{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-02-17T08:01:04+00:00"},"categoryId":33617,"data":{"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33611,"title":"Social Media","slug":"social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"}},"childCategories":[],"description":"Looking for common social media acronyms and shorthand? How about etiquette tips for different platforms? These articles have got what you need when you're trying to find your way around Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and more.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33617&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":42,"bookCount":5},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":42,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2023-02-15T20:46:36+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-02-16T21:42:49+00:00","timestamp":"2023-02-17T00:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"How to Find Your Twitter Followers on Mastodon","strippedTitle":"how to find your twitter followers on mastodon","slug":"how-to-find-your-friends-on-mastodon","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This article shows you how to use Twitodon to help you find your Twitter followers on Mastodon. It includes step-by-step instructions.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/how-to-find-twitter-followers-mastodon.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"\"/wp-content/uploads/how-to-find-twitter-followers-mastodon.mp3\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"></span>Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\nAs Mastodon has become more popular, millions of people have flocked to it from Twitter. Perhaps you, too, first heard about Mastodon on Twitter. As a migrant from Twitter to Mastodon, you're in good company. Finding members of your Twitter flock on Mastodon isn't difficult, and it's a great way to get a head start with building a following.\r\n\r\nIf someone considered you follow-worthy on Twitter, they will on Mastodon, too. Several tools have been created for finding Mastodon accounts of your Twitter followers. If you haven't deleted your Twitter account, you can use any (or all) of these tools.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Using Twitodon to find friends on Mastodon</h2>\r\nOne service to help you find your Twitter followers on Mastodon is <a href=\"https://twitodon.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitodon</a>. This site works by linking to your Twitter account and your Mastodon account and comparing the list of accounts you follow on Twitter with accounts on Mastodon that have also used Twitodon. If matches are found, Twitodon will give you a file you can import into your Mastodon account.\r\n\r\nFollow these steps to use Twitodon:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Make sure you're logged into both your Twitter account and your Mastodon account.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Go to <a href=\"https://twitodon.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitodon </a></strong><strong>and click the link under the \"Get Started\" header to log into your Twitter account. </strong>A window opens, asking you to authorize Twitodon to access your Twitter account.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click the button to authorize Twitodon. </strong>You return to Twitodon and its Step 1 has been crossed off.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Enter your Mastodon server's address (including the https://) in the field under Twitodon's Step 2, as shown in Figure</strong> <strong>1, and then click Sign In. </strong>For example, if your Mastodon account is on mastodon.social, you'd enter <a href=\"https://mastodon.social\">https://mastodon.social</a>. A screen appears asking you to authorize Twitodon to access your Mastodon account.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click Authorize. </strong>You return to Twitodon and Step 2 has been crossed off.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Watch the number of scanned users go up as Twitodon processes the list, as shown in Figure</strong> <strong>2. </strong>We hope the number of matches found go up as well!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297328\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297328\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-login-twitodon.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot of Twitodon page to log into Mastodon\" width=\"630\" height=\"554\" /> ©Twitodon<br />Figure 1: Logging into your Mastodon server from Twitodon[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297327\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297327\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-twitodon-scans-accounts.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing Twitodon page for scanning Twitter accounts\" width=\"630\" height=\"527\" /> ©Twitodon<br />Figure 2: Twitodon scans accounts you follow on Twitter.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Because Twitodon can find only users who have also used Twitodon, don't be surprised if it doesn't come back with many or any results. The good news is that as more people migrate from Twitter and use Twitodon, it will be able to make more matches! So, it may be a good idea to try Twitodon again every so often as long as you keep your Twitter account.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>When Twitodon finishes scanning, click the link in Twitodon's Step 3 to download a list of the matches that were found. </strong>Twitodon's Step 4 (revoking Twitodon's authorization to access your Twitter followers) is optional, and we're going to skip it. Doing so will make it easier to come back and check Twitodon periodically in the future.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click the link under Twitodon's Step 5 to go to the Import page on your Mastodon instance, or click Preferences, Import and Export, and then Import. </strong>You see a screen similar to the one in Figure 3.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297331\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-297331 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-import-page.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon import page\" width=\"630\" height=\"323\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Figure 3: The Mastodon Import page[/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Under Import Type, choose Following List (it should be selected by default).</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose the Merge radio button (which should also be selected by default). </strong>Merging means that you'll still follow everyone you follow on Mastodon before you import the matches found by Twitodon.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click the Choose File button and locate the file you downloaded from Twitodon. </strong>The file is named new_mastodon_follows.csv and should be in your Downloads folder.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click the Upload button on Mastodon's Import page. </strong>After a moment, you'll see a message that your file was uploaded and will be processed. Depending on the size of the file you imported, it may take a few minutes or longer for the file to be processed and for the new users to be imported.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>After a few minutes, go to your profile page and check whether your following number has gone up.</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAs you follow the people you followed on Twitter, they'll get notifications and some of them may decide to follow you back.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Using Fedifinder</h2>\r\n<a href=\"https://fedifinder.glitch.me/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fedifinder </a>can scan your entire Twitter account, including accounts you follow, accounts that follow you, and your Twitter lists to find Twitter users who list their fediverse address in their Twitter profiles.\r\n\r\nBecause it scans your lists and followers and doesn't depend on matched users already having used it, Fedifinder is more likely to find results than other automated programs for finding other Mastodon users.\r\n\r\nFollow these steps to use Fedifinder:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Make sure you're logged in to both Twitter and Mastodon.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Go to Twitter and edit your Twitter profile to add your fediverse address in one of the following places:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The description</li>\r\n \t<li>The location</li>\r\n \t<li>The website address</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYou can add your Mastodon address also to a pinned Tweet.\r\n\r\nYour fediverse address is your Mastodon server name followed by a slash, followed by your Mastodon username. It's the same as the link to your profile page on your instance. For example: hachyderm.io/@chrisminnick.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Go to</strong> <strong>Fedifinder again and click the Authorize Twitter button at the top of the screen.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Follow the instructions to authorize Fedifinder to access your Twitter data. </strong>Fedifinder scans your Twitter account to find fediverse addresses and starts showing you the results, as shown in Figure 4.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297332\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297332\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fedifinder-twitter-contacts.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Fedifinder page for scanning your Twitter contacts\" width=\"630\" height=\"323\" /> ©Fedifinder<br />Figure 4: Fedifinder scans your Twitter contacts for Mastodon addresses.[/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Scroll down the page and click the link next to any Twitter lists you follow, and then click the Scan Followers link.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>After all the scans have finished, click the Export CSV with Found Handles link. </strong>CSV, short for comma-separated values, is a way of storing lists of data in text files so they can be imported into other systems.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Go to the Import page on your Mastodon instance (click Preferences, Import and Export, Import) and import the resulting file (</strong><strong>fedifinder_account.csv) in the same way you imported the file from Twitodon. </strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Inviting friends and family</h2>\r\nIf you have a fairly large Twitter following and follow a large number of Twitter accounts, you may have acquired some new followers and follows from using Twitodon and Fedifinder. But not everyone you want to follow is on both Mastodon and Twitter. To get more people to join you on Mastodon, you need to invite them.\r\n\r\nMastodon makes inviting people to join your Mastodon server easy. Plus, when you use Mastodon's invite feature to invite people, signing up will be easier for them than it was for you because the link you give them will take them directly to the same local server you use.\r\n\r\nIf your server allows users to create invitations, you can get an invitation link by clicking Preferences and then Invite People. You'll see the Invite People page, which is shown in Figure 5.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297329\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-297329 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-invite-people-page.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon invite people page\" width=\"630\" height=\"406\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Figure 5: The Mastodon Invite People page[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Invite People page allows you to create individual links, limited-use links, and links that expire. Unless you want to have a limited number of followers or you want to be able to track who uses which links, the best way to use Invite People is with the following settings:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Set Max Number of Uses to No Limit</li>\r\n \t<li>Set Expire After to Never</li>\r\n \t<li>Select the Invite to Follow Your Account check box</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nOnce you've configured these settings, click the Generate Invite Link button. A text box with an invitation address appears, as shown in Figure 6.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297330\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297330\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-invitation.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon personal invitation page\" width=\"630\" height=\"402\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Figure 6: Your personal Mastodon invitation[/caption]\r\n\r\nTap or click the Copy button to copy this link. Here are a few ideas for how you can use your Invite link:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Paste it into a post on Facebook.</li>\r\n \t<li>Put it in your profile on Twitter.</li>\r\n \t<li>Paste it into your Instagram profile.</li>\r\n \t<li>Email it to your friends and family and tell them to join you on Mastodon.</li>\r\n \t<li>Send it in a text message.</li>\r\n \t<li>Add it to a website you own.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhen someone follows the link on their phone, tablet, or computer, they'll see the same sign up page you saw when you first signed up for Mastodon. Plus, when someone signs up using your link, you'll find out about it, the number of uses next to your invite link will go up, and you'll gain a follower!","description":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/how-to-find-twitter-followers-mastodon.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"\"/wp-content/uploads/how-to-find-twitter-followers-mastodon.mp3\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"></span>Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\nAs Mastodon has become more popular, millions of people have flocked to it from Twitter. Perhaps you, too, first heard about Mastodon on Twitter. As a migrant from Twitter to Mastodon, you're in good company. Finding members of your Twitter flock on Mastodon isn't difficult, and it's a great way to get a head start with building a following.\r\n\r\nIf someone considered you follow-worthy on Twitter, they will on Mastodon, too. Several tools have been created for finding Mastodon accounts of your Twitter followers. If you haven't deleted your Twitter account, you can use any (or all) of these tools.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Using Twitodon to find friends on Mastodon</h2>\r\nOne service to help you find your Twitter followers on Mastodon is <a href=\"https://twitodon.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitodon</a>. This site works by linking to your Twitter account and your Mastodon account and comparing the list of accounts you follow on Twitter with accounts on Mastodon that have also used Twitodon. If matches are found, Twitodon will give you a file you can import into your Mastodon account.\r\n\r\nFollow these steps to use Twitodon:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Make sure you're logged into both your Twitter account and your Mastodon account.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Go to <a href=\"https://twitodon.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitodon </a></strong><strong>and click the link under the \"Get Started\" header to log into your Twitter account. </strong>A window opens, asking you to authorize Twitodon to access your Twitter account.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click the button to authorize Twitodon. </strong>You return to Twitodon and its Step 1 has been crossed off.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Enter your Mastodon server's address (including the https://) in the field under Twitodon's Step 2, as shown in Figure</strong> <strong>1, and then click Sign In. </strong>For example, if your Mastodon account is on mastodon.social, you'd enter <a href=\"https://mastodon.social\">https://mastodon.social</a>. A screen appears asking you to authorize Twitodon to access your Mastodon account.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click Authorize. </strong>You return to Twitodon and Step 2 has been crossed off.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Watch the number of scanned users go up as Twitodon processes the list, as shown in Figure</strong> <strong>2. </strong>We hope the number of matches found go up as well!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297328\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297328\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-login-twitodon.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot of Twitodon page to log into Mastodon\" width=\"630\" height=\"554\" /> ©Twitodon<br />Figure 1: Logging into your Mastodon server from Twitodon[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297327\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297327\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-twitodon-scans-accounts.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing Twitodon page for scanning Twitter accounts\" width=\"630\" height=\"527\" /> ©Twitodon<br />Figure 2: Twitodon scans accounts you follow on Twitter.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Because Twitodon can find only users who have also used Twitodon, don't be surprised if it doesn't come back with many or any results. The good news is that as more people migrate from Twitter and use Twitodon, it will be able to make more matches! So, it may be a good idea to try Twitodon again every so often as long as you keep your Twitter account.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>When Twitodon finishes scanning, click the link in Twitodon's Step 3 to download a list of the matches that were found. </strong>Twitodon's Step 4 (revoking Twitodon's authorization to access your Twitter followers) is optional, and we're going to skip it. Doing so will make it easier to come back and check Twitodon periodically in the future.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click the link under Twitodon's Step 5 to go to the Import page on your Mastodon instance, or click Preferences, Import and Export, and then Import. </strong>You see a screen similar to the one in Figure 3.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297331\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-297331 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-import-page.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon import page\" width=\"630\" height=\"323\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Figure 3: The Mastodon Import page[/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Under Import Type, choose Following List (it should be selected by default).</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose the Merge radio button (which should also be selected by default). </strong>Merging means that you'll still follow everyone you follow on Mastodon before you import the matches found by Twitodon.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click the Choose File button and locate the file you downloaded from Twitodon. </strong>The file is named new_mastodon_follows.csv and should be in your Downloads folder.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Click the Upload button on Mastodon's Import page. </strong>After a moment, you'll see a message that your file was uploaded and will be processed. Depending on the size of the file you imported, it may take a few minutes or longer for the file to be processed and for the new users to be imported.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>After a few minutes, go to your profile page and check whether your following number has gone up.</strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAs you follow the people you followed on Twitter, they'll get notifications and some of them may decide to follow you back.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Using Fedifinder</h2>\r\n<a href=\"https://fedifinder.glitch.me/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fedifinder </a>can scan your entire Twitter account, including accounts you follow, accounts that follow you, and your Twitter lists to find Twitter users who list their fediverse address in their Twitter profiles.\r\n\r\nBecause it scans your lists and followers and doesn't depend on matched users already having used it, Fedifinder is more likely to find results than other automated programs for finding other Mastodon users.\r\n\r\nFollow these steps to use Fedifinder:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Make sure you're logged in to both Twitter and Mastodon.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Go to Twitter and edit your Twitter profile to add your fediverse address in one of the following places:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The description</li>\r\n \t<li>The location</li>\r\n \t<li>The website address</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYou can add your Mastodon address also to a pinned Tweet.\r\n\r\nYour fediverse address is your Mastodon server name followed by a slash, followed by your Mastodon username. It's the same as the link to your profile page on your instance. For example: hachyderm.io/@chrisminnick.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Go to</strong> <strong>Fedifinder again and click the Authorize Twitter button at the top of the screen.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Follow the instructions to authorize Fedifinder to access your Twitter data. </strong>Fedifinder scans your Twitter account to find fediverse addresses and starts showing you the results, as shown in Figure 4.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297332\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297332\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/fedifinder-twitter-contacts.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Fedifinder page for scanning your Twitter contacts\" width=\"630\" height=\"323\" /> ©Fedifinder<br />Figure 4: Fedifinder scans your Twitter contacts for Mastodon addresses.[/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Scroll down the page and click the link next to any Twitter lists you follow, and then click the Scan Followers link.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>After all the scans have finished, click the Export CSV with Found Handles link. </strong>CSV, short for comma-separated values, is a way of storing lists of data in text files so they can be imported into other systems.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Go to the Import page on your Mastodon instance (click Preferences, Import and Export, Import) and import the resulting file (</strong><strong>fedifinder_account.csv) in the same way you imported the file from Twitodon. </strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Inviting friends and family</h2>\r\nIf you have a fairly large Twitter following and follow a large number of Twitter accounts, you may have acquired some new followers and follows from using Twitodon and Fedifinder. But not everyone you want to follow is on both Mastodon and Twitter. To get more people to join you on Mastodon, you need to invite them.\r\n\r\nMastodon makes inviting people to join your Mastodon server easy. Plus, when you use Mastodon's invite feature to invite people, signing up will be easier for them than it was for you because the link you give them will take them directly to the same local server you use.\r\n\r\nIf your server allows users to create invitations, you can get an invitation link by clicking Preferences and then Invite People. You'll see the Invite People page, which is shown in Figure 5.