Mastodon, the open and decentralized social networking platform, is embarking on a new initiative to enhance user experience, particularly for its burgeoning community. With over eight million accounts and a substantial monthly active user base, Mastodon is introducing a feature known as “Packs.” This development aims to streamline the onboarding process for new users by providing curated selections of accounts to follow, thereby mitigating the initial challenge of finding relevant connections and content on a fresh platform. This strategic move is notably influenced by similar successful implementations seen on other open social networks, signifying an industry-wide recognition of the need for improved user discoverability tools.
The concept of “Packs” directly addresses what is often termed the “cold start” problem within new social environments. When individuals join an unfamiliar social network, they frequently face the dilemma of identifying who to follow and how to engage with content pertinent to their interests. Bluesky, another prominent open social platform, effectively tackled this very issue with its “Starter Packs” feature. These packs allowed users to compile and share collections of recommended accounts, covering a diverse array of topics and showcasing popular users, thus simplifying the initial exploration phase for new entrants. The popularity and utility of Bluesky’s Starter Packs were so evident that even Meta's Instagram Threads, a direct competitor to X, integrated a similar functionality late last year.
Mastodon’s forthcoming “Packs” feature, while inspired by these precedents, will incorporate distinct elements tailored to its federated and user-centric philosophy. A cornerstone of Mastodon’s approach is empowering users with greater control over their presence on the platform. Consequently, users will have the explicit ability to decide whether their profiles and posts are included in these curated Packs. This control will be managed through an existing setting, allowing users to disable their inclusion in “discoverability algorithms,” which will extend to the new Packs feature.
Furthermore, transparency will be a key aspect of Mastodon’s implementation. Users will receive notifications if they are included in a Pack, a departure from some existing models where users might need to actively report or block a Pack creator to be removed. This emphasis on clear communication and straightforward self-management aligns with Mastodon's broader commitment to user autonomy. The platform intends to offer an uncomplicated method for users to disassociate themselves from Packs, drawing parallels to how it manages user control over content in its recently launched Quote Posts feature.
The development of “Packs” is a collaborative effort, with Mastodon gGmbH, the nonprofit organization behind the Mastodon software, working in conjunction with other developers within the fediverse ecosystem. This collaborative spirit is evident in the proposal being formalized as a Fediverse Enhancement Proposal (FEP) and its ongoing development on GitHub. The initial release of the “Packs” feature, alongside other enhancements aimed at improving user onboarding, is projected to be available in the Mastodon 4.6 update. This continuous evolution underscores Mastodon’s dedication to fostering a welcoming and accessible environment for all its users, while maintaining its core principles of decentralization and user empowerment.
This new feature represents a significant step forward in making decentralized social media more approachable. By learning from the successes of platforms like Bluesky and tailoring the implementation to its own values, Mastodon aims to create a more engaging and less daunting experience for individuals joining its network. The upcoming “Packs” functionality is expected to enrich the user journey, facilitating easier discovery of communities and interests, and ultimately strengthening the vibrant ecosystem of the fediverse.
