Mastodon Update: Quote Posts & New Design Released

Mastodon 4.4: Introducing the Foundation for Quote Posts

Mastodon, the open source and decentralized social network, presents itself as a viable alternative to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads. The latest version, Mastodon 4.4, released today, introduces several updates.

A Step Towards Feature Parity with Other Networks

A key development in this release is the initial groundwork for Quote Posts. This functionality, previously known as Quote Tweets on Twitter, will allow users to share another’s post alongside their own commentary.

The introduction of quote posts on other platforms, such as X, has historically led to a phenomenon often referred to as “dunking.”

Addressing Potential Negativity

“Dunking” involves users responding to posts with critical or sarcastic remarks. While some found this entertaining, it often fostered a more negative environment, potentially hindering constructive dialogue and debate.

Mastodon intends to implement Quote Posts with safeguards against misuse, specifically to mitigate hate and harassment.

User Control and Notifications

The platform will empower users with control over whether their posts can be quoted. Furthermore, users will have the ability to retract their posts from being used within a quoted context at any time.

To enhance transparency, users will receive notifications whenever their posts are quoted by others.

Phased Rollout of Quote Posts

It’s important to note that the full functionality of Quote Posts is not yet available in Mastodon 4.4.

Currently, the release includes the underlying code necessary to display quotes originating from other compatible platforms within the Fediverse. This includes preparation for future Mastodon versions.

Availability in Mastodon 4.5

The ability to create Quote Posts directly within Mastodon will be implemented in a subsequent release, version 4.5, scheduled for later this year.

Enhancements to Profiles, Navigation, Lists, Media, and Administration

The release of version 4.4 introduces a suite of improvements focused on refining various aspects of the platform, encompassing user profiles, navigation, lists, media controls, and administrative features.

A novel “Featured Content on Profile” functionality empowers users to highlight preferred content, such as all posts utilizing a specific hashtag, or to showcase accounts of interest – be they personal favorites or those associated with businesses, brands, or personal projects.

Mastodon now incorporates a display of Pinned Posts at the top of each profile, presented in a carousel format. Previously, viewing pinned content required significant scrolling through a user’s recent posts, especially given the ability to pin up to five items.

A new profile widget has been implemented, indicating the number of individuals you follow who also follow the profile currently being viewed.

Managing Lists has been streamlined; adding or removing users is now more intuitive, directly from profiles and within your Following and Followers lists.

The media player within Mastodon has received a design update in version 4.4. Play and pause controls are now more centrally positioned for easier access, and keyboard shortcuts have been added for seeking, volume adjustment, and fullscreen mode.

On mobile devices, images can now be zoomed in and out using a double-tap or pinch gesture. Swiping upwards will dismiss the zoomed image, mirroring the functionality of native photo applications. A prompt to include alt-text with images has also been added, enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users.

The mobile website has been redesigned to align more closely with the native mobile apps, featuring action buttons in a bottom toolbar and consistent navigation across all platforms.

The “Explore” section has been rebranded as “Trending.” Furthermore, the sidebar navigation has been reorganized into three distinct sections: core navigation, curated content (including Lists, Bookmarks, and Favorites), and miscellaneous elements.

The onboarding process for new users has been simplified from four steps to just two, aiming to address feedback regarding its initial complexity.

Administrators of Mastodon servers now have access to new tools for legal compliance. These include managing Terms of Service, providing translations of server rules, and establishing a minimum age requirement for new user registrations.

These updates build upon previous enhancements made to the social network this year, including the formation of a new non-profit organization in Europe to diversify leadership and expand the development team. Recently, Mastodon announced plans to introduce commercial services to bolster revenue generation. The platform’s hosting of the European Commission’s Mastodon instance last year signals a potential trajectory for future development.