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297329\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-297329 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-invite-people-page.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon invite people page\" width=\"630\" height=\"406\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Figure 5: The Mastodon Invite People page[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Invite People page allows you to create individual links, limited-use links, and links that expire. Unless you want to have a limited number of followers or you want to be able to track who uses which links, the best way to use Invite People is with the following settings:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Set Max Number of Uses to No Limit</li>\r\n \t<li>Set Expire After to Never</li>\r\n \t<li>Select the Invite to Follow Your Account check box</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nOnce you've configured these settings, click the Generate Invite Link button. A text box with an invitation address appears, as shown in Figure 6.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297330\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297330\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-invitation.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon personal invitation page\" width=\"630\" height=\"402\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Figure 6: Your personal Mastodon invitation[/caption]\r\n\r\nTap or click the Copy button to copy this link. Here are a few ideas for how you can use your Invite link:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Paste it into a post on Facebook.</li>\r\n \t<li>Put it in your profile on Twitter.</li>\r\n \t<li>Paste it into your Instagram profile.</li>\r\n \t<li>Email it to your friends and family and tell them to join you on Mastodon.</li>\r\n \t<li>Send it in a text message.</li>\r\n \t<li>Add it to a website you own.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhen someone follows the link on their phone, tablet, or computer, they'll see the same sign up page you saw when you first signed up for Mastodon. Plus, when someone signs up using your link, you'll find out about it, the number of uses next to your invite link will go up, and you'll gain a follower!","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9070,"name":"Chris Minnick","slug":"chris-minnick","description":"<b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9070"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Using Twitodon to find friends on Mastodon","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Using Fedifinder","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Inviting friends and family","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":297377,"title":"How to Pick a Mastodon Server","slug":"how-to-choose-a-server-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297377"}},{"articleId":297311,"title":"How Is Mastodon Different from Twitter?","slug":"how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297311"}},{"articleId":297062,"title":"Mastodon For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297062"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":297377,"title":"How to Pick a Mastodon Server","slug":"how-to-choose-a-server-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297377"}},{"articleId":297311,"title":"How Is Mastodon Different from Twitter?","slug":"how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297311"}},{"articleId":297062,"title":"Mastodon For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297062"}},{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":297020,"slug":"mastodon-for-dummies","isbn":"9781394193363","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/139419336X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-for-dummies-cover-139419336X-165x255.jpg","width":165,"height":255},"title":"Mastodon For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9070\">Chris Minnick</b></b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9070,"name":"Chris Minnick","slug":"chris-minnick","description":"<b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9070"}},{"authorId":35252,"name":"","slug":null,"description":null,"hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35252"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394193363&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63eec3bf2107a\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394193363&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63eec3bf215ef\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-02-15T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":297324},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2023-02-15T19:03:37+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-02-16T19:05:19+00:00","timestamp":"2023-02-16T21:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"How Is Mastodon Different from Twitter?","strippedTitle":"how is mastodon different from twitter?","slug":"how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn about the major differences between Twitter and Mastodon to help you decide whether you want to give either a try or switch it up.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter.mp3\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"></span>Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\nThe chaos surrounding Twitter after Elon Musk acquired it in October 2022 led many Twitter users to begin checking out other social media platforms, including Mastodon. Here, we'll go over some of the major differences between the two platforms.\r\n\r\nThe first thing to know about Mastodon is that it isn’t just one site, like Twitter.com and Facebook.com. Mastodon is made up of a galaxy of sites, and the first choice you’ll make when you decide to create an account is what star (or <em>instance</em>) in this galaxy of sites to call home.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297310\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297310\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-app-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the Mastodon app on a cell phone.\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> ©Battenhall / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n\r\nEach of these sites runs the Mastodon software (the <em>common platform</em>). Once you have a home on a site running the Mastodon software, you can connect with people on other sites running Mastodon.\r\n\r\nMany people arrive on Twitter looking to raise their public profile, gain millions of followers, and go viral. Certainly some people have become media pundits and celebrities by way of their Twitter posts.\r\n\r\nOn Mastodon, however, being sociable, informative, and authentic is more important. A Mastodon instance is better thought of as a neighborhood rather than a stage. You don’t have to be smart-alecky to be respected.\r\n\r\nIn addition, before getting an account on a Mastodon instance, you sign on to a code of conduct. Although the code of conduct can go into detail regarding what is and isn't allowed, the code is often simply a lengthy version of “while you’re on here, be nice.”\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Mastodon is a home, not a single site</h2>\r\nIf you want to tweet, you go to Twitter.com, get an account, agree to the terms of service (whether you read all that legalese or not), and start tweeting. Twitter may not ask much of you as a user, but you pay a price.\r\n\r\nYou have no stake in Twitter as a company, except as an unpaid content contributor. Twitter polls run by the CEO aren't binding, and wouldn't be, even if a majority of participants were stockholders.\r\n\r\nEvery Mastodon server instance is an island to itself but interconnected. Instance administrators and moderators are not gods and can't make any decisions beyond that instance. That’s true even for founder Eugen Rochko.\r\n\r\nThe vast majority of Mastodon sites seek to be safe and friendly spaces for all kinds of users. You should feel like you’re at home here.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Mastodon is built to serve its community</h2>\r\nMastodon is not driven by its financial bottom line nor the whims of venture capitalists, Wall Street traders, and hedge fund managers. It's driven to serve its users and the community.\r\n\r\nIf the founder or his heirs were to sell the mastodon.social site, where Mastodon was born, each user could easily move to another Mastodon instance, taking their posts and followers with them.\r\n\r\nIf you’ve found a home with a group of admins and moderators that serve you and the community at large, consider helping to keep the servers (and the community) running with a financial contribution that fits your budget.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Algorithms aren't allowed on Mastodon</h2>\r\nTwitter started out as a place where you read the tweets of the people you followed in reverse-chronological order (as you do in blogs). But as the service grew, Twitter developed algorithms to figure out what you liked and shared on the service. The purpose of the algorithm was to keep you scrolling through your feed. You got what the algorithm thought you wanted, but you also saw more ads as the session continued. More eyeballs on ads, more money for Twitter.\r\n\r\nAs politicians and politically oriented people found a way to get followers, raise money, and gain influence on the service, ordinary users found themselves in a filter bubble, where they saw only things with which they agreed. Debate, where it existed at all, became toxic. Misinformation flourished. Some people started calling Twitter a hellscape because of all the angry tweets that the algorithm promoted into people’s feeds.\r\n\r\nNo Twitter user ever got to opt-out of the algorithm’s role in managing their feeds. There was never a vote among users to implement the algorithm when it was first developed. Programmers from outside the company couldn’t review the algorithm to determine its effect on people’s emotions.\r\n\r\nIn contrast, Mastodon displays every post from every user and hashtag you follow. You may still spend hours scrolling through interesting posts by fascinating people, but at least you know that Mastodon won’t try to manipulate you to stay longer on the platform.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Users aren't tracked on Mastodon</h2>\r\nThe same forces (sometimes called <em>surveillance capitalism</em>) that created algorithms also created the cookie, that tiny slice of code that lives in your browser and tracks your movements across the platform and elsewhere. The cookie’s owner aims to understand the things you’re interested in or curious about — the better to sell your social graph to advertisers.\r\n\r\nThe Mastodon focus on privacy actively discourages cookies. Nearly every instance offers strict rules on such behavior, and should an instance permit it, that instance would likely be blocked by most other Mastodon instances.\r\n\r\nDon’t bet on this changing anytime soon.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Ads aren't acceptable (yet) on Mastodon</h2>\r\nThe initial burst of enthusiasm for Mastodon came when Twitter appeared to be placing its financial stability on selling more advertising on the platform. The Great Mastodon Migration of 2022, which came next, was made up of users and advertisers who didn’t want to be associated with Twitter's new owner.\r\n\r\nOn Mastodon, most codes of conduct discourage excessive advertising, and what’s excessive has mostly counted in single digits. The exceptions are the online equivalent of yard sales, art shows, community theater, and musical performances.\r\n\r\nThe Mastodon focus on community-building frowns on personal branding at least as much as on corporate branding. However, businesses aren't banned, and if you’re in business, you can post about it all you want. What won’t fly are targeted ads based on trackers and algorithms, as noted previously. Mastodon isn’t perfect, but its ideals are high.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Welcome to the fediverse!</h2>\r\nThe <em>fediverse</em> is a collection of websites and social networks that, in some ways, looks back fondly on the early days of the World Wide Web. When Sir Tim Berners-Lee created the web, he envisioned it as a collaboration tool, with sites offering read-write access to any visitor. Aside from wiki sites (such as Wikipedia) and blogs that accept reader comments, today’s web is largely a space for one-way communication.\r\n\r\nMastodon encourages its users to collaborate by putting the focus on conversation and discussion. It’s easy to participate in a conversation by selecting the post's reply icon. The Fediverse expands that idea beyond just Mastodon into other services.\r\n\r\nThe fediverse, which is a combination of <em>federated</em> and <em>universe,</em> got its name for the federated connections between independent websites on the social web.\r\n\r\nThe foundation of the fediverse, and Mastodon as well, is the <a href=\"https://activitypub.rocks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ActivityPub</a> protocol, recognized as a web standard by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Developers use the standard to power a variety of federated alternatives for organizing events, sharing music, and just hanging out.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">The boring, technical way to describe the ActivityPub standard is that it “provides a client-to-server application programming interface (API) for creating, updating and deleting content, as well as a federated server to server API for delivering notifications and subscribing to content.” Mastodon first used a protocol called OStatus, an open standard that enables microblogging, but switched to ActivityPub in 2017.</p>\r\nFor the last decade or so, the <a href=\"https://indieweb.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IndieWeb</a> movement has been building some of the social web standards that power Mastodon, especially the ActivityPub protocol, but for individual websites.\r\n\r\nIndieWeb focuses on your ability to control your content and connect with the people you want to connect with, with no one using your stuff to get others to sell you things you may not want.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Do not confuse <em>fediverse</em> with <em>metaverse!</em> The metaverse started as a creation in the mind of speculative fiction author Neal Stephenson in his fantastic novel <em>Snow Crash.</em> In the novel, the metaverse served as the escape hatch from the dystopia in which most people lived, where the only jobs were in high tech and high-speed pizza delivery. The dystopia was the society. Today, the metaverse is a virtual reality that Facebook (excuse us, Meta) billionaire Mark Zuckerberg wants to use to make even more money.</p>\r\nThe fediverse is a much more pleasant place, where the users rule. And if profits are even a consideration, they come after the people who participate.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Understanding federation</h2>\r\nWhen you’re starting out with Mastodon, wrapping your head around the idea of a <em>federation</em> can be maddening.\r\n\r\nNot to overwhelm you with community metaphors, but think about the following facets of neighborhoods:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Life might be pretty much the same from neighborhood to neighborhood, but some places have different social rules. Violating those rules can get you in trouble. In some neighborhoods, you must live there for many years before you can even call yourself a resident!</li>\r\n \t<li>Although your neighborhood might have regular elections for city council members and other leaders, you might also have a person active in the community who is so respected that they’re called the mayor of the neighborhood.</li>\r\n \t<li>If you have an active neighborhood association, they probably have events to raise money for various programs to improve life in the neighborhood. While the city government pays for a lot of things (and usually has taxing power), neighborhood associations often pay for things such as flowers in common areas.</li>\r\n \t<li>You can change your residence from one neighborhood to another without getting permission from the city or the neighborhoods involved (condominium association boards notwithstanding).</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAll this is true also in the virtual world of Mastodon:\r\n\r\nEvery Mastodon instance (neighborhood) has a code of conduct that you have to agree to before you join (move in). Violating the code of conduct can get you in trouble (a suspension or worse).\r\n\r\nRegardless of whether your instance has a governing board, the administrator is definitely the permanent mayor, in charge of keeping things going.\r\n\r\nWhile your instance administration can’t tax you (yet) to keep the servers running, you do have an obligation to help out if you can. As the mother instance, <a href=\"https://mastodon.social/\">https://mastodon.social</a> helps other instances financially, but each independent instance has to keep the lights on.\r\n\r\nAside from a disciplinary situation, it’s easy to change your Mastodon neighborhood — and bring all your friends with you.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you ever need to move your account to another instance, there's a <a href=\"https://docs.joinmastodon.org/user/moving/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mastodon page with instructions</a>.</p>","description":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter.mp3\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"></span>Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\nThe chaos surrounding Twitter after Elon Musk acquired it in October 2022 led many Twitter users to begin checking out other social media platforms, including Mastodon. Here, we'll go over some of the major differences between the two platforms.\r\n\r\nThe first thing to know about Mastodon is that it isn’t just one site, like Twitter.com and Facebook.com. Mastodon is made up of a galaxy of sites, and the first choice you’ll make when you decide to create an account is what star (or <em>instance</em>) in this galaxy of sites to call home.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297310\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297310\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-app-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of the Mastodon app on a cell phone.\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> ©Battenhall / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n\r\nEach of these sites runs the Mastodon software (the <em>common platform</em>). Once you have a home on a site running the Mastodon software, you can connect with people on other sites running Mastodon.\r\n\r\nMany people arrive on Twitter looking to raise their public profile, gain millions of followers, and go viral. Certainly some people have become media pundits and celebrities by way of their Twitter posts.\r\n\r\nOn Mastodon, however, being sociable, informative, and authentic is more important. A Mastodon instance is better thought of as a neighborhood rather than a stage. You don’t have to be smart-alecky to be respected.\r\n\r\nIn addition, before getting an account on a Mastodon instance, you sign on to a code of conduct. Although the code of conduct can go into detail regarding what is and isn't allowed, the code is often simply a lengthy version of “while you’re on here, be nice.”\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Mastodon is a home, not a single site</h2>\r\nIf you want to tweet, you go to Twitter.com, get an account, agree to the terms of service (whether you read all that legalese or not), and start tweeting. Twitter may not ask much of you as a user, but you pay a price.\r\n\r\nYou have no stake in Twitter as a company, except as an unpaid content contributor. Twitter polls run by the CEO aren't binding, and wouldn't be, even if a majority of participants were stockholders.\r\n\r\nEvery Mastodon server instance is an island to itself but interconnected. Instance administrators and moderators are not gods and can't make any decisions beyond that instance. That’s true even for founder Eugen Rochko.\r\n\r\nThe vast majority of Mastodon sites seek to be safe and friendly spaces for all kinds of users. You should feel like you’re at home here.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Mastodon is built to serve its community</h2>\r\nMastodon is not driven by its financial bottom line nor the whims of venture capitalists, Wall Street traders, and hedge fund managers. It's driven to serve its users and the community.\r\n\r\nIf the founder or his heirs were to sell the mastodon.social site, where Mastodon was born, each user could easily move to another Mastodon instance, taking their posts and followers with them.\r\n\r\nIf you’ve found a home with a group of admins and moderators that serve you and the community at large, consider helping to keep the servers (and the community) running with a financial contribution that fits your budget.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Algorithms aren't allowed on Mastodon</h2>\r\nTwitter started out as a place where you read the tweets of the people you followed in reverse-chronological order (as you do in blogs). But as the service grew, Twitter developed algorithms to figure out what you liked and shared on the service. The purpose of the algorithm was to keep you scrolling through your feed. You got what the algorithm thought you wanted, but you also saw more ads as the session continued. More eyeballs on ads, more money for Twitter.\r\n\r\nAs politicians and politically oriented people found a way to get followers, raise money, and gain influence on the service, ordinary users found themselves in a filter bubble, where they saw only things with which they agreed. Debate, where it existed at all, became toxic. Misinformation flourished. Some people started calling Twitter a hellscape because of all the angry tweets that the algorithm promoted into people’s feeds.\r\n\r\nNo Twitter user ever got to opt-out of the algorithm’s role in managing their feeds. There was never a vote among users to implement the algorithm when it was first developed. Programmers from outside the company couldn’t review the algorithm to determine its effect on people’s emotions.\r\n\r\nIn contrast, Mastodon displays every post from every user and hashtag you follow. You may still spend hours scrolling through interesting posts by fascinating people, but at least you know that Mastodon won’t try to manipulate you to stay longer on the platform.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Users aren't tracked on Mastodon</h2>\r\nThe same forces (sometimes called <em>surveillance capitalism</em>) that created algorithms also created the cookie, that tiny slice of code that lives in your browser and tracks your movements across the platform and elsewhere. The cookie’s owner aims to understand the things you’re interested in or curious about — the better to sell your social graph to advertisers.\r\n\r\nThe Mastodon focus on privacy actively discourages cookies. Nearly every instance offers strict rules on such behavior, and should an instance permit it, that instance would likely be blocked by most other Mastodon instances.\r\n\r\nDon’t bet on this changing anytime soon.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Ads aren't acceptable (yet) on Mastodon</h2>\r\nThe initial burst of enthusiasm for Mastodon came when Twitter appeared to be placing its financial stability on selling more advertising on the platform. The Great Mastodon Migration of 2022, which came next, was made up of users and advertisers who didn’t want to be associated with Twitter's new owner.