter drama. Mastodon became better known after Elon Musk acquired Twitter (now X), prompting users to seek decentralized alternatives where no single company controls the algorithm. However, the platform’s underlying protocol, ActivityPub—the protocol underlying the platform—presents a steeper learning curve than traditional networks like X or Threads, as users must choose a server to join and navigate multiple timelines.

To bridge this gap, Mastodon has focused on simplifying its user experience. In February, the platform simplified its onboarding process and added features like Quote Posts and Collections. The latest update targets user profiles with several visual and functional changes:

• Unified Activity Tab: Instead of separate views for posts and replies, profiles now feature a single “Activity” tab with a dropdown menu to toggle replies and boosts on or off.
• Simplified Pinned Posts: The platform replaced its pinned posts carousel with a system that features one pinned post and hides the rest behind a “View all pinned posts” button.
• Handle Explanations: A new informational pop-up explains Mastodon’s two-part handle structure (which includes both the username and the server name) to newcomers.
• Profile Customization and Edits: Users can now hide “Media” or “Featured” tabs, modify custom profile fields on iOS and Android, and manage all profile edits from a single location in account settings.
• Verification and Media Tools: Link verification is no longer buried in settings, and users can now crop and add alt text to profile images and cover photos.

The profile changes are initially available on the mastodon.social server and other servers running the nightly build—a development version of the software. A wider rollout will occur when the Mastodon 4.6 software update arrives in a few weeks. By lowering the barrier to entry, Mastodon aims to position itself as a more viable alternative to mainstream competitors like X and Threads.

Why it matters

Mastodon is revamping its user profiles to address usability pain points and attract mainstream users, aiming to compete more effectively with platforms like X and Threads.