Key facts
- Mastodon has launched an email newsletter feature as part of its 4.6 update.
- The feature allows users to subscribe to creators via email without needing a Mastodon account.
- This aims to help creators build portable audiences and reduce reliance on other social platforms.
- The update also includes refreshed user profiles and a 'Collections' feature.
- Server administrators can modify the default 500-character post limit for newsletters.
- The company hopes this will increase Mastodon's user base beyond its current 735,000 monthly active users.
Mastodon, a decentralized social media platform positioned as an alternative to Big Tech services like X and Threads, is introducing an email newsletter feature to address its challenge with audience growth. This new functionality, part of Mastodon 4.6, allows writers to send their posts directly to subscribers' email inboxes, even if the subscribers do not have a Mastodon account. The company believes this feature can help creators build portable audiences on the decentralized web, lessening their dependence on centralized social platforms. By leveraging email, Mastodon aims to attract users and organizations seeking to support creators outside of major tech ecosystems without requiring new account sign-ups. The update also brings changes such as refreshed user profiles and support for 'Collections,' which are user-generated suggested follow lists. While the default post character limit is 500, server administrators can adjust this, potentially enabling longer-form content distribution. Mastodon envisions media organizations and independent journalists utilizing this feature, offering anonymity to subscribers concerned about tracking by traditional newsletter platforms. The portability of Mastodon accounts means creators can retain their audience if they switch servers. The company noted that sending emails can incur significant operational costs, which is why newsletters are not a default feature. Mastodon hopes this initiative will help expand its reach beyond its current 735,000 monthly active users.