\r\n\r\nOn Mastodon, most codes of conduct discourage excessive advertising, and what’s excessive has mostly counted in single digits. The exceptions are the online equivalent of yard sales, art shows, community theater, and musical performances.\r\n\r\nThe Mastodon focus on community-building frowns on personal branding at least as much as on corporate branding. However, businesses aren't banned, and if you’re in business, you can post about it all you want. What won’t fly are targeted ads based on trackers and algorithms, as noted previously. Mastodon isn’t perfect, but its ideals are high.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Welcome to the fediverse!</h2>\r\nThe <em>fediverse</em> is a collection of websites and social networks that, in some ways, looks back fondly on the early days of the World Wide Web. When Sir Tim Berners-Lee created the web, he envisioned it as a collaboration tool, with sites offering read-write access to any visitor. Aside from wiki sites (such as Wikipedia) and blogs that accept reader comments, today’s web is largely a space for one-way communication.\r\n\r\nMastodon encourages its users to collaborate by putting the focus on conversation and discussion. It’s easy to participate in a conversation by selecting the post's reply icon. The Fediverse expands that idea beyond just Mastodon into other services.\r\n\r\nThe fediverse, which is a combination of <em>federated</em> and <em>universe,</em> got its name for the federated connections between independent websites on the social web.\r\n\r\nThe foundation of the fediverse, and Mastodon as well, is the <a href=\"https://activitypub.rocks/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ActivityPub</a> protocol, recognized as a web standard by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Developers use the standard to power a variety of federated alternatives for organizing events, sharing music, and just hanging out.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">The boring, technical way to describe the ActivityPub standard is that it “provides a client-to-server application programming interface (API) for creating, updating and deleting content, as well as a federated server to server API for delivering notifications and subscribing to content.” Mastodon first used a protocol called OStatus, an open standard that enables microblogging, but switched to ActivityPub in 2017.</p>\r\nFor the last decade or so, the <a href=\"https://indieweb.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IndieWeb</a> movement has been building some of the social web standards that power Mastodon, especially the ActivityPub protocol, but for individual websites.\r\n\r\nIndieWeb focuses on your ability to control your content and connect with the people you want to connect with, with no one using your stuff to get others to sell you things you may not want.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Do not confuse <em>fediverse</em> with <em>metaverse!</em> The metaverse started as a creation in the mind of speculative fiction author Neal Stephenson in his fantastic novel <em>Snow Crash.</em> In the novel, the metaverse served as the escape hatch from the dystopia in which most people lived, where the only jobs were in high tech and high-speed pizza delivery. The dystopia was the society. Today, the metaverse is a virtual reality that Facebook (excuse us, Meta) billionaire Mark Zuckerberg wants to use to make even more money.</p>\r\nThe fediverse is a much more pleasant place, where the users rule. And if profits are even a consideration, they come after the people who participate.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Understanding federation</h2>\r\nWhen you’re starting out with Mastodon, wrapping your head around the idea of a <em>federation</em> can be maddening.\r\n\r\nNot to overwhelm you with community metaphors, but think about the following facets of neighborhoods:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Life might be pretty much the same from neighborhood to neighborhood, but some places have different social rules. Violating those rules can get you in trouble. In some neighborhoods, you must live there for many years before you can even call yourself a resident!</li>\r\n \t<li>Although your neighborhood might have regular elections for city council members and other leaders, you might also have a person active in the community who is so respected that they’re called the mayor of the neighborhood.</li>\r\n \t<li>If you have an active neighborhood association, they probably have events to raise money for various programs to improve life in the neighborhood. While the city government pays for a lot of things (and usually has taxing power), neighborhood associations often pay for things such as flowers in common areas.</li>\r\n \t<li>You can change your residence from one neighborhood to another without getting permission from the city or the neighborhoods involved (condominium association boards notwithstanding).</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAll this is true also in the virtual world of Mastodon:\r\n\r\nEvery Mastodon instance (neighborhood) has a code of conduct that you have to agree to before you join (move in). Violating the code of conduct can get you in trouble (a suspension or worse).\r\n\r\nRegardless of whether your instance has a governing board, the administrator is definitely the permanent mayor, in charge of keeping things going.\r\n\r\nWhile your instance administration can’t tax you (yet) to keep the servers running, you do have an obligation to help out if you can. As the mother instance, <a href=\"https://mastodon.social/\">https://mastodon.social</a> helps other instances financially, but each independent instance has to keep the lights on.\r\n\r\nAside from a disciplinary situation, it’s easy to change your Mastodon neighborhood — and bring all your friends with you.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you ever need to move your account to another instance, there's a <a href=\"https://docs.joinmastodon.org/user/moving/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mastodon page with instructions</a>.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9070,"name":"Chris Minnick","slug":"chris-minnick","description":"<b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9070"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Mastodon is a home, not a single site","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Mastodon is built to serve its community","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Algorithms aren't allowed on Mastodon","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Users aren't tracked on Mastodon","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Ads aren't acceptable (yet) on Mastodon","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"Welcome to the fediverse!","target":"#tab6"},{"label":"Understanding federation","target":"#tab7"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":297377,"title":"How to Pick a Mastodon Server","slug":"how-to-choose-a-server-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297377"}},{"articleId":297324,"title":"How to Find Your Twitter Followers on Mastodon","slug":"how-to-find-your-friends-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297324"}},{"articleId":297062,"title":"Mastodon For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297062"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":297377,"title":"How to Pick a Mastodon Server","slug":"how-to-choose-a-server-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297377"}},{"articleId":297324,"title":"How to Find Your Twitter Followers on Mastodon","slug":"how-to-find-your-friends-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297324"}},{"articleId":297062,"title":"Mastodon For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297062"}},{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":297020,"slug":"mastodon-for-dummies","isbn":"9781394193363","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/139419336X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-for-dummies-cover-139419336X-165x255.jpg","width":165,"height":255},"title":"Mastodon For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9070\">Chris Minnick</b></b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9070,"name":"Chris Minnick","slug":"chris-minnick","description":"<b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9070"}},{"authorId":35252,"name":"","slug":null,"description":null,"hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35252"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394193363&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63ee998e8d3cd\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394193363&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63ee998e8dd2f\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-02-15T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":297311},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2023-02-16T16:20:44+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-02-16T16:22:25+00:00","timestamp":"2023-02-16T18:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"How to Pick a Mastodon Server","strippedTitle":"how to pick a mastodon server","slug":"how-to-choose-a-server-on-mastodon","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"When signing up, Mastodon offers a large number of servers to choose from. Learn how to browse them and choose the one that's right for you.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Mastodon is a decentralized social media platform that's made up of thousands of separate computers (also known as <em>servers</em> or <em>instances</em>) that have all agreed to speak the same language and share certain data.\r\n\r\nWhen you create your Mastodon account, you get a username, which will be tied to one of these servers. Each server in the network has its own personality — and some servers pride themselves in having no particular personality. Every server is free to join, although some may be closed to new accounts or may require that you get on a waiting list.\r\n\r\nThe most difficult part of getting a Mastodon account is choosing which server to join. Fortunately, there's a <a href=\"https://joinmastodon.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mastodon web page</a> (shown in the image below) to help you sort through your options.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297374\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-297374 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/join-mastodon-screen.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Join Mastodon page.\" width=\"630\" height=\"303\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Your first stop should be joinmastodon.org.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You can sign up for Mastodon using the app or the website. However, signing up on the website — on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone — is easier than signing up with the app.</p>\r\nYour very first step in getting Mastodon is to go to the <a href=\"https://joinmastodon.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Join Mastodon page</a>. Then, click the \"Get the App\" link to use the app or click \"Create Account\" to use your web browser. Both the website and the app are free, and creating your account on one allows you to use all the features of both.\r\n\r\nIf you click \"Get the App,\" you'll be taken to a screen where you can choose to go to the Apple App Store (to download the iPhone app) or to Google Play (to download the Android app). Once you get to the app store, download and install the Mastodon app as you would with any app.\r\n\r\nSigning into the Mastodon mobile app is covered in the “Signing in Using the Mobile App” section, later in this chapter.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Because Mastodon is based on a free and open standard, there are many apps to choose from to use Mastodon. Start with the official one, which is called Mastodon.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Browsing your options</h2>\r\nWhen you visit the Join Mastodon page and click the \"Create Account\" button, you'll be taken to the Servers page, which is shown below.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297375\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297375\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-servers-screen.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon Servers page.\" width=\"630\" height=\"303\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Checking out the servers[/caption]\r\n\r\nMany more Mastodon servers than the ones you see when you scroll down this page are available. However, the servers on joinmastodon.org follow certain rules known as the Mastodon Server Covenant, which is an agreement by the server's owner to work to keep the server free of hate speech, to back up their data daily, to have a person on call to deal with technical issues with the server, and to give users of the server at least three months’ notice before shutting down the server.\r\n\r\nBecause these servers have agreed to the Server Covenant, they are seen as trustworthy, stable, and safe places to serve as your home in the Mastodon universe.\r\n\r\nAlthough you can't go wrong with any of the instances listed on the servers page, some will be a better fit for you than others — and that's what makes Mastodon so cool!\r\n\r\nSpend some time browsing through the different servers listed here. Note that you have several options for filtering the results — including by geographical region and topic (listed on the left side of the screen) and by legal structure, sign-up speed, and language (selected from drop-down lists at the top), as shown below.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297373\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297373\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-server-descriptions.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon server descriptions page.\" width=\"630\" height=\"323\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Reading the server descriptions[/caption]\r\n\r\nOnce you've found a server or two that sound like places where you'd like to hang out and call your home base, the first potentially make-or-break characteristic of the server is the <em>sign-up speed,</em> which is how fast it will take for you to get an account.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Understanding sign-up speed</h2>\r\nWhen you browse the list of servers, you'll see two types of buttons: \"Apply for an Account\" button and \"Create Account.\" The \"Create Account\" button means that the server has instant signup: You can have a new account on that server in the amount of time it takes for you to choose a username and a password.\r\n\r\nServers with an \"Apply for an Account\" button require that new accounts be approved by an administrator. This approval may take only a few minutes or a day. If you're super-excited to start using Mastodon, go with one of the ones that have the blue \"Create Account\" button.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Don't worry too much about picking the perfect server. Choosing a server doesn't have to be permanent. You can move your account (and all of your followers!) to another server easily after you sign up.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Reading the rules</h2>\r\nRegardless of whether you choose to apply for an account or go with a server that has instant account creation, check out the rules of your chosen server before you commit. To see a server's rules, first click the \"Create Account\" or \"Apply for an Account\" button to go to the server.\r\n\r\nOnce on the server, you'll see a description of the server on the left, with the name of the server administrator and the number of users. Below the server information, click \"Learn More\" to read more about the server, including its code of conduct, which describes the guidelines for how users of the server are expected to behave while using the server.\r\n\r\nRather than having a complicated set of rules that try to make the greatest number of people happy and end up pleasing no one (such as what centralized platforms such as Twitter and Facebook must do), each Mastodon server sets specific rules and the conduct expected from users.\r\n\r\nIf you don't like the code of conduct on one server, check out other servers until you find one with a code of conduct more in keeping with your beliefs.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Previewing a server</h2>\r\nWhen you sign up using a web browser, many of the servers listed at joinmastodon.org allow you to browse the content on the server before joining. If you click to the server and see posts, rather immediately seeing a sign-up or login page, you've come to one of these.\r\n\r\nTo see the content posted by the local users of the server, click the \"Local\" link on the right side of the page. The posts listed under \"Local\" are by people who would be your neighbors if you were to join this server. Are they talking about things you're interested in? If so, this may be the perfect server for you!\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Meeting the admin</h2>\r\nAnother way to choose a server is to find out more about the person running it. Every server prominently displays the person in charge of keeping the server running and enforcing the server's rules. Click their profile from the server's home page or from the server's \"About\" page to read more about them and to see the things they're interested in and what they post.\r\n\r\nOn Mastodon, the admin sets the tone for the server. If the admin seems like someone you'd like to hang out with, that's a good indication that you've found a home.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Seeing why smaller is better</h2>\r\nA server might have just a handful of members to many thousands. Servers with a smaller number of users are vital to keeping the entire universe interesting and avoiding a monoculture. Smaller servers also tend to have stronger personalities than larger servers. And smaller servers are often less prone to slowing down because they're less likely to get a lot of traffic.\r\n\r\nBecause every server allows access to the other servers, you have nothing to lose by going with a smaller one. In the same way that you're more likely to make friends in a small community group versus an international club with millions of members, joining a smaller Mastodon server makes you a bigger fish because the pond is smaller.","description":"Mastodon is a decentralized social media platform that's made up of thousands of separate computers (also known as <em>servers</em> or <em>instances</em>) that have all agreed to speak the same language and share certain data.\r\n\r\nWhen you create your Mastodon account, you get a username, which will be tied to one of these servers. Each server in the network has its own personality — and some servers pride themselves in having no particular personality. Every server is free to join, although some may be closed to new accounts or may require that you get on a waiting list.\r\n\r\nThe most difficult part of getting a Mastodon account is choosing which server to join. Fortunately, there's a <a href=\"https://joinmastodon.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mastodon web page</a> (shown in the image below) to help you sort through your options.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297374\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-297374 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/join-mastodon-screen.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Join Mastodon page.\" width=\"630\" height=\"303\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Your first stop should be joinmastodon.org.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You can sign up for Mastodon using the app or the website. However, signing up on the website — on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone — is easier than signing up with the app.</p>\r\nYour very first step in getting Mastodon is to go to the <a href=\"https://joinmastodon.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Join Mastodon page</a>. Then, click the \"Get the App\" link to use the app or click \"Create Account\" to use your web browser. Both the website and the app are free, and creating your account on one allows you to use all the features of both.\r\n\r\nIf you click \"Get the App,\" you'll be taken to a screen where you can choose to go to the Apple App Store (to download the iPhone app) or to Google Play (to download the Android app). Once you get to the app store, download and install the Mastodon app as you would with any app.\r\n\r\nSigning into the Mastodon mobile app is covered in the “Signing in Using the Mobile App” section, later in this chapter.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Because Mastodon is based on a free and open standard, there are many apps to choose from to use Mastodon. Start with the official one, which is called Mastodon.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Browsing your options</h2>\r\nWhen you visit the Join Mastodon page and click the \"Create Account\" button, you'll be taken to the Servers page, which is shown below.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297375\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297375\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-servers-screen.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon Servers page.\" width=\"630\" height=\"303\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Checking out the servers[/caption]\r\n\r\nMany more Mastodon servers than the ones you see when you scroll down this page are available. However, the servers on joinmastodon.org follow certain rules known as the Mastodon Server Covenant, which is an agreement by the server's owner to work to keep the server free of hate speech, to back up their data daily, to have a person on call to deal with technical issues with the server, and to give users of the server at least three months’ notice before shutting down the server.\r\n\r\nBecause these servers have agreed to the Server Covenant, they are seen as trustworthy, stable, and safe places to serve as your home in the Mastodon universe.\r\n\r\nAlthough you can't go wrong with any of the instances listed on the servers page, some will be a better fit for you than others — and that's what makes Mastodon so cool!\r\n\r\nSpend some time browsing through the different servers listed here. Note that you have several options for filtering the results — including by geographical region and topic (listed on the left side of the screen) and by legal structure, sign-up speed, and language (selected from drop-down lists at the top), as shown below.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_297373\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-297373\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-server-descriptions.jpg\" alt=\"Screenshot showing the Mastodon server descriptions page.\" width=\"630\" height=\"323\" /> ©Mastodon<br />Reading the server descriptions[/caption]\r\n\r\nOnce you've found a server or two that sound like places where you'd like to hang out and call your home base, the first potentially make-or-break characteristic of the server is the <em>sign-up speed,</em> which is how fast it will take for you to get an account.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Understanding sign-up speed</h2>\r\nWhen you browse the list of servers, you'll see two types of buttons: \"Apply for an Account\" button and \"Create Account.\" The \"Create Account\" button means that the server has instant signup: You can have a new account on that server in the amount of time it takes for you to choose a username and a password.\r\n\r\nServers with an \"Apply for an Account\" button require that new accounts be approved by an administrator. This approval may take only a few minutes or a day. If you're super-excited to start using Mastodon, go with one of the ones that have the blue \"Create Account\" button.