Pleroma is a free, open-source social networking and microblogging service under the Fediverse. It is compatible with most ActivityPub implementations including Mastodon, Misskey, and Pixelfed.
Mastodon is also a free, open-source software that makes it possible for individuals or organizations to host their own social networking instances.
Like Pleroma, Mastodon belongs to the fediverse, therefore, users within the network can interact freely even when hosted on different instances.
Mastodon and Pleroma are both decentralized forms of social media networks. This means they have some similarities to mainstream social media but also include certain striking differences.
For example, most decentralized networks do not promote the commercialization of their platforms. They are pro-freedom of speech and believe people should have access to information without any restrictions.
While Pleroma and Mastodon are both good alternatives to mainstream social networks, they also have some similarities and differences.
Let’s dive right in and find out which of the two is better.
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Pleroma vs Mastodon – Features
Pleroma
Posts
Once you sign up and log into your account, you’ll immediately have access to your timeline. This is where you can create posts or scroll down to view what others have posted.
Pleroma uses @mentions to ensure that your target audience is notified of something you post. This is also a common feature of Mastodon.
On this platform, hashtags and URLs are automatically turned into clickable links which can be quite convenient. Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a default character limit of 5,000 words so you’ll need to keep your posts within that parameter.
Posts on Pleroma can be referred to as toots, proot, or status updates. Other users can interact with your posts by replying in the comment sections or adding emojis.
Keep in mind that emojis only work if they are defined in your instance. You can adjust your privacy by choosing who can view whatever you post.
Users can also post images and videos on their Pleroma timelines. However, this process is a bit more complicated when compared to posting the same content on Mastodon.
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Instances
Pleroma consists of two main components with the first one, being a backend, referred to as Pleroma, and a user-focused frontend called Pleroma-FE.
As is the case with most decentralized social media networks, Pleroma includes hundreds of instances hosted by private servers.
Hosts can be individuals or groups so you’ll need to do some research to find out more if you are interested in knowing who owns the instance you wish to join.
Finding and signing up on a Pleroma instance is relatively easy since you can access a list from the main page. You can then learn about the rules and regulations of each instance before you sign up.
Additionally, you are free to consider things such as supported languages, customization, and the most popular topics.
In case you do not want to join an existing instance, you can always deploy your own instance and fashion it to suit your own preferences.
Ad-Free Experience
Most decentralized social media platforms allow users to enjoy connecting with each other without having to deal with adverts. It’s exactly the same with Pleroma.
You can browse throughout the day and never encounter a single pop-up or on-page ad. Another impressive thing about this platform is that it does not share your data with third-party entities.
That means no one can create a profile based on your browsing activity.
Having said that, it is important to note that individuals or organizations that host decentralized social networks can make money in a variety of ways. For example, they can choose to ask for donations to keep their network running.
They can also charge for sign-ups or fund the project from their own pockets. Indeed there is even the option of placing ads on the platforms but that would go against the very core of the values of decentralization.
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User Security
Pleroma includes built-in security features that ensure viruses and malware do not corrupt the system. Your data is also kept safely on the server so you never have to worry about third-party entities accessing it.
The only difference between Pleroma and Mastodon in this case is that the former does not include a default two-factor authentication feature. Of course, there is always the possibility of adding the feature if you have some programming knowledge or use a widget.
Mastodon
Instances
Mastodon has a variety of instances you can sign up for. The best way to go about this process is to find out what each instance is about and then sign up.
For example, there are some Mastodon instances that are known for having political discussions while others may be known for reviewing movies.
Take note that each Mastodon instance is hosted on a private server so it does not fall under any centralized control unit. Instead, the individual or group of people responsible for the instance are the ones that are likely to determine its rules and regulations.
In general, it is fairly easy for just about anyone to sign up for whatever Mastodon instance they fancy.
Instances on Pleroma and Mastodon are hosted and run in an almost identical manner so there is not much of a difference.
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Posts
Like most social media platforms, Mastodon allows users to create different types of posts. Users can write texts, upload videos and images, and even include GIFs in their posts.
As a user, you are free to choose the privacy level of your post. That means you can make it visible to friends only, those in the Mastodon network, or allow everyone in the Fediverse to find your posts.
Others can respond to your posts in much the same way as they do on other social media platforms. They can write a comment, react with an emoji, or upload a GIF.
If your post is interesting, you’ll notice that people are even retweeting or sharing it with others.
No Advertisements on the Platform
Mastodon was built as an alternative for people to enjoy the benefits of social interactions over the internet without the hassle of being bombarded with third-party advertisements.
That is why you will not find any pop-up or on-page ads on any Mastodon instance. This is partly one of the reasons that make the network appealing.
Because you do not have to keep shutting down unwanted adverts, you can spend more time focusing on the things you are genuinely interested in. Another advantage of this policy is that pages ultimately load faster.
Mastodon does not even allow third-party tracking which means there is no way advertisers can get ahold of your data.
Multiple Accounts Are Possible
If you want a social media platform that allows you to have multiple accounts, Mastodon should be among your top picks.
You are free to open up multiple accounts for different purposes. For instance, one account may be used for discussing politics while another can be used to meet new people with the aim of building friendships or romantic relationships.
Holding multiple accounts can also be a good way for you to separate your social and professional life.
User Security
Most Mastodon instances are designed to offer complete privacy for users. That means third-party entities can only access your information if you decide to share it.
