Mastodon, a decentralized rival to Twitter, experienced a significant increase in user traffic just a day after Twitter implemented restrictions on the number of posts users can view based on their verification status. The CEO and creator of Mastodon, Eugen Rochko, announced that on July 2, the platform’s active user base surged by at least 110,000.
Unlike Twitter, which is centralized and controlled by a single entity, Mastodon operates through a network of distributed computer servers. This decentralized approach, managed by volunteer administrators, allows Mastodon to offer a user-driven experience. Rochko expressed gratitude to the team members for their assistance with infrastructure despite it being a Sunday.
In response to the influx of new users, Rochko shared messages from long-time users and developers who highlighted the benefits of Mastodon’s unique features. One user advised new users to curate their own feeds by following more people and hashtags, emphasizing that Mastodon does not employ algorithms similar to Twitter.
At the time of writing, Mastodon reported having 324,000 active users. This surge in activity follows Elon Musk’s announcement regarding Twitter’s new limits on the number of posts accounts can read in a day. Verified Twitter accounts are now limited to viewing 10,000 posts daily, while new and unverified accounts are restricted to 500 posts.
Although Musk did not provide specific reasons for the limitations, he has previously mentioned concerns about data privacy and the impact of excessive data use on service quality for regular users. Additionally, recent data has revealed a significant presence of fake accounts within various communities on Twitter.
The increase in Mastodon’s user base suggests that some users may be seeking alternative platforms due to Twitter’s new restrictions and concerns over data privacy. As Mastodon continues to emphasize its decentralized and user-driven nature, it offers a vibrant and rewarding social media experience for those looking beyond Twitter’s algorithmic approach.