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Don't worry too much about picking the perfect server. Choosing a server doesn't have to be permanent. You can move your account (and all of your followers!) to another server easily after you sign up.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Reading the rules</h2>\r\nRegardless of whether you choose to apply for an account or go with a server that has instant account creation, check out the rules of your chosen server before you commit. To see a server's rules, first click the \"Create Account\" or \"Apply for an Account\" button to go to the server.\r\n\r\nOnce on the server, you'll see a description of the server on the left, with the name of the server administrator and the number of users. Below the server information, click \"Learn More\" to read more about the server, including its code of conduct, which describes the guidelines for how users of the server are expected to behave while using the server.\r\n\r\nRather than having a complicated set of rules that try to make the greatest number of people happy and end up pleasing no one (such as what centralized platforms such as Twitter and Facebook must do), each Mastodon server sets specific rules and the conduct expected from users.\r\n\r\nIf you don't like the code of conduct on one server, check out other servers until you find one with a code of conduct more in keeping with your beliefs.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Previewing a server</h2>\r\nWhen you sign up using a web browser, many of the servers listed at joinmastodon.org allow you to browse the content on the server before joining. If you click to the server and see posts, rather immediately seeing a sign-up or login page, you've come to one of these.\r\n\r\nTo see the content posted by the local users of the server, click the \"Local\" link on the right side of the page. The posts listed under \"Local\" are by people who would be your neighbors if you were to join this server. Are they talking about things you're interested in? If so, this may be the perfect server for you!\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Meeting the admin</h2>\r\nAnother way to choose a server is to find out more about the person running it. Every server prominently displays the person in charge of keeping the server running and enforcing the server's rules. Click their profile from the server's home page or from the server's \"About\" page to read more about them and to see the things they're interested in and what they post.\r\n\r\nOn Mastodon, the admin sets the tone for the server. If the admin seems like someone you'd like to hang out with, that's a good indication that you've found a home.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Seeing why smaller is better</h2>\r\nA server might have just a handful of members to many thousands. Servers with a smaller number of users are vital to keeping the entire universe interesting and avoiding a monoculture. Smaller servers also tend to have stronger personalities than larger servers. And smaller servers are often less prone to slowing down because they're less likely to get a lot of traffic.\r\n\r\nBecause every server allows access to the other servers, you have nothing to lose by going with a smaller one. In the same way that you're more likely to make friends in a small community group versus an international club with millions of members, joining a smaller Mastodon server makes you a bigger fish because the pond is smaller.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9070,"name":"Chris Minnick","slug":"chris-minnick","description":"<b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9070"}},{"authorId":35240,"name":"Mike McCallister","slug":"mike-mccallister","description":"&lt;b&gt;Michael McCallister&lt;/b&gt; has more than 20 years of experience as a technical writer. He is passionate about simplifying complex tech topics for novices.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35240"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Browsing your options","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Understanding sign-up speed","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Reading the rules","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Previewing a server","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Meeting the admin","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"Seeing why smaller is better","target":"#tab6"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":297324,"title":"How to Find Your Twitter Followers on Mastodon","slug":"how-to-find-your-friends-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297324"}},{"articleId":297311,"title":"How Is Mastodon Different from Twitter?","slug":"how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297311"}},{"articleId":297062,"title":"Mastodon For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297062"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":297324,"title":"How to Find Your Twitter Followers on Mastodon","slug":"how-to-find-your-friends-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297324"}},{"articleId":297311,"title":"How Is Mastodon Different from Twitter?","slug":"how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297311"}},{"articleId":297062,"title":"Mastodon For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297062"}},{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":297020,"slug":"mastodon-for-dummies","isbn":"9781394193363","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/139419336X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-for-dummies-cover-139419336X-165x255.jpg","width":165,"height":255},"title":"Mastodon For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"9070\">Chris Minnick</b></b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9070,"name":"Chris Minnick","slug":"chris-minnick","description":"<b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9070"}},{"authorId":35252,"name":"","slug":null,"description":null,"hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35252"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394193363&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63ee6f5f99308\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394193363&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63ee6f5f99862\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-02-16T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":297377},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2023-02-06T20:21:02+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-02-16T14:57:08+00:00","timestamp":"2023-02-16T15:01:20+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"Mastodon For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"mastodon for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"New Mastodon users will find the advice in this Cheat Sheet helpful for building a following, appreciating the platform, and much more.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.mp3\">Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\nEven though thousands of people join Mastodon every day, the number-one concern of new users is that they can't make the shift over from Twitter entirely because many of the people they follow on Twitter haven't set up a Mastodon account yet. Here, you discover some of the best ways to start meeting and engaging with new people on Mastodon.\r\n\r\nAnother concern of new Mastodon users is that it's different from using other social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. At first, these differences may seem difficult to adapt to. But with the tips covered here, using Mastodon will soon become second nature.","description":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.mp3\">Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\nEven though thousands of people join Mastodon every day, the number-one concern of new users is that they can't make the shift over from Twitter entirely because many of the people they follow on Twitter haven't set up a Mastodon account yet. Here, you discover some of the best ways to start meeting and engaging with new people on Mastodon.\r\n\r\nAnother concern of new Mastodon users is that it's different from using other social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. At first, these differences may seem difficult to adapt to. But with the tips covered here, using Mastodon will soon become second nature.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9070,"name":"Chris Minnick","slug":"chris-minnick","description":" <p><b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>. <p><b>Michael McCallister </b>has over twenty years’ experience as a technical writer. He is passionate about simplifying complex tech topics for novices. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9070"}},{"authorId":35240,"name":"Mike McCallister","slug":"mike-mccallister","description":"Michael McCallister has more than 20 years of experience as a technical writer. He is passionate about simplifying complex tech topics for novices.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35240"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":297324,"title":"How to Find Your Twitter Followers on Mastodon","slug":"how-to-find-your-friends-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297324"}},{"articleId":297311,"title":"How Is Mastodon Different from Twitter?","slug":"how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297311"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":297324,"title":"How to Find Your Twitter Followers on Mastodon","slug":"how-to-find-your-friends-on-mastodon","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297324"}},{"articleId":297311,"title":"How Is Mastodon Different from Twitter?","slug":"how-is-mastodon-different-from-twitter","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/297311"}},{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}},{"articleId":270448,"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270448"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":297020,"slug":"mastodon-for-dummies","isbn":"9781394193363","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/139419336X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/139419336X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/mastodon-for-dummies-cover-139419336X-165x255.jpg","width":165,"height":255},"title":"Mastodon For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9070\">Chris Minnick</b></b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>. <p><b>Michael McCallister </b>has over twenty years’ experience as a technical writer. He is passionate about simplifying complex tech topics for novices. <p><b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>. <p><b><b data-author-id=\"35252\">Michael McCallister</b> </b>has over twenty years’ experience as a technical writer. He is passionate about simplifying complex tech topics for novices.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9070,"name":"Chris Minnick","slug":"chris-minnick","description":" <p><b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>. <p><b>Michael McCallister </b>has over twenty years’ experience as a technical writer. He is passionate about simplifying complex tech topics for novices. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9070"}},{"authorId":35252,"name":"Michael McCallister","slug":"michael-mccallister","description":" <p><b>Chris Minnick</b> is an experienced tech educator and writer. He is the author of <i>JavaScript All-in-One For Dummies</i>. <p><b>Michael McCallister </b>has over twenty years’ experience as a technical writer. He is passionate about simplifying complex tech topics for novices. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35252"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394193363&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63ee4540c228f\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394193363&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63ee4540c34ef\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"10 tips for building a following","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Many people use social media as a way to reach other people with their writing, ideas, art, or products. Having more social media followers means that you have a larger potential audience.</p>\n<p>When you join Mastodon, you&#8217;ll have exactly the same number of followers as everyone else did when they first joined: zero! So, how do you get started with increasing that number?</p>\n<p>The easiest way to gain a large number of followers on Mastodon is to have a large number of followers off Mastodon. This is how people like George Takei, of <em>Star Trek</em> fame, have hundreds of thousands of followers in a matter of a week after signing up for Mastodon.</p>\n<p>Assuming that you&#8217;re not a well-known TV/movie actor, here are our best tips for becoming more popular on Mastodon:</p>\n<h3>Import friend lists</h3>\n<p>With thousands of people joining Mastodon every day, you may already know some people who are on Mastodon. Find out who they are and follow them. If they follow you on Twitter, they&#8217;ll likely follow you on Mastodon too.</p>\n<h3>Invite friends</h3>\n<p>Invite people who are interested in what you do when you&#8217;re not on Mastodon. Once you&#8217;ve signed up, encourage your partner, kids, and friends to sign up. Offer to help them get acquainted with how things work, and suggest that you might even follow them back!</p>\n<h3>Show appreciation</h3>\n<p>People share interesting, wise, beautiful, and funny things on Mastodon all the time. Rather than chuckling to yourself as you scroll by, take a moment to let them know that you appreciate what they posted. Ways to show your appreciation include marking their post as a favorite, boosting the post, sending them a direct message, or commenting.</p>\n<h3>Respect the rules</h3>\n<p>The rules of your server, and of the greater Mastodon community, keep it a lively and welcoming place. Know the rules of your server and respect them and you&#8217;ll find that people are eager to engage with content you post and to follow you.</p>\n<h3>Be helpful</h3>\n<p>Answering questions from new Mastodon users or posting about new things you&#8217;ve learned about using Mastodon is always appreciated. Or perhaps you have insights or technical help you can give someone who asks a question about baking, dog training, or automotive repair.</p>\n<p>You may be able to find people in need of your advice by searching for a hashtag related to one of your areas of expertise. Or, you may not need to wait for the question to be asked — plenty of people never even think to ask about the correct way to open a pomegranate, and you might be just the person to tell them!</p>\n<h3>Be yourself</h3>\n<p>As with any situation where you&#8217;re trying to make new friends, the best advice is always to just be yourself. (I&#8217;m sure we can all think of exceptions to the rule.) Look for people with similar interests and follow them, rather than trying to imitate people who have large followings in the hopes that you&#8217;ll be able to reproduce what they&#8217;ve done.</p>\n<h3>Avoid marketing speak</h3>\n<p>Marketing speak is a special language created by corporations to say things that sound important without really saying anything. Comprised of jargon, superlatives, clichés, and excessive words, marketing speak is often more likely to have the opposite of the super-impressive results that you imagined.</p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t say: I have extensive experience in evolving next-generation paradigm shifts for peer-to-peer synergy.</p>\n<p>Do say: I like to meet people.</p>\n<h3>Use hashtags liberally</h3>\n<p>Because Mastodon doesn&#8217;t have keyword search, the best way to find posts related to specific topics is by using hashtags. When you enter a hashtag in a post, Mastodon will tell you how frequently that hashtag is used. If you&#8217;re trying to decide between two hashtags that mean the same thing, choose the more commonly used one or use both to give people a better chance of finding your post.</p>\n<h3>Join into popular hashtags</h3>\n<p>Mastodon gives you several ways to find out which hashtags are trending, including on the Explore page and in the Trending Now widget. Do you see a hashtag related to something you&#8217;re interested in? Add to the discussion! Just don&#8217;t forget to use the hashtag and to spell it correctly.</p>\n<h3>Don&#8217;t worry about it, and have fun</h3>\n<p>Using Mastodon isn&#8217;t just about building an audience. In fact, many people (perhaps, most people) don&#8217;t give any thought to how many followers they or other people have. It&#8217;s not a popularity contest. What makes Mastodon interesting and fun are the conversations you&#8217;ll have with other people.</p>\n"},{"title":"Thinking in Mastodon","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>New users on Mastodon are often disappointed by the seemingly slow pace of their new social media feed. Without the aid of an algorithm designed to keep you engaged, you may find that refreshing your home feed on Mastodon produces only one or two new posts.</p>\n<p>Every time you used to pull down to refresh your Twitter feed, however, you&#8217;d get 25 to 50 new posts to skim.</p>\n<p>You might also find that the same people keep coming up in your feed, and you might not be particularly interested by what they&#8217;re saying. This, too, is a result of the algorithm-free nature of Mastodon.</p>\n<p>The good news is that the speed of your home feed and what shows up there is up to you. To get the most out of Mastodon and to start really enjoying it, you need to shift the way you think about social media. This change isn&#8217;t at all bad, though. In fact, it&#8217;s downright empowering.</p>\n<h3>Follow freely</h3>\n<p>Following someone on other social media sites is somewhat like marriage — you become forever associated with that person thanks to the service&#8217;s algorithms.</p>\n<p>Your Mastodon home feed isn&#8217;t tuned to respond to your previous follows, posts, favorites, or boosts. It simply shows you the things that people you follow post. As a result, if you see a post you really like, you might follow its author so you can see what else they have to say — it&#8217;s as simple as that.</p>\n<h3>Unfollow joyfully</h3>\n<p>If following someone should be done freely, unfollowing someone should be done even more freely. Most people won&#8217;t be upset or even notice if you stop following them on Mastodon. If you follow someone only to find out that they&#8217;re clogging up your feed with posts you&#8217;re not interested in, unfollow them right away!</p>\n<h3>Use mute</h3>\n<p>Mute is a powerful feature of Mastodon that you can use when you want to see what it&#8217;s like to unfollow someone — a trial separation, if you will. When you click the mute icon (three dots), you&#8217;ll have a choice of how long (from 5 minutes to indefinitely) you want to mute posts from the post&#8217;s author. Muting is a great way to see if your home feed feels more homey without that person around.</p>\n<h3>You&#8217;re the curator</h3>\n<p>Think of your home feed as an ever-evolving art gallery. By following, unfollowing, and muting other users&#8217; posts, you can tune your feed and make it fit your changing moods and interests. In fact, part of the fun of using Mastodon is that instead of an algorithm constantly guessing what you might want to see, the person who knows most about what you want to see — namely, you — is in charge.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-02-06T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":297062},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2018-12-19T19:52:08+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-09-02T15:59:54+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:20:01+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"Twitch For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"twitch for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"twitch-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"On Twitch, watch broadcasters show off their talents as they live-stream themselves, then start broadcasting your own content.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Twitch is an exciting entertainment platform. With Twitch, you can watch broadcasters show off their talents as they live-stream themselves playing video games, playing music, showing off their hobbies, and so much more. And you can set up your own channel and start broadcasting your own content. The great thing about Twitch is that you can interact with your audience while streaming, which builds a sense of community.","description":"Twitch is an exciting entertainment platform. With Twitch, you can watch broadcasters show off their talents as they live-stream themselves playing video games, playing music, showing off their hobbies, and so much more. And you can set up your own channel and start broadcasting your own content. The great thing about Twitch is that you can interact with your audience while streaming, which builds a sense of community.