LynNov 23, 2022
Chris Trottier

Listen up, newbies 📣

You all want to know how to find interesting people to follow on Mastodon -- and I'm going to tell you how 😃

Go to your instance's profiles directory. This is located on the lower left corner of your screen.

Or visit: https://<nameofinstance.com>/directory

There you can sort profiles by:

* Recently active
* New arrivals only
* From your instance only
* From known Fediverse

See screenshots.

Nov 22, 2022 at 9:08pmWeb
Show threadChris TrottierNov 22, 2022

This isn't the only way to find new people to follow. However, it's one very good way that's convenient from Mastodon.

It will also help you find other people on your instance.

Show threadChris TrottierNov 22, 2022

The reason I encourage everyone to visit their instance's profile directory is because *this* is your core community on Mastodon.

It's who populates your instance's local feed.

And it's who you'll primarily interact with before you follow folks from the broader Fediverse.

Show threadChris TrottierNov 22, 2022

Also, for those wondering how to find this on mobile device.

On the mobile *web* app, look for the "..." icon on the right sidebar. Scroll to the bottom of the page. There you'll see a link to "Profiles directory".

See screenshot.

(NOTE: This may or may not work for dedicated mobile apps found in app stores.)

Show threadMushenNov 23, 2022
@atomicpoet Found it! Thank you.
Show threadJHadleyCNov 24, 2022
@atomicpoet Thanks!
Show threadAnne-MarieNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet I’m trying to figure out how to visit this page from the Mastadon app. Do you know if that’s possible or do I need to view through the site?
Show threadChris TrottierNov 22, 2022

@Ace I haven't used Mastodon's mobile app.

When I use Mastodon on a mobile device, it's is through the mobile web UI -- which I've added to my phone's home screen.

It works very well as a mobile app.

Show threadAnne-MarieNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet ok, thanks for responding. :)
Show thread🇪🇺 Paul Schoonhoven 🍋🍉Nov 22, 2022
@Ace use the 3-points button at the bottom right. (on the mobile site)
@atomicpoet
Show threadChris TrottierNov 22, 2022
@vosje62 @Ace Yes, this is where you find it.
Show threadRuby S.Nov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet
It's also who is collectively creating your server's federated feed through their choices of who to follow and boost. It DOES matter which instance you're on and what their values and reach are.
Show threadLittleGoatGirlNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet how do I do that please?
Show threadChris TrottierNov 22, 2022
@aliza See the first post in this thread.
Show threadLittleGoatGirlNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet thx chris...
Show threadVollansNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet it’s also the community that will set the reputation with other instances.
Show threadBarry Schwartz 🫖Nov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet That just means before five minutes are up.
Show threadcbn2Nov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet Thank you so much, Chris, for making this helpful guide with screenshots. And I absolutely love that Mastodon sent me a notification after I boosted it to show me the edited version. Nobody else in social media that I know about does that. Thanks again!
Show threadBundyoNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet One can also try #Explore -> For you.
Show threadChris TrottierNov 22, 2022
@bundyo Yes, this also works.
Show threadbbqcornnutsNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet Thank you!
Show threadMichael BoeziNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet Well that is super helpful… thank you! 🙏
Show threadTodd JohnstonNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet great tip, thank you. 🙂 Can't see this directly in #tuskyapp but easy enough to use the View in Browser link from your profile to get there.
Show threadMo EdrayNov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet Thanks!
Show threadDaigoro Toyama Nov 22, 2022

@atomicpoet A minor correction. Looks like the direct link is:

https://<nameofinstance.com>/web/directory

Show threadChris TrottierNov 22, 2022
@daihard Got it. I think it's different on different instances due to differing versions. On yours, it looks like it's https://toot.bike/explore
Explore toot.bike

Discover users based on their interests

Mastodon hosted on toot.bike
Show threadDaigoro Toyama Nov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet Interesting. Looks like both toot.bike/explore and toot.bike/web/directory work, though showing different UIs. Thank you for trying!
Show threadChris TrottierNov 22, 2022
@daihard I think /web/directory is only accessible if you're logged in.
Show threadDaigoro Toyama Nov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet Oh gotcha. Thank you again.
Show threadHans van ZijstNov 22, 2022
"My browser can't find nameofinstance.com" :innocent:
Show threadRai Aren 🖖✨📚🇺🇦Nov 22, 2022
@atomicpoet Very helpful, thank you!
Show threadDavos ☭ Communist Party USANov 23, 2022
@atomicpoet Oh boy thanks
Show threadSearge Nov 23, 2022
@atomicpoet my favorite way is to explore a local feed:
For example:
https://hachyderm.io/public/local
Hachyderm.io

Hachyderm is a safe space, LGBTQIA+ and BLM, primarily comprised of tech industry professionals world wide. Note that many non-user account types have restrictions - please see our About page.

Mastodon hosted on hachyderm.io
Show threadSwearygrandmaNov 23, 2022
@atomicpoet mine doesn’t look like that 😩
Show threadScott the F is implicit BaxterNov 24, 2022
@atomicpoet So far, 1st wk, I just look at posts on my instance and the 'verse, follow some, reply to some. Get followed. It's gradual.
Show threadKnowledge OohKayNov 29, 2022
@atomicpoet Thanks anymore tips will be appreciated.