Mastodon, the open-source social network rivaling X (formerly Twitter), has reported a surge in activity as users seek alternative platforms. Mastodon founder Eugen Rochko announced a 47% increase in iOS app downloads and a 17% rise on Android. Monthly sign-ups climbed 27%, reaching 90,000. Unlike X, Mastodon operates through a decentralized network of communities called the “fediverse.”
The shift comes as X faces user dissatisfaction, especially following Election Day in the U.S., when 115,000 users deactivated accounts, according to Similarweb. Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of X and his polarizing decisions, including reinstating controversial figures, users have flocked to competitors.
Mastodon isn’t alone in benefiting. Bluesky saw 1 million new users in a single day, doubling its user base to 18 million since September. Meta’s Threads also reported over 15 million sign-ups in November.
Mastodon, while not the largest, remains committed to its independent, ad-free model. “We may not be the biggest by numbers yet,” says Rochko, “but the fediverse has proven itself as a reliable platform.”