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":261127,"title":"How to Create a Twitch Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-twitch-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261127"}},{"articleId":261120,"title":"How to Follow and Subscribe to Twitch Channels","slug":"how-to-follow-and-subscribe-to-twitch-channels","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261120"}},{"articleId":261113,"title":"Streaming with a Twitch Account from Xbox One X or PlayStation 4","slug":"streaming-with-a-twitch-account-from-xbox-one-x-or-playstation-4","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261113"}},{"articleId":261106,"title":"How to Create a Complete Twitch Channel","slug":"how-to-create-a-complete-twitch-channel","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261106"}},{"articleId":261099,"title":"How to Set Up Your PS4 and Xbox One X for Twitch Streaming","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-ps4-and-xbox-one-x-for-twitch-streaming","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/261099"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}},{"articleId":270448,"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270448"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281885,"slug":"twitch-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119901570","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/111990157X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/111990157X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/111990157X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/111990157X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/111990157X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/twitch-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119901570-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Twitch For Dummies, 2nd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10282\">Tee Morris</b></b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i></p>","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}},{"authorId":35182,"name":"Emme Montgomery","slug":"emme-montgomery","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35182"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119901570&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b51436c7\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119901570&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b5143ca6\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":258518,"title":"Twitch Chat Commands","slug":"twitch-chat-commands","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/258518"}},{"articleId":258521,"title":"Twitch Subscriber Emoticon Tiers","slug":"","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/258521"}}],"content":[{"title":"Twitch chat commands","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Twitch is all about interaction, and one of the key ways to interact is through Chat. There are a number of Chat commands you and your community can use, not only to moderate your channel but to create connections with other streamers, customize messages appearing in your Chat window, and more. Here are a few Chat commands you should know for your stream:</p>\n<h3>For broadcasters</h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Raid — /raid &lt;<em>channel</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Takes host and Chat automatically to another streamer’s channel in a raid</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Mod — /mod &lt;<em>username</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Promotes a user to channel moderator</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Unmod — /unmod &lt;<em>username</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Demotes a channel moderator</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Host — /host &lt;<em>channel</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Allows you to host another channel on your own channel</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>For broadcasters and moderators</h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Timeout — /timeout &lt;username&gt; [<em>seconds</em>]\n<ul>\n<li>Temporarily bans someone from Chat</li>\n<li>Timeouts last for 10 minutes, by default, or can be set by an optional [<em>seconds</em>] value. A new timeout command will overwrite a previous timeout</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Ban — /ban &lt;<em>username</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Permanently bans a user from Chat</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Unban — /unban &lt;<em>username</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Lifts a user’s perma-ban from Chat</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Subscribers — /subscribers\n<ul>\n<li>Sets Chat to only subscribed users</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Subscribersoff — /subscribersoff\n<ul>\n<li>Returns Chat from Subscribers Only to all users</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Emoteonly — /emoteonly\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Allows your Chat to use only emotes as messages</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Emoteonly — /emoteonlyoff\n<ul>\n<li>Returns Chat from Emote Only to all users</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Poll — /poll\n<ul>\n<li>Creates a poll that Chat can participate in; type <strong>/poll</strong> into Chat and press the Enter key twice to create the poll</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Clear — /clear\n<ul>\n<li>Wipes Chat history</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>For everyone</h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Mods — /mods\n<ul>\n<li>Displays all Chat moderators for the channel</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Color — /color &lt;<em>colorname</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Changes the color of your username. The &lt;<em>colorname</em>&gt; options are:\n<ul>\n<li>Blue</li>\n<li>Coral</li>\n<li>DodgerBlue</li>\n<li>SpringGreen</li>\n<li>YellowGreen</li>\n<li>Green</li>\n<li>OrangeRed</li>\n<li>Red</li>\n<li>GoldenRod</li>\n<li>HotPink</li>\n<li>CadetBlue</li>\n<li>SeaGreen</li>\n<li>Chocolate</li>\n<li>BlueViolet</li>\n<li>Firebrick</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Ignore — /ignore &lt;<em>username</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Blocks specific users in Chat and Whispers if you do not want to see their comments</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Unignore — /unignore &lt;<em>username</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Lifts “Ignore” block from specific users</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Me — /me &lt;<em>text</em>&gt;\n<ul>\n<li>Colors and italicizes your text based on your Chat name color</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Twitch tags (examples from A-H","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Before going live, your stream is allowed tags to appear in searches and specific subcategories where people may be searching for new content. The following are only a few examples of the many tags available to streamers. <a href=\"https://www.twitch.tv/directory/all/tags\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Here&#8217;s a complete list of Twitch tags</a>.</p>\n<p><strong>A11y</strong>: For streams featuring the accessibility community</p>\n<p><strong>AMA</strong>: For streams with an emphasis on the answering of viewer questions</p>\n<p><strong>Baking</strong>: For streams with an emphasis on the preparation of baked goods</p>\n<p><strong>Blind</strong>: For streams and content featuring the blind community</p>\n<p><strong>Charity</strong>: For streams with an emphasis on fundraising for a charitable cause</p>\n<p><strong>Chatty</strong>: For streams and content featuring a chatty mood or vibe</p>\n<p><strong>Drag</strong>: For streams in which the streamer showcases the art of drag</p>\n<p><strong>Dreamcast</strong>: For streams in which the streamer is playing on a Dreamcast console</p>\n<p><strong>Emote Design</strong>: For streams with an emphasis on the discussion or design of emotes</p>\n<p><strong>Extra Life</strong>: For streams that feature participation in the Extra Life fundraising campaign for Children&#8217;s Miracle Network Hospitals</p>\n<p><strong>Filming</strong>: For streams with an emphasis on the act or discussion of recording video</p>\n<p><strong>First Playthrough</strong>: For streams that feature the first-time playthrough of a game</p>\n<p><strong>Game Awards</strong>: For streams related to the attendance or discussion of the annual Game Awards event</p>\n<p><strong>Gay</strong>: For streams and content featuring the gay community</p>\n<p><strong>He/Him</strong>: A masculine pronoun used to refer to a person in place of their name</p>\n<p><strong>Horror</strong>: For games that feature elements consistent with the Horror genre</p>\n"},{"title":"Twitch channel: Suggested panels","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When setting up your channel page on <a href=\"https://www.twitch.tv/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitch.tv</a>, it is a good idea to have a complete profile. If you don’t know what to put into your channel page, here are a few ideas to consider:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Schedule</li>\n<li>Rules (for Chat)</li>\n<li>Brief biography of host(s)</li>\n<li>Technical specifications of streaming PC</li>\n<li>Best online contact information</li>\n<li>Social media links</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Interview preparation tips","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Are you planning to interview someone on your stream? If you are new to interviewing others or want to level up your journalism skills, here are a few tips to take to heart:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Know who you&#8217;re talking to and what you want to talk about. It’s a good idea to visit guests’ websites or social media to do research. You don’t have to be an expert on their subject matter, but you should be familiar with it.</li>\n<li>Ensure that your questions follow a logical progression.</li>\n<li>Prepare twice the number of questions you think you’ll need. Then if your guest gives brief answers, you have a stockpile of questions to call upon.</li>\n<li>Never worry about asking a stupid question. Chances are, your audience has never heard it <em>answered</em> before.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Popular streaming software","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Console streaming take a lot of the guesswork out of streaming. When you jump into the stream with a PC, a whole new world opens up before you. It’s good to have friends along with you on this journey, and here are a few friends you should keep close:</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://obsproject.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OBS</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"https://streamelements.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">StreamElements</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"https://streamlabs.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Streamlabs</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"https://nerdordie.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nerd or Die</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"https://discord.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discord</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"https://hover.gg/app/discover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hover</a></p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-18T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":258524},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-04-23T19:33:06+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-23T19:00:11+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:12+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"Discord For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"discord for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"discord-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Use this Cheat Sheet to jump right into using Discord. Discover helpful Discord bots, apps you can integrate, and tips for interviewing guests.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The idea behind the Cheat Sheet is to give you a quick shortcut on what you may want to jump into, research further, or implement straight away when getting started on Discord. The Cheat Sheet is also a quick reminder of details you may want within reach like “What can I integrate with my Discord?” or “What were those tips on interviewing guests?” Your Cheat Sheet is a flash card for what you need at a glance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270247\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270247\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-video-chat.jpg\" alt=\"video chatting\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> ©fizkes/Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"The idea behind the Cheat Sheet is to give you a quick shortcut on what you may want to jump into, research further, or implement straight away when getting started on Discord. The Cheat Sheet is also a quick reminder of details you may want within reach like “What can I integrate with my Discord?” or “What were those tips on interviewing guests?” Your Cheat Sheet is a flash card for what you need at a glance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270247\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270247\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-video-chat.jpg\" alt=\"video chatting\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> ©fizkes/Shutterstock.com[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}},{"articleId":270448,"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270448"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}},{"articleId":270448,"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270448"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281687,"slug":"discord-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119688037","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119688035-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-for-dummies-cover-9781119688037-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Discord For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10282\">Tee Morris</b></b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i></p>","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119688037&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b20306ce\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119688037&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b203166b\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Helpful Discord bots","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When it comes to Discord, bots are the best helpers in adding to your stream content, functionality, and other additional options. You can incorporate keyword-enabled messages that can inform people of where to find your latest highlight video, post frequently asked-for URLs, and quickly share other tidbits of information. Other bots welcome new people to the server, inform you of special events happening online, and even provide a level of security for you and your community. Here are a few online helpers worthy of your attention:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://mee6.xyz/\">Mee6</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://carl.gg/\">Carl Bot</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://nightbot.tv/\">Nightbot</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://dyno.gg/\">Dyno Bot</a></li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Integrations with Discord","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Under “Connections” are all the various apps you can integrate with Discord. Integrations allow for your Discord to work with other platforms to syndicate and curate content for your server, and even add options for your community to interact with these various platforms. The connections you can make to your server include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://twitch.tv/\">Twitch</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://youtube.com/\">YouTube</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://blizzard.com/\">Blizzard Entertainment</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://steampowered.com/\">Steam</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://reddit.com/\">Reddit</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://facebook.com/\">Facebook</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://twitter.com/\">Twitter</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://spotify.com/\">Spotify</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://xbox.com/\">Xbox LIVE</a></li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Supported media on Discord","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When you are posting on Discord, you can add to your post a variety of different media. Here is a quick look at what you can add to your post to make your content stand out and bring more to a conversation.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>URLs (websites)</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://dummies-wp-admin.dummies.com/web-design-development/use-the-best-image-formats-and-sizes/\">JPG and PNG images</a> (photos and artwork saved either with <em>Joint Photographic Experts Group</em> or <em>Portable Network Graphic</em> formats)</li>\n<li>Animated GIFs</li>\n<li>MP3 files (compressed audio files)</li>\n<li>M4V and MP4 files (compressed video files)</li>\n<li>Emojis and Emotes</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Discord in its standard form will not upload any media files larger than 8MB in size.</p>\n"},{"title":"Preparing to interview son Discord","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Maybe you have experience with interviewing people; but in case this is undiscovered country for you, here are a few tips and strategies in making an interview work for both you and the interview subject. If you have experience with interviews, you might find a new tip or two here. Good luck!</p>\n<p>Tips for preparing for an interview:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Know who you&#8217;re talking to and what you want to talk about. It’s a good idea to visit guests’ Web sites and do research. You don&#8217;t have to be an expert on their subject matter, but you should be familiar with it.</li>\n<li>Have your questions follow a logical progression.</li>\n<li>Prepare twice the number of questions that you think you&#8217;ll need. Then if your guest gives brief answers, you have a stockpile of questions to call upon.</li>\n<li>Never worry about asking a stupid question. Chances are, your audience has never heard it <em>answered</em></li>\n</ul>\n<p>Reliable interview questions to ask:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Who are you and what do you do (profession-wise)?</li>\n<li>When did you first launch your Discord server?</li>\n<li>You are a streamer but it appears that your Discord is geared more for [angle on the individual]. What brought about that evolution?</li>\n<li>What drives your community? What is it about your server that keeps people coming back?</li>\n<li>What do you think is the greatest challenge starting a Discord server?</li>\n<li>What is your proudest moment with Discord? Is it sharing your gaming experiences, sharing creative ideas, or discovering new tools from your community that help you accomplish creative tasks?</li>\n<li>What is the life lesson that Discord has taught you?</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Creating a green room for voice comms on Discord","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The <em>green room</em> is where guests on a talk show or members of a cast wait to make an entrance. A green room is helpful if you want to keep a semblance of organization to your comms, something you want to make a priority when you are streaming content. Without a green room, your voice channels are open for anyone who wants to come in and completely derail your train of thought, or worse, take hold of your conversation and monopolize it.</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Go to the Voice Channels section and either single-click the gear wheel by Voice Comms or right-click your Voice Comms and select the Edit Channel option.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> In the Edit Channel window, go to Permissions and scroll down to the Voice Permissions section. Click the @everyone role and find the Connect option. Click the red X found to the right of it.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Select the Moderator role and single-click the green checkmark for the Connect permission.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Return to your Voice Channels and single-click the “+” option to add a new Voice Channel. Name the channel </strong>Green Room<strong> and then click the Create Channel button.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Right-click Green Room and select the Edit Channel option. In the Overview option, set the User Limit to 10 to allow only 10 users in the Green Room.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Click the Save Changes button.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Leave all of the Green Room permissions at their default settings.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Tell members of your community to wait in the Green Room.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Once you recognize names of those you have invited, click and drag guests from the Green Room to Voice Comms.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Enjoy the chat!</strong></li>\n</ol>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-23T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":270246},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T08:07:05+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-10-06T17:52:06+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:41+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"How to Locate Bebo's Archived Content","strippedTitle":"how to locate bebo's archived content","slug":"how-to-locate-bebos-archived-content","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how you might be able to retrieve your old Bebo.com content, now that the social networking platform is back up and running.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If you are an old <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/social-media/what-is-bebo/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bebo.com</a> user, then you may have had a heck of a time trying to keep your account content when the social networking platform was sold to AOL (America Online) and then bought back by the original creators, who relaunched in February 2021.\r\n\r\nDuring the transition from Bebo Inc., to AOL and back again, many users found it difficult to retrieve their uploaded blogs, photos, and posts.\r\n\r\nIf you are or were a diehard bebo.com user and logged in regularly to keep your account active, you probably want to maintain and save all of your old online content. Due to the transition to and from AOL, some users stopped visiting the site regularly. Consequently, their accounts have been disabled and removed from the Bebo archive.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Accessing the archives</h2>\r\nIf your account was still active prior to the Bebo transformation into a social messaging application, chances are you will be able to retrieve all of your lost blogs, photos, and posts.\r\n\r\nTo access Bebo’s archives, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">To access the old content, you first must download the Bebo application from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">After you have installed this application, launch Bebo and follow the steps to create a new account.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Do not use the same credentials with your new account as the old ones you used on bebo.com. Reports of old accounts being deactivated have been noted, and some additional users have lost their archived material due to the same username/password combination causing confusion on the Bebo application’s servers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">After you have created your new account, you can send a hashtag message to anyone as follows: #oldphotos.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Instantly a window will pop-up asking for your old Bebo account information. Enter your username or e-mail and password to the old Bebo account and press continue.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/466577.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"363\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Make sure you are putting in your old bebo.com account info and not the new info you just created!</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">E-mail then will be sent to you via the e-mail associated with your account containing links to all your old bebo.com content.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"TechnicalStuff\">Bebo Inc., claims #oldphotos doesn’t work for just old photos but also for old posts and blogs as well and is trying to rectify the issues caused by AOL. If you are one of the lucky ones and get to keep your archived content, great! Otherwise, be prepared to say goodbye to the content in case it is lost forever, and perhaps next time consider a hard copy backup directly on your computer, external hard drive, or memory card for safe keeping. Good Luck!</p>","description":"If you are an old <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/social-media/what-is-bebo/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bebo.com</a> user, then you may have had a heck of a time trying to keep your account content when the social networking platform was sold to AOL (America Online) and then bought back by the original creators, who relaunched in February 2021.\r\n\r\nDuring the transition from Bebo Inc., to AOL and back again, many users found it difficult to retrieve their uploaded blogs, photos, and posts.\r\n\r\nIf you are or were a diehard bebo.com user and logged in regularly to keep your account active, you probably want to maintain and save all of your old online content. Due to the transition to and from AOL, some users stopped visiting the site regularly. Consequently, their accounts have been disabled and removed from the Bebo archive.