Another thing to note is that Mastodon utilizes a two-factor authentication security system. This inevitably makes it harder for hackers or any other person to access your account.
Additionally, the platform has built-in checks that counter viruses and other malware that may destabilize the network.
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Pleroma vs Mastodon – Resource Usage
Pleroma
Image by Brett Sayles
Pleroma is a lightweight software that requires few resources to work seamlessly. That is one of the main reasons why people find it an attractive option to other decentralized social network software.
Because of its lightweight nature, it can work on most servers even with limited space and system resources. Additionally, it tends to load relatively fast especially when hosted on servers with exceptional capabilities.
Another point to note is that you do not have to pay too much money to host your own instance. Keep in mind that the more server resources you utilize, the higher the costs are likely to be.
Mastodon
Image by Pixabay
Mastodon is another lightweight solution you can opt for. However, it is slightly larger than Pleroma so you may need a little more space on your server.
It installs relatively fast and since it does not have any adverts or complicated plugins, it tends to load relatively fast. You may have to pay a little more to host an instance of Mastodon because it will utilize more system resources compared to Pleroma.
Generally, both Mastodon and Pleroma are good options for anyone who wants to host their own instance of a social media network since they do not hog system resources.
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Pleroma vs Mastodon – Customization and User Interface
Pleroma
Pleroma has an interface that is similar to that of X (formerly Twitter). Right in the center of the main page, you will find your timeline.
This is where you can view posts from other people or organizations. You also get to view your own posts in this section.
You can view posts according to time or set it to only show friend’s activities. On the left side of the screen is another panel with different sections you can navigate easily.
Some of these sections include your Chats, Interactions and Notifications, and the About page. Right at the top of the screen is a search bar you can use to find different users or enter keywords to bring up stories you wish to read.
There is also a Settings section that allows you to switch from dark to light mode. Although you can customize Pleroma, the extent to which you can achieve certain things is limited to the instance you are using.
For example, one instance may let you change color themes while another may not have such capability. Again, one instance may have plenty of emojis and avatars for you to use while another may not.
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Mastodon
Mastodon also shares striking similarities to both X and Pleroma. For starters, you can expect to find the timeline in the center of the main page.
You can scroll down to find posts from other users on the platform. Of course, you can also choose to view posts from other users within the Fediverse as long as you activate the necessary settings.
It allows you to sort out your timeline according to Hashtags, News, and Posts. The right side of the screen includes an Explore section where you can go and find out about new things or recommendations.
There is also the Live Feed section which you can navigate to if you want to catch up with what your friends or favorite channels are up to.
Mastodon has a minimalist interface which makes it quite pleasant to look at especially if you do not like the clutter that can sometimes characterize mainstream social media networks.
Another impressive thing about it is that it is quite customizable when compared to Pleroma. That means you can switch from dark to light mode with a simple click of a button.
You also get to change themes and even add some widgets to make things easier. You can also activate notifications so that you get alerts whenever someone sends you a direct message.
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Pleroma vs Mastodon – App Support and Compatibility
Pleroma
Image by Cottonbro Studio
While you can use Pleroma directly from almost any modern browser, this service does not have an official app for your iOS or Android device.
Of course, there is always a way around that complication if you are willing to spend some time looking for an unofficial app that is compatible with your Pleroma instance.
For example, B4X for Pleroma and Mastodon can be a good solution for anyone who wants to enjoy basic features such as searching and creating content on both platforms.
You can download B4X on the App Store.
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Mastodon
Unlike Pleroma, Mastodon has official apps for your mobile device so you can continue enjoying the services on the go. As a user, you can download the iOS app from the App Store or go for its Android counterpart on Google Play.
The mobile app allows you to switch to different modes including dark, light, and true black. You can create polls and let your followers vote just so you get to know their opinions regarding different issues.
Another impressive thing about the mobile app is that it lets you activate push notifications so you’ll get alerts for replies, reblogs, and new followers. You also get to immerse yourself in the fediverse by clicking the Explore button within the app.
Mastodon apps are quite stable so you won’t experience any complications when installing them on your device. They are also quite lightweight, hence won’t take up a lot of space.
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Pleroma vs Mastodon – Community and User Base
Pleroma
According to The Federation, Pleroma has just over 130,000 registered users. But, it is worth pointing out that the fediverse has over 14 million users and those on Pleroma can easily interact with them.
In most cases, people sign up on Pleroma to enjoy the benefits of social interaction without the hassle of dealing with constant advertisements. They also do so to ensure they can communicate and contribute to topics without the risk of being censored or banned.
Mastodon
Mastodon has over 10 million registered users which is by far more significant when compared to Pleroma. But keep in mind that Mastodon is also part of the fediverse and therefore users on the platform are likely to be able to interact with those on Pleroma.
Of course, there are specific instances on both platforms that have rules and regulations that may limit the ability of users on the various networks to interact.
For example, if you are on a Mastodon instance that does not allow violent content, you may not be able to view posts from someone on a Pleroma instance that allows for such content.
Regardless of how you look at it, Mastodon still commands a huge following and is therefore one of the best places to go when you want to join the fediverse.
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Pleroma vs Mastodon – Which Is Better?
Pleroma is relatively lightweight and takes up little space on your server. It utilizes a fraction of your system and financial resources.
However, it falls short when it comes to ease of use, customization, and app support.
If you want a powerful alternative with good reach, mobile app compatibility, and extensive features and functions, Mastodon should definitely be your first choice.
