# Social Media Alternatives Mastodon Offers Unique "Instances" for Its Users By Justin Lam | Published 2018-08-20 | Updated 2018-08-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastodon References: [wired](https://www.wired.com/story/join-mastodon-twitter-alternative/) & [mastodon.social](https://mastodon.social/about) [Twitter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/community-social-media) may be one of the most used social media sites in the world but [Mastodon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastodon-experience) is a new alternative that takes advantage of the best elements of Twitter. Designed as an [open-source, community-run microblogging website](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixelfed), this social media hub lets users post "toots," as well as "boost" other users' posts. However, unlike Twitter, this website doesn't use a central space and instead has users enter "instances." These "instances" are essentially groups with distinct rules and administrators. The focus on "instances" in Mastodon helps the service better moderate content posted by users and also allows users to align their content with like-minded users. Users of Mastodon have already praised the service as being quite queer- and trans-friendly, while also being better streamlined for specific interests. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Open-source Microblogging:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop an open-source microblogging platform that offers unique features and functionalities for users. - **Community-run Social Media:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a community-run social media platform that emphasizes user moderation and content alignment. - **Distinct Rules and Administrators:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build a social media platform that allows users to form distinct groups with their own rules and administrators. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Social Media:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the social media industry by introducing alternative platforms that offer unique experiences and cater to specific user needs. - **Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transform the technology industry by developing innovative solutions that enhance user engagement and privacy in social media platforms. - **Online Communities:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Disrupt the online communities industry with platforms that foster inclusivity, content moderation, and alignment with users' interests. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Decentralized Social Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastodon-experience.md) - [User-First Social Media Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/user-first-social-media.md) - [Updated Social Web Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastodon-2.md) - [Pro-Community Social Media Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/community-social-media.md) - [Decentralized Microblogging Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kbin.md) - [Transformative Social Media Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weare8.md) - [Decentralized Social Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decentralized-social-apps.md) - [Publicly Available Social Medias](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluesky-open.md) - [Decentralized Social Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixelfed.md)