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Accessing the archives</h2>\r\nIf your account was still active prior to the Bebo transformation into a social messaging application, chances are you will be able to retrieve all of your lost blogs, photos, and posts.\r\n\r\nTo access Bebo’s archives, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">To access the old content, you first must download the Bebo application from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">After you have installed this application, launch Bebo and follow the steps to create a new account.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Do not use the same credentials with your new account as the old ones you used on bebo.com. Reports of old accounts being deactivated have been noted, and some additional users have lost their archived material due to the same username/password combination causing confusion on the Bebo application’s servers.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">After you have created your new account, you can send a hashtag message to anyone as follows: #oldphotos.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Instantly a window will pop-up asking for your old Bebo account information. Enter your username or e-mail and password to the old Bebo account and press continue.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/466577.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"363\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Make sure you are putting in your old bebo.com account info and not the new info you just created!</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">E-mail then will be sent to you via the e-mail associated with your account containing links to all your old bebo.com content.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"TechnicalStuff\">Bebo Inc., claims #oldphotos doesn’t work for just old photos but also for old posts and blogs as well and is trying to rectify the issues caused by AOL. If you are one of the lucky ones and get to keep your archived content, great! Otherwise, be prepared to say goodbye to the content in case it is lost forever, and perhaps next time consider a hard copy backup directly on your computer, external hard drive, or memory card for safe keeping. Good Luck!</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8943,"name":"Kacey Kroh, Abshier House","slug":"kacey-kroh-abshier-house","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8943"}},{"authorId":8942,"name":"Abshier House","slug":"abshier-house","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8942"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Accessing the archives","target":"#tab1"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}},{"articleId":270448,"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270448"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b015a2db\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b015ad08\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-10-06T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":145015},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-04-29T22:55:28+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-04-29T22:55:28+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:40+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","strippedTitle":"top 10 essentials for discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Take a look at making your Discord a step or two beyond the basics with these items and accessories that can improve your Discord experience.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When starting off with a platform as robust, as multi-layered, and as versatile as Discord, you quickly realize that just downloading Discord is the first step. You might notice other Discord servers have a better sound, sharper video, and a better handle on the capabilities beyond text communication. That’s because those servers have made investments in ways other than time and attention. The individuals and teams behind those servers invest in hardware that improves the <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/software/other-software/discord-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Discord</a> experience they offer.\r\n\r\nIf you want to take a look at making your Discord experience a step or two beyond the basics, here are some suggestions of items and accessories that can improve your Discord experience.","description":"When starting off with a platform as robust, as multi-layered, and as versatile as Discord, you quickly realize that just downloading Discord is the first step. You might notice other Discord servers have a better sound, sharper video, and a better handle on the capabilities beyond text communication. That’s because those servers have made investments in ways other than time and attention. The individuals and teams behind those servers invest in hardware that improves the <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/software/other-software/discord-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Discord</a> experience they offer.\r\n\r\nIf you want to take a look at making your Discord experience a step or two beyond the basics, here are some suggestions of items and accessories that can improve your Discord experience.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}},{"articleId":270448,"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270448"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}},{"articleId":270427,"title":"How to Join a Discord Server","slug":"how-to-join-a-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270427"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}},{"articleId":270448,"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270448"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}},{"articleId":270427,"title":"How to Join a Discord Server","slug":"how-to-join-a-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270427"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281687,"slug":"discord-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119688037","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119688035-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-for-dummies-cover-9781119688037-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Discord For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10282\">Tee Morris</b></b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i></p>","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119688037&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ac47b8af\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119688037&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ac47c131\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Corsair’s Void Pro Headset","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-corsair.jpg","width":556,"height":487},"content":"<p>Maybe it is the podcaster in me, or maybe it’s dating even further back to when I was a burgeoning band geek in my youth, but quality audio matters. Whether you are using Discord to record interviews for podcasts, working with a team to coordinate a special event, or simply organizing a fireteam for a raid in <em>Destiny 2</em>, quality audio is something that can really make a difference in your experience. It can be incredibly jarring when you are trying to talk to people online and there is that one person who is struggling to hear you or you are struggling to hear them.</p>\n<p>This is why, when it comes to audio quality, earbuds of any make and model only offers so much.</p>\n<p><em>Closed-ear headphones</em> are a worthwhile investment, and while there are many headphones on the market, I recommend the <em>Corsair Void Pro Headset</em> at $80, pictured in Figure 11-1. The price may sound steep, but for this price the Void Pros offer impressive features:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Microfiber mesh fabric and memory foam on the earpads</li>\n<li>Dolby Headphone 7.1 surround sound delivering immersive multi-channel audio</li>\n<li>Custom-tuned 50mm neodymium speakers offering wide range and accuracy</li>\n<li>Optimized unidirectional microphone reduces ambient noise for enhanced voice quality</li>\n</ul>\n<p>The Corsair Void Pro Headset offers quality sound, quality recording, and comfort. If you are looking for the first major investment into your Discord loadout, the Void Pro is an excellent first step. Venture out to your local electronic stores that carry Corsair products and see if they offer a sound bar that allows you to preview a set before purchasing. It’s a great way to get an idea of not only how headphones sound, but also how they feel.</p>\n"},{"title":"Blue Microphone Yeti X","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-blue-microphone.jpg","width":375,"height":600},"content":"<p>I first saw the <a href=\"https://www.bluedesigns.com/products/yeti-x\"><em>Blue Microphone Yeti X</em></a> ($150, with full specs and demo videos available) at TwitchCon 2019. I forced myself to walk away from it. As you can see, that was not easy. I honestly didn’t need a new microphone for my studio, but after getting a personal demo of it, I <em>really wanted</em> this one.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>High-res, 11-segment LED meter built into the side of the microphone</li>\n<li>Multifunction smart knob offering mic gain, headphone volume, muting, and balance control between your microphone input and the audio coming from the computer</li>\n<li>Customizable LED lighting allowing you to personalize the Yeti X. (Hey, it’s all in the details.)</li>\n<li>Four pickup patterns: stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional</li>\n</ul>\n<p>The reviewers at <a href=\"https://www.soundguys.com\">Sound Guys</a> described the Yeti X as “a rather frustration-free experience while giving you the control you need to squeeze as much quality as you can out of a USB microphone. Streamers will find a good ally in the Yeti X.” Instead of the limitations of the above featured headset, the Yeti X with its different pickup patterns can be used in studio settings, picking up other hosts or background noise (if desired) when live at an event or mobile setting.</p>\n<p>Blue Microphones have always known what they are doing when it comes to USB microphones. The Yeti X (and its little brother, the Yeti Nano) is another incredible innovation that can improve your Discord signal. If you are looking to expand your studio, this is another worthwhile investment.</p>\n"},{"title":"MXL 990 XLR Microphone","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-mxl-990-xlr.jpg","width":335,"height":548},"content":"<p>We have been touting the USB microphone for good reason. USB mics have come a long way in the 15 years I’ve clocked in as a content creator. When you look at the variety of mics on the market, their features, and (more importantly) the high quality of audio they capture, it would be wrong to dismiss how good USB mics perform.</p>\n<p>But there is a good reason why XLR microphones are still an industry standard.</p>\n<p>Yes, XLR microphones do start on the higher end of the economic structure, but one reason of many they remain so much in demand with content creators is their versatility. Instead of one USB mic taking up a port and serving as the sole input signal, multiple XLR microphones can be plugged into a preamp or a mixer board, offering multiple audio input sources for your studio. So when you have multiple people in studio and Discord is working as your base for a podcast or some other kind of group-oriented stream (outside of gaming), XLR microphones make sense.</p>\n<p>And when it comes to XLR microphones and the many I have used in my years, the <em>MXL 990</em> remains a favorite.</p>\n<p>The MXL 990 has been called groundbreaking by audio professionals on account of the 990 being a high-quality condenser microphone that is considered affordable by the mass market. A couple of reasons the 990 is able to capture sound so well has to do with a field effect transistor (FET) preamp and a large diaphragm within the microphone. That is super audio nerd-speak for the inner-workings of the 990 creates a robust signal that results in a brighter, balanced output, retains high, low, and midrange audio reproduction.</p>\n<p>This was my first microphone when I got into content creation, and the fact it comes with a shock mount specific for the 990, a mic stand adapter, and a carrying case is something of a bonus. This mic comes in at $65 but you might find other variations of the 990 with higher price tags, the Blaze model shown. Take a look at the specs and look for any add-ons or packages it is part of, as that can affect the price.</p>\n"},{"title":"Shure X2u XLR-to-USB Microphone Adapter","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-xlr-microphone.jpg","width":310,"height":600},"content":"<p>If you are looking ahead to expand in the future, investing in an XLR microphone makes sense. This way, you don’t feel like you have a USB mic gathering dust while you have your new XLR taking the lead. Before you upgrade your studio, though, how do you get a mic connected? Either purchase a USB mic only to retire on upgrade, or pick up an XLR but have no microphone for your Discord.</p>\n<p>Or you can make the most of your XLR microphone and pick up an XLR-to-USB microphone adapter.</p>\n<p>The Shure X2U XLR-to-USB adapter serves as a bridge between your XLR microphone and your computer. The device has a female XLR connection on one end and a male USB connection. XLR-to-USB adapters provide phantom power, making it something like a handheld preamp. Remember, if the mic cannot work with phantom power, the mic won’t work at all. With this bridge, you and your XLR are ready to go.</p>\n<p>Other features of the Shure X2U include a small 1/4-inch jack for headphones or hardwired earbuds, both monitor and volume control if you are using the headphones feature, and finally, gain control in case your mic needs a little kick to pick up your input. The best part of using an adapter is you can still use it with a laptop computer once you take your Discord studio to the next level with a mixer board.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">When working with USB mics, there is usually one source. You cannot plug multiple USB mics into a hub and record all signals coming in. Each mic Discord will recognize as an independent, dedicated audio source.</p>\n"},{"title":"Røde Boom Mic Stand","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-rode-boom-mic.jpg","width":556,"height":537},"content":"<p>Why is a mic stand such a big deal?</p>\n<p>True, many USB mic either come with their own mic stands or are part of the headset you have for your gaming. If however, you are looking for something more out of your Discord and your studio altogether, or if you are upgrading to XLR microphones that do not come with mic stands (but they do come with attachments for mic stands so riddle me that, Batman) then you are going to need a mic stand.</p>\n<p>Are boom mic stands expensive? Yes. Are they fantastic to work with? Oh absolutely.</p>\n<p>The nice thing about boom mic stands, like the Røde Boom Mic Stand is that these mic stands lift the microphone off the desk and closer to you. By doing this, they free up desk space so you do not have to carefully position your keyboard, mouse, or any other peripherals around the microphone itself. A hidden, underappreciated bonus with boom mic stands is they help you keep a better posture when at the desk. It is not unusual for people to slouch around a desktop mic stand, which is one reason why boom mics are so commonplace in recording studios. Instead of hunched over, you are eyes up and straight-backed, making you breathing and your posture that more confident. All this comes out in your presence when on comms, as well. Boom mic stands can also free up desk space for you to have your thoughts organized if you are hosting on Discord an interview or an event organization.</p>\n<p>Boom mic stands can either be secured to a desk or table, or can be standing independently off to one side of your setup. They range in price based on the kind of mic stand you purchase. No, you may not have the budget to start out on Discord with a boom mic stand, but it is something to keep on your studio improvements list for future upgrades.</p>\n"},{"title":"Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-logitech-c922.jpg","width":556,"height":302},"content":"<p>Looking up <em>webcams</em>, USB-powered cameras specifically geared for streaming video, yields a lot of various makes and models ranging from just under $20 to nearly $200. That’s a pretty big jump as far as accessories go, so exactly what are you paying for with these various models.</p>\n<p>Perhaps the two biggest differences between webcams, including the ones build into laptops, are their video resolution and maximum video frame rates. The video resolutions of camera will tell you exactly how good your image will look when you are streaming video. A $20 camera will come with 1280 × 720 pixels while the built-in camera for a MacBook Pro has a resolution of 2880 × 1800. At the top of the heap, a 4K camera will shoot as high as 4096 × 2160. Video frame rates also play into the clarity of your video signal. While the $20 camera and MacBook Pro have different screen resolutions, both capture at 30 frames per second. The more frames per second, the sharper the image. This is why some higher quality cameras can capture at 60 frames per second.</p>\n<p>If I suggest a webcam that can offer you great results without breaking your budget, the Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam offers a lot of top-shelf features at $80. Coming with either an optional tripod or attachments for the top of a monitor, the C922 captures at a high definition rate of 1920 × 1080 at 30 frames per second, or at a lower resolution at 60 frames per second. Other features include automatic low light correction, and the utility Personify, which can replace a bland, bare background with something more dynamic.</p>\n<p>Video may not be a big deal for you on Discord, but if the streaming feature continues to evolve and your own need for videoconferencing begins to rise, consider the C922 and its capabilities and what it can offer your server.</p>\n"},{"title":"ZOMEi 16-Inch LED Ring Light","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-zomei.jpg","width":556,"height":582},"content":"<p>Ring lights are all the rage for influencers, streamers, and photographers. These accessories are used with SLR cameras, webcams, and smartphones as an economic solution to full-on professional lighting kits, and as they are LED lights, there is low heat output. Ring lights have become a solution for streamers struggling against poor or dim lighting, and can offer hosts of webinars and videoconferences a way to avoid what I call the “Witness Protection Program” effect where a subject is backlit. You hear them. You just don’t <em>see</em> them. If you are having issues with your Discord video and being seen, a light ring may be what you need.</p>\n<p>The ZOMEi 16-inch LED Ring Light Kit is full of features and accessories that can help you light yourself before going live. In the light ring itself, two-toned LEDs can adjust color temperature and brightness, which is especially helpful when working with green screens (if green screens are something you want to work with). The ZOMEi provides plenty of fill light while still allowing for continuous natural light to help out.</p>\n<p>Along with the ring light himself, the ZOMEi kit comes with an adjustable 18- to 670-inch light stand and can rotate 180 degrees, perfect for live streaming, or videoconferencing. The kit rounds off with a phone holder, power adapter, and a tote bag for this kit to make all this portable.</p>\n<p>You may not need the kit if you are not interested in the videoconferencing aspects of Discord. However, if you want to make sure your lighting is on point, the ZOMEi option can do a lot for improving the quality of your video.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Some models of webcams come with light ring attachments of their own. These webcam’s built-in solutions may have limitations; but if you are looking for quick and dirty solutions to inadequate lighting, take a look at UNZANO PC Streaming Webcam with Ring Light or the Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam, both models equipped with modest lighting.</p>\n"},{"title":"Mee6","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-mee6.jpg","width":556,"height":332},"content":"<p>Bots are usually not welcome on social media platforms. If you are dealing with bots, you’re dealing with automated messages spamming malicious links or suddenly following you on Discord, Twitter, Twitch, and other platforms. Rarely are these unwelcomed, unwanted guests on social media doing anything good, but there are exceptions to the rule. Not all bots are jerks, and I’ve got three here that are worth your attention with Discord.</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://mee6.xyz/\">Mee6</a> wants to actually help you make your Discord server a better place to be. (Yeah, the reference is subtle, but it’s there.) The bot is quick and easy to install and performs tasks that help you be more productive. Some of the things Mee6 does for you include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Customized welcome messages that truly make an arrival to your server memorable</li>\n<li>Gamification of things people do (make posts, share media, and so on), encouraging activity from your server members</li>\n<li>Additional security from spammers and trolls</li>\n<li>Automated alerts for when you go live with a stream, post a new video on YouTube, or begin a new thread on Reddit</li>\n</ul>\n<p>If you are a programmer, you can also use Mee6 to create custom commands assigned to roles in your server. You have a lot to do when you are managing a Discord server, especially if it is a busy, bustling server. Mee6 is that friend in your corner that happily says “Can do!” and undertakes redundant tasks that need to get done. So, feel free to lean a little on this blue bot. Mee6 is there to help.</p>\n"},{"title":"Carl-bot","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-carl-bot.jpg","width":556,"height":318},"content":"<p>Another bot worth mentioning as an essential for Discord is <a href=\"https://carl.gg\"><em>Carl-bot</em></a>. For our #welcome page, we used Carl-bot to create what was called a <em>reaction role</em>, a role created once the appropriate reaction is made to a post in a designated channel. Reactions roles are only one feature available from Carl-bot.</p>\n<p>Along with creating reaction roles, you can also create:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Create logs for just about every activity from generation of invite links to message management to server updates</li>\n<li>Advanced moderation over your server including bulk management of roles and additional mod commands from the default Discord commands</li>\n<li>A suggestion box for your server that you can manage easily</li>\n<li>Advanced permission systems that allows both you and Carl-bot to moderate your server without interfering with conversations that matter to you</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Carl-bot can do a lot for you and your server. Similar to when connections are made to applications, Carl-bot create roles and commands suited to your exact needs and wants for your server. When you can, take a closer look at what you can achieve with Carl-bot as part of your server.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Exclusive content shared on your Members Only channels should remain there. If you have members of exclusive channels sharing your content on open channels, have your mods remove the content as soon as possible and then ask the server member to refrain from sharing exclusive content on open channels. If the same server member shares such exclusive content again, consider a timeout or (if it’s really an issue) ban. Moderation isn’t easy, and sometimes hard choices need to be made. Exclusive content should remain exclusive.</p>\n"},{"title":"Nightbot","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-nightbot.jpg","width":507,"height":600},"content":"<p>We finish up our essentials of Discord with <a href=\"https://nightbot.tv/\">Nightbot</a>. Nightbot is a virtual assistant, similar to Mee6 and Carl-bot, and is managed by you and mods to help a stream run smoothly and efficiently. When triggered, commands type into Twitch’s Chat window different kinds of messages. They can be visual (like an emotes cheer as seen in the figure), links to your Discord server, or just simple text messages.</p>\n<p>With an integration of Nightbot into your own server, you can bring over from your stream a variety of quick shortcuts:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Greetings/Icebreakers: </strong>A command reading “Good morning, Twitch Monsters! Make sure you say ‘Hi’ and @TheTeeMonster will give you a shout on stream!” welcomes newcomers and regulars to your stream to start talking.</li>\n<li><strong>Shout-outs:</strong> If you’re talking about a content creator you met at a meetup or online somewhere, dropping a shout-out is a good thing to do.</li>\n<li><strong>Relevant links:</strong> If you have a product or service you want to promote with a quick command (the command itself being a quick description of what the product/service is and a URL point to more information, contracting details, and so on), you can create a quick promo to share with your Chat.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Nightbot also offers spam protection from trolls; and offers Blacklists of various terms and phrases that, when triggered, immediately timeout offenders. It also gives your mods an opportunity to look over these potential trolls (sometimes, people just make mistakes) and see if it was an honest mistake or not.</p>\n<p>Connecting this virtual assistant to your Discord server brings all the perks of Nightbot streamers enjoy to your Discord. Spam protection. Custom commands. The things that Nightbot helps streamers everywhere take care of is now accessible with Discord servers.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":270462},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-04-29T21:38:40+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-04-29T21:38:40+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:40+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"What Is Discord Server?","strippedTitle":"what is discord server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn what Discord server is. Also learn a bit about Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and in-game chat and how these are importance concepts to Discord.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Perhaps the trickiest thing to do right off the bat is define <a href=\"https://discordapp.com\"><em>Discord</em></a>. On the surface, it looks and sounds like Skype on steroids, but it’s a robust, stable communications platform available as a browser application, a stand-alone desktop application, and a mobile app for both smartphones and tablets. <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/software/other-software/discord-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Discord</a> offers the following features:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Text chat</li>\r\n \t<li>Audio and video chat (group and private)</li>\r\n \t<li>Private text messaging</li>\r\n \t<li>News feeds</li>\r\n \t<li>Link and media sharing</li>\r\n \t<li>Streaming and screen sharing</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nDiscord provides gamers, streamers, and many other creative individuals and organizations an all-encompassing platform for topic-specific chat streams, private audio channels and open public chats, interviews for podcasts and streams, and much more.\r\n\r\nOne of many reasons this platform is so closely associated with gaming is due in part to its founder, Jason Citron. Citron was the founder of OpenFeint, a social gaming platform for mobile games, and Hammer & Chisel, a game development studio. Being a gamer himself, Citron noted problems with available options providing real-time game comms. His development team introduced Discord in May 2015 to Reddit communities, where it gained popularity with eSports gamers and Twitch.tv hosts and took off from there. Within its first year, Discord was hailed by PC Gamer as the best VoIP service available, praising its ease of use and its stability.\r\n\r\nOh, and Discord costs now what it did when it was introduced: <em>free</em>.\r\n\r\nDiscord stands apart from other game comms solutions — and for many professionals reliant on using the Internet for communications — for its stability, audio quality, video quality, and ease of use. It may seem a little intimidating when you first launch it, but setup and use are incredibly easy.\r\n\r\nWelcome to a look inside my brain when I first started <em>streaming</em> — creating content live online through a service like <a href=\"https://www.twitch.tv\">Twitch</a>, <a href=\"http://www.mixer.com\">Mixer</a>, or <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com\">YouTube</a>—and I was asked, “So what’s your Discord server?”\r\n\r\nAre you kidding? I have to know this thing called Discord if I want to know Twitch?\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270458\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270458\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-welcome.jpg\" alt=\"Welcome to Discord\" width=\"556\" height=\"345\" /> Welcome to Discord, a Swiss Army knife of communications for you and your team.[/caption]\r\n\r\nNo, Discord is not necessarily a necessity for streaming, but if you want to build a community, if you want to extend your reach as a content creator, and if you want to level up your online communications game, yes, you will need Discord.\r\n\r\nAwesome.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >So, What Exactly Is VoIP?</h2>\r\nAll right, maybe learning something new won’t be so bad if you have a good reason for picking up yet another platform. That is a sound reason to get behind taking time to traverse the learning curve, so where do you begin with Discord? Or where do you begin your serious look at why you need yet one more platform added to your growing palette of applications?\r\n\r\nSo let’s step back a bit and talk about what is at the heart of Discord: audio chat. Discord is one of many apps taking advantage of <em>Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), </em>a method commonly used for the delivery of media communications (audio, video, and data files) through online connections using audio and video <em>codecs</em> (formats used for compressing a lot of data into order to make it manageable for exchange). Think of how the JPEG format takes a huge image file and makes it only a few megabytes. Codecs are similar to that. Instead of data being transmitted over circuit-switched network, digital data is transmitted over a packet-switched network: the Internet.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the biggest name of early VoIP that changed the way the world communicated was <a href=\"https://www.skype.com\"><em>Skype</em></a>, offering free calls anywhere internationally by using closed networks for private user bases. The Danish software first reached the public in the summer of 2003. Provided you have broadband Internet, Skype offers up audio and video calls of better quality than standard telephone connections. Along with VoIP, a handy chat function is included for the exchange of data files.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270457\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270457\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-skype.jpg\" alt=\"Skype\" width=\"556\" height=\"342\" /> Skype brought free international communications to everyone around the world with a broadband Internet connection.[/caption]\r\n\r\nHere’s where things start to get a little dicey with VoIP. While the audio and video quality of these calls was unparalleled, a lot of factors would come into play, beginning with the quality of the broadband Internet. Not all broadband is created equal, and in rural areas and developing nations, dial-up was still the way to connect in 2003 and later. Even if broadband is up and running on both the sending and receiving ends of a VoIP call, sending files during a call could disrupt or outright end a call on account of the size of the files being exchanged, the upload/download limitations of the broadband connection, and the amount of traffic on both parties’ end.\r\n\r\nThen there’s security. Each point of a VoIP connection creates a potential vulnerability, as firewalls, if not configured properly, can block incoming and outgoing calls. Additionally, distributed denial-of-service attacks can easily take down VoIP systems, rendering them busy. And these are just two of many vulnerabilities that VoIP can bring to a professional or home network. Free global communication is a very cool thing, but it also comes with a lot of compromising possibilities. So while an improvement over your usual hard-wired telephone calls, VoIP is hardly perfect.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >So, What Exactly Is In-Game Chat?</h2>\r\nNow as VoIP has its checkered reputation, it did introduce the idea of open communications within online games. The concept of built-in chat options, a feature that is usually expected in team-oriented games, be they MMOs (massively multiplayer online games), FPS (first person shooters), RPGs (role playing games), or some other flavor of video game with communications between team members, completely changed how we play on our chosen platforms. <em>In-game chat</em> was introduced in 2006 with Nintendo’s <em>Metroid Prime Hunters</em>, offering gamers real-time audio through the Nintendo DS’s built-in microphone. In-game chat was also offered that year with <em>Nintendo’s Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl</em>.\r\n\r\nToday, in-game chat is everywhere. Bungie’s <em>Destiny</em> offers Fireteam Chat to keep Guardians connected when you lead a raid team into the Garden of Salvation. Epic Games’ juggernaut <em>Fortnite</em> also comes with native chat, allowing you to tell that 10-year-old who just fragged you the best place to store their Legendary pump shotgun. Even cutthroat pirates can make new friends through in-game chat in Rare Studios’ <em>Sea of Thieves, </em>pictured here.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270456\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270456\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-bbxh.jpg\" alt=\"in-game chat\" width=\"556\" height=\"293\" /> Thanks to in-game chat, streamer BBXH can give the order to raise the main sail, drop anchor, and give a sloop to starboard a broadside in Sea of Thieves.[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen you have Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Consoles are offering their own audio channels to give their gamers a more social experience. Can’t game with your friends in <em>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare</em>, as you are enjoying an adrenaline rush from <em>Dead by Daylight</em>? No worries. Sign on to Xbox LIVE or PSN and enjoy some casual hangout time with your crew. So long as you are logged into your console’s respective network, you can chat with your friends, build your network to include others, and swap media ranging from screen captures to game play. And don’t worry about not having the right gear straight away. Consoles will offer you the basics (such as an earbud with a mic and an audio jack in your controller) so you can start chatting straight out of the box.\r\n\r\nIn-game chat has become so prevalent, it is now a feature expected by gamers. It’s the ability to connect that appeals to players, as the gaming experience becomes something more social and more inclusive. From my own experience with in-game chat, it’s always fun to be able to work with fellow gamers in a tight scenario (be it PvP or PvE) and execute audibles. Feels good, man. However, the quality of the chat varies from game to game. <em>Destiny’s</em> native Fireteam Chat, for example, is barely better than the audio quality of a hard-wired telephone call. Another limitation of native in-game chat is that it is native to that game, so if you want to just hang out with your mates while gaming, you have to be in that particular game.\r\n\r\nConsole chat tends to have better audio quality as opposed to native in-game chat, provided that the network you’re on is having a good hair day. If someone in your party is suffering from connection issues, their audio will be spotty at best, popping and locking harder than a Cirque du Soleil performer. Sometimes, incompatibility in gaming gear (microphones, headsets, and so on) may also complicate things. A common audio issue on PSN, for example, is a Network Address Translation (NAT) error, which can occur when network settings on an individual’s console are not set properly or a firewall is active. Troubleshooting can be something of a challenge and may not always be a one-solution-fits-all kind of thing. And if Xbox LIVE or PSN is offline? No soup for you.\r\n\r\nVoIP is free and able to connect you with friends everywhere in the world, but not without a fair share of problems ranging from spotty reception to security vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, game and console developers offer their own brands of in-game communications, but if the audio quality doesn’t make you suffer, connection issues will.","description":"Perhaps the trickiest thing to do right off the bat is define <a href=\"https://discordapp.com\"><em>Discord</em></a>. On the surface, it looks and sounds like Skype on steroids, but it’s a robust, stable communications platform available as a browser application, a stand-alone desktop application, and a mobile app for both smartphones and tablets. <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/software/other-software/discord-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Discord</a> offers the following features:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Text chat</li>\r\n \t<li>Audio and video chat (group and private)</li>\r\n \t<li>Private text messaging</li>\r\n \t<li>News feeds</li>\r\n \t<li>Link and media sharing</li>\r\n \t<li>Streaming and screen sharing</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nDiscord provides gamers, streamers, and many other creative individuals and organizations an all-encompassing platform for topic-specific chat streams, private audio channels and open public chats, interviews for podcasts and streams, and much more.\r\n\r\nOne of many reasons this platform is so closely associated with gaming is due in part to its founder, Jason Citron. Citron was the founder of OpenFeint, a social gaming platform for mobile games, and Hammer & Chisel, a game development studio. Being a gamer himself, Citron noted problems with available options providing real-time game comms. His development team introduced Discord in May 2015 to Reddit communities, where it gained popularity with eSports gamers and Twitch.tv hosts and took off from there. Within its first year, Discord was hailed by PC Gamer as the best VoIP service available, praising its ease of use and its stability.\r\n\r\nOh, and Discord costs now what it did when it was introduced: <em>free</em>.\r\n\r\nDiscord stands apart from other game comms solutions — and for many professionals reliant on using the Internet for communications — for its stability, audio quality, video quality, and ease of use. It may seem a little intimidating when you first launch it, but setup and use are incredibly easy.\r\n\r\nWelcome to a look inside my brain when I first started <em>streaming</em> — creating content live online through a service like <a href=\"https://www.twitch.tv\">Twitch</a>, <a href=\"http://www.mixer.com\">Mixer</a>, or <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com\">YouTube</a>—and I was asked, “So what’s your Discord server?”\r\n\r\nAre you kidding? I have to know this thing called Discord if I want to know Twitch?\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270458\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270458\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-welcome.jpg\" alt=\"Welcome to Discord\" width=\"556\" height=\"345\" /> Welcome to Discord, a Swiss Army knife of communications for you and your team.[/caption]\r\n\r\nNo, Discord is not necessarily a necessity for streaming, but if you want to build a community, if you want to extend your reach as a content creator, and if you want to level up your online communications game, yes, you will need Discord.\r\n\r\nAwesome.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >So, What Exactly Is VoIP?</h2>\r\nAll right, maybe learning something new won’t be so bad if you have a good reason for picking up yet another platform. That is a sound reason to get behind taking time to traverse the learning curve, so where do you begin with Discord? Or where do you begin your serious look at why you need yet one more platform added to your growing palette of applications?\r\n\r\nSo let’s step back a bit and talk about what is at the heart of Discord: audio chat. Discord is one of many apps taking advantage of <em>Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), </em>a method commonly used for the delivery of media communications (audio, video, and data files) through online connections using audio and video <em>codecs</em> (formats used for compressing a lot of data into order to make it manageable for exchange). Think of how the JPEG format takes a huge image file and makes it only a few megabytes. Codecs are similar to that. Instead of data being transmitted over circuit-switched network, digital data is transmitted over a packet-switched network: the Internet.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the biggest name of early VoIP that changed the way the world communicated was <a href=\"https://www.skype.com\"><em>Skype</em></a>, offering free calls anywhere internationally by using closed networks for private user bases. The Danish software first reached the public in the summer of 2003. Provided you have broadband Internet, Skype offers up audio and video calls of better quality than standard telephone connections. Along with VoIP, a handy chat function is included for the exchange of data files.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270457\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270457\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-skype.jpg\" alt=\"Skype\" width=\"556\" height=\"342\" /> Skype brought free international communications to everyone around the world with a broadband Internet connection.[/caption]\r\n\r\nHere’s where things start to get a little dicey with VoIP. While the audio and video quality of these calls was unparalleled, a lot of factors would come into play, beginning with the quality of the broadband Internet. Not all broadband is created equal, and in rural areas and developing nations, dial-up was still the way to connect in 2003 and later. Even if broadband is up and running on both the sending and receiving ends of a VoIP call, sending files during a call could disrupt or outright end a call on account of the size of the files being exchanged, the upload/download limitations of the broadband connection, and the amount of traffic on both parties’ end.\r\n\r\nThen there’s security. Each point of a VoIP connection creates a potential vulnerability, as firewalls, if not configured properly, can block incoming and outgoing calls. Additionally, distributed denial-of-service attacks can easily take down VoIP systems, rendering them busy. And these are just two of many vulnerabilities that VoIP can bring to a professional or home network. Free global communication is a very cool thing, but it also comes with a lot of compromising possibilities. So while an improvement over your usual hard-wired telephone calls, VoIP is hardly perfect.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >So, What Exactly Is In-Game Chat?</h2>\r\nNow as VoIP has its checkered reputation, it did introduce the idea of open communications within online games. The concept of built-in chat options, a feature that is usually expected in team-oriented games, be they MMOs (massively multiplayer online games), FPS (first person shooters), RPGs (role playing games), or some other flavor of video game with communications between team members, completely changed how we play on our chosen platforms. <em>In-game chat</em> was introduced in 2006 with Nintendo’s <em>Metroid Prime Hunters</em>, offering gamers real-time audio through the Nintendo DS’s built-in microphone. In-game chat was also offered that year with <em>Nintendo’s Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl</em>.\r\n\r\nToday, in-game chat is everywhere. Bungie’s <em>Destiny</em> offers Fireteam Chat to keep Guardians connected when you lead a raid team into the Garden of Salvation. Epic Games’ juggernaut <em>Fortnite</em> also comes with native chat, allowing you to tell that 10-year-old who just fragged you the best place to store their Legendary pump shotgun. Even cutthroat pirates can make new friends through in-game chat in Rare Studios’ <em>Sea of Thieves, </em>pictured here.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270456\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270456\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-bbxh.jpg\" alt=\"in-game chat\" width=\"556\" height=\"293\" /> Thanks to in-game chat, streamer BBXH can give the order to raise the main sail, drop anchor, and give a sloop to starboard a broadside in Sea of Thieves.[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen you have Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Consoles are offering their own audio channels to give their gamers a more social experience. Can’t game with your friends in <em>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare</em>, as you are enjoying an adrenaline rush from <em>Dead by Daylight</em>? No worries. Sign on to Xbox LIVE or PSN and enjoy some casual hangout time with your crew. So long as you are logged into your console’s respective network, you can chat with your friends, build your network to include others, and swap media ranging from screen captures to game play. And don’t worry about not having the right gear straight away. Consoles will offer you the basics (such as an earbud with a mic and an audio jack in your controller) so you can start chatting straight out of the box.\r\n\r\nIn-game chat has become so prevalent, it is now a feature expected by gamers. It’s the ability to connect that appeals to players, as the gaming experience becomes something more social and more inclusive. From my own experience with in-game chat, it’s always fun to be able to work with fellow gamers in a tight scenario (be it PvP or PvE) and execute audibles. Feels good, man. However, the quality of the chat varies from game to game. <em>Destiny’s</em> native Fireteam Chat, for example, is barely better than the audio quality of a hard-wired telephone call. Another limitation of native in-game chat is that it is native to that game, so if you want to just hang out with your mates while gaming, you have to be in that particular game.\r\n\r\nConsole chat tends to have better audio quality as opposed to native in-game chat, provided that the network you’re on is having a good hair day. If someone in your party is suffering from connection issues, their audio will be spotty at best, popping and locking harder than a Cirque du Soleil performer. Sometimes, incompatibility in gaming gear (microphones, headsets, and so on) may also complicate things. A common audio issue on PSN, for example, is a Network Address Translation (NAT) error, which can occur when network settings on an individual’s console are not set properly or a firewall is active. Troubleshooting can be something of a challenge and may not always be a one-solution-fits-all kind of thing. And if Xbox LIVE or PSN is offline? No soup for you.\r\n\r\nVoIP is free and able to connect you with friends everywhere in the world, but not without a fair share of problems ranging from spotty reception to security vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, game and console developers offer their own brands of in-game communications, but if the audio quality doesn’t make you suffer, connection issues will.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"So, What Exactly Is VoIP?","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"So, What Exactly Is In-Game Chat?","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270448,"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270448"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}},{"articleId":270427,"title":"How to Join a Discord Server","slug":"how-to-join-a-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270427"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270448,"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270448"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}},{"articleId":270427,"title":"How to Join a Discord Server","slug":"how-to-join-a-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270427"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281687,"slug":"discord-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119688037","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119688035-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-for-dummies-cover-9781119688037-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Discord For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10282\">Tee Morris</b></b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i></p>","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119688037&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ac4742e0\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119688037&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ac474b53\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":270455},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-04-29T21:25:20+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-04-29T21:25:20+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:40+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33611"},"slug":"social-media","categoryId":33611},{"name":"General Social Media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"},"slug":"general-social-media","categoryId":33617}],"title":"How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account","strippedTitle":"how to set up your discord server account","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-server-account","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Your first to-do item with this new platform is to set yourself up on Discord first. Learn how to set up your Discord server account.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Your first to-do item with this new platform is to set yourself up on Discord first. Again, it does not cost a thing for you to do this, apart from time. There are a lot of flavors of <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/software/other-software/discord-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Discord</a>. You can use the communications app:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Through a browser</li>\r\n \t<li>As a stand-alone desktop application</li>\r\n \t<li>On your smartphone or tablet</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong> 1. Launch your browser of choice, and go to <a href=\"https://discordapp.com/\">DiscordApp.com</a>. </strong>Discord offers you two options: Download for Your OS or Open Discord in Your Browser.\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Open Discord in Your Browser option.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Enter a username for yourself. </strong>Create a name for yourself that people in Discord will know you by.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you are a content creator or a gamer, or if you’re developing an online persona, it is best to think ahead of how you want to be known. For example, on PSN, Instagram, and Twitch, I use the moniker TheTeeMonster. So, when I set up my Discord, I entered TheTeeMonster as my username. Consistency is key, so aim for the same username from platform to platform.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270451\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270451\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-username.jpg\" alt=\"username on Discord\" width=\"556\" height=\"348\" /> What do people call you on Discord? Create a username for yourself here, and begin building a brand for yourself or your organization.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Click the arrow button to the right, and verify that you’re not an automated program or bot.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Verify your account by email or by phone. </strong>Choose your preferred method of verification and follow the steps to assure Discord that yes, you are in fact a real person.\r\n\r\n<strong> 6. When you’re asked to set up your server or jump into Discord, click the Get Started option.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When you join Discord, you create what is called a <em>server</em>. This is your own private corner of Discord, and you decide how public your chat will be.</p>\r\n<strong> 7. In the Create Your Server dialog box, come up with a name for your server and a serve name, and select the server region closest to your location.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">This is where you give your server a name people can remember it by. The content creator IAmTeeBot called his server The System. Aura’s Discord server is called The Pit, named after his love for his pitbull Layla. Then you have James Werk’s Discord, named aptly enough The Werkshop. If you don’t like what you initially name your server, don’t worry. You can always change it later in the Settings section of your server.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270450\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270450\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-create-server.jpg\" alt=\"create a server on Discord\" width=\"556\" height=\"479\" /> When you create a server on Discord, you christen it with a name and establish a region where your server operates.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 8. Claim the server as your own with a valid email and password. </strong>You will be sent an email asking you to claim the server, making you its <em>moderator</em> — the one in charge of the whole operation.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">You are given the option of downloading the desktop app. You will always have the option of downloading the app later.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When you claim your server via email confirmation, you are live on Discord!</p>\r\n<strong> 9. Return to the Discord browser window, go to the top left of the app, where you see your server name, click the arrow to get the drop-down menu, and select the Server Settings option.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A few options are listed here, and we will cover them all eventually. Right now, we’re focusing on just the Server Settings option.</p>\r\n<strong> 10. In the Server Overview section, you can upload an icon for your server. To do so, click the default icon (the initials of your server name in a blue circle) or click the Upload Image button, and find on your computer an image or logo representative of you or your organization. Select it and then click the Open button to upload it.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The server’s unique icon or <em>avatar</em> allows users to recognize your server at a glance. You will want to have an avatar for your server as well as one for yourself. Discord recommends an image at least 512 x 512 pixels for an avatar.</p>\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270449\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270449\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-avatar.jpg\" alt=\"Discord avatar\" width=\"556\" height=\"240\" /> An avatar is a representative image of you and your Discord server. It’s a good idea to have a unique avatar for both.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 11. Change server regions or rename your server if you find yourself in need of a rebrand.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Scroll to the bottom of Server Settings, click the Save Changes button, and then press the Esc key to return to Discord.</p>\r\nOn starting off your server, Discord is very much the blankest of canvases. I mean, it is quiet. Very quiet. Like when you’re wandering through the <em>Nostromo</em> in the opening shots of <em>Alien</em> — that kind of quiet!\r\n\r\nDiscord gets that and doesn’t want you to feel put off, so when you first arrive, it automatically highlights things to do, such as <em>Set a Status</em>. You might also see an exclamation point floating around the user interface. On clicking the exclamation point, tips are revealed on neat stuff you can do straight out of the box. These tips also appear whenever Discord changes features and functions, so keep an eye out for those.\r\n\r\nJust above your server icon, you should see the Discord icon (if it reminds you of a gaming console controller, you would be correct), your shortcut to the Home section. Single-clicking that icon immediately takes you to the Activity section, the area of Home always featured on your arrival to Discord. The Home feature offers four options:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Activity</li>\r\n \t<li>Library</li>\r\n \t<li>Nitro</li>\r\n \t<li>Friends</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWe’re going to do a deep dive into all of these options, but not straight away. Let’s find a pace crawling before we challenge gravity and start walking. What we need to do first is fill in blanks in your profile and explore some of the control functions that Discord offers you as the moderator of your server.","description":"Your first to-do item with this new platform is to set yourself up on Discord first. Again, it does not cost a thing for you to do this, apart from time. There are a lot of flavors of <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/software/other-software/discord-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Discord</a>. You can use the communications app:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Through a browser</li>\r\n \t<li>As a stand-alone desktop application</li>\r\n \t<li>On your smartphone or tablet</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong> 1. Launch your browser of choice, and go to <a href=\"https://discordapp.com/\">DiscordApp.com</a>. </strong>Discord offers you two options: Download for Your OS or Open Discord in Your Browser.\r\n\r\n<strong> 2. Select the Open Discord in Your Browser option.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 3. Enter a username for yourself. </strong>Create a name for yourself that people in Discord will know you by.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you are a content creator or a gamer, or if you’re developing an online persona, it is best to think ahead of how you want to be known. For example, on PSN, Instagram, and Twitch, I use the moniker TheTeeMonster. So, when I set up my Discord, I entered TheTeeMonster as my username. Consistency is key, so aim for the same username from platform to platform.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270451\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270451\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-username.jpg\" alt=\"username on Discord\" width=\"556\" height=\"348\" /> What do people call you on Discord? Create a username for yourself here, and begin building a brand for yourself or your organization.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 4. Click the arrow button to the right, and verify that you’re not an automated program or bot.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong> 5. Verify your account by email or by phone. </strong>Choose your preferred method of verification and follow the steps to assure Discord that yes, you are in fact a real person.\r\n\r\n<strong> 6. When you’re asked to set up your server or jump into Discord, click the Get Started option.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When you join Discord, you create what is called a <em>server</em>. This is your own private corner of Discord, and you decide how public your chat will be.</p>\r\n<strong> 7. In the Create Your Server dialog box, come up with a name for your server and a serve name, and select the server region closest to your location.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">This is where you give your server a name people can remember it by. The content creator IAmTeeBot called his server The System. Aura’s Discord server is called The Pit, named after his love for his pitbull Layla. Then you have James Werk’s Discord, named aptly enough The Werkshop. If you don’t like what you initially name your server, don’t worry. You can always change it later in the Settings section of your server.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270450\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270450\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-create-server.jpg\" alt=\"create a server on Discord\" width=\"556\" height=\"479\" /> When you create a server on Discord, you christen it with a name and establish a region where your server operates.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 8. Claim the server as your own with a valid email and password. </strong>You will be sent an email asking you to claim the server, making you its <em>moderator</em> — the one in charge of the whole operation.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">You are given the option of downloading the desktop app. You will always have the option of downloading the app later.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">When you claim your server via email confirmation, you are live on Discord!</p>\r\n<strong> 9. Return to the Discord browser window, go to the top left of the app, where you see your server name, click the arrow to get the drop-down menu, and select the Server Settings option.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A few options are listed here, and we will cover them all eventually. Right now, we’re focusing on just the Server Settings option.</p>\r\n<strong> 10. In the Server Overview section, you can upload an icon for your server. To do so, click the default icon (the initials of your server name in a blue circle) or click the Upload Image button, and find on your computer an image or logo representative of you or your organization. Select it and then click the Open button to upload it.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The server’s unique icon or <em>avatar</em> allows users to recognize your server at a glance. You will want to have an avatar for your server as well as one for yourself. Discord recommends an image at least 512 x 512 pixels for an avatar.</p>\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_270449\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-270449\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-avatar.jpg\" alt=\"Discord avatar\" width=\"556\" height=\"240\" /> An avatar is a representative image of you and your Discord server. It’s a good idea to have a unique avatar for both.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong> 11. Change server regions or rename your server if you find yourself in need of a rebrand.</strong>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Scroll to the bottom of Server Settings, click the Save Changes button, and then press the Esc key to return to Discord.</p>\r\nOn starting off your server, Discord is very much the blankest of canvases. I mean, it is quiet. Very quiet. Like when you’re wandering through the <em>Nostromo</em> in the opening shots of <em>Alien</em> — that kind of quiet!\r\n\r\nDiscord gets that and doesn’t want you to feel put off, so when you first arrive, it automatically highlights things to do, such as <em>Set a Status</em>. You might also see an exclamation point floating around the user interface. On clicking the exclamation point, tips are revealed on neat stuff you can do straight out of the box. These tips also appear whenever Discord changes features and functions, so keep an eye out for those.\r\n\r\nJust above your server icon, you should see the Discord icon (if it reminds you of a gaming console controller, you would be correct), your shortcut to the Home section. Single-clicking that icon immediately takes you to the Activity section, the area of Home always featured on your arrival to Discord. The Home feature offers four options:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Activity</li>\r\n \t<li>Library</li>\r\n \t<li>Nitro</li>\r\n \t<li>Friends</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWe’re going to do a deep dive into all of these options, but not straight away. Let’s find a pace crawling before we challenge gravity and start walking. What we need to do first is fill in blanks in your profile and explore some of the control functions that Discord offers you as the moderator of your server.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33617,"title":"General Social Media","slug":"general-social-media","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}},{"articleId":270427,"title":"How to Join a Discord Server","slug":"how-to-join-a-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270427"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":270462,"title":"Top 10 Essentials for Discord","slug":"top-10-essentials-for-discord","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270462"}},{"articleId":270455,"title":"What Is Discord Server?","slug":"what-is-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270455"}},{"articleId":270442,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Profile and Parameters","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-profile-and-parameters","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270442"}},{"articleId":270433,"title":"How to Set up Your Discord Application","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-discord-application","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270433"}},{"articleId":270427,"title":"How to Join a Discord Server","slug":"how-to-join-a-discord-server","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/270427"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281687,"slug":"discord-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119688037","categoryList":["technology","social-media","general-social-media"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119688035-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119688035/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/discord-for-dummies-cover-9781119688037-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Discord For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10282\">Tee Morris</b></b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i></p>","authors":[{"authorId":10282,"name":"Tee Morris","slug":"tee-morris","description":" <p><b>Tee Morris</b> is a social media pioneer. An early adopter of podcasting, Tee is no stranger to building audiences and releasing original content online. Now he adds to his online arsenal of creativity Twitch, managing his own streaming channel featuring a variety of gaming and talk shows. Tee is co&#45;author of <i>Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition,</i> as well as several novels in the science fiction and fantasy genre, including the award&#45;winning steampunk series, <i>The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10282"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119688037&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ac46cb74\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;social-media&quot;,&quot;general-social-media&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119688037&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ac46d3db\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":270448}],"_links":{"self":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=0"},"next":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=10"},"last":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33617/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=32"}}},"objectTitle":"","status":"success","pageType":"article-category","objectId":"33617","page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{"categoriesFilter":[{"itemId":0,"itemName":"All Categories","count":42}],"articleTypeFilter":[{"articleType":"All Types","count":42},{"articleType":"Articles","count":35},{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","count":4},{"articleType":"Step by Step","count":3}]},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"success","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-02-16T15:50:01+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!--Optimizely Script-->\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- comScore Tag -->\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; s.async = true;s.src = (document.location.protocol == \"https:\" ? \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();</script><noscript><img src=\"https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=15097263&cv=2.0&cj=1\" /></noscript>\r\n<!-- / comScore Tag -->","enabled":true},{"pages":["all"],"location":"footer","script":"<!--BEGIN QUALTRICS WEBSITE FEEDBACK SNIPPET-->\r\n<script type='text/javascript'>\r\n(function(){var g=function(e,h,f,g){\r\nthis.get=function(a){for(var a=a+\"=\",c=document.cookie.split(\";\"),b=0,e=c.length;b<e;b++){for(var d=c[b];\" \"==d.charAt(0);)d=d.substring(1,d.length);if(0==d.indexOf(a))return d.substring(a.length,d.length)}return null};\r\nthis.set=function(a,c){var b=\"\",b=new Date;b.setTime(b.getTime()+6048E5);b=\"; expires=\"+b.toGMTString();document.cookie=a+\"=\"+c+b+\"; path=/; \"};\r\nthis.check=function(){var a=this.get(f);if(a)a=a.split(\":\");else if(100!=e)\"v\"==h&&(e=Math.random()>=e/100?0:100),a=[h,e,0],this.set(f,a.join(\":\"));else return!0;var c=a[1];if(100==c)return!0;switch(a[0]){case \"v\":return!1;case \"r\":return c=a[2]%Math.floor(100/c),a[2]++,this.set(f,a.join(\":\")),!c}return!0};\r\nthis.go=function(){if(this.check()){var a=document.createElement(\"script\");a.type=\"text/javascript\";a.src=g;document.body&&document.body.appendChild(a)}};\r\nthis.start=function(){var t=this;\"complete\"!==document.readyState?window.addEventListener?window.addEventListener(\"load\",function(){t.go()},!1):window.attachEvent&&window.attachEvent(\"onload\",function(){t.go()}):t.go()};};\r\ntry{(new g(100,\"r\",\"QSI_S_ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\",\"https://zn5o5yqpvmvjgdoun-wiley.siteintercept.qualtrics.com/SIE/?Q_ZID=ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\")).start()}catch(i){}})();\r\n</script><div id='ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN'><!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE--></div>\r\n<!--END WEBSITE FEEDBACK SNIPPET-->","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- Hotjar Tracking Code for http://www.dummies.com -->\r\n<script>\r\n (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){\r\n h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)};\r\n h._hjSettings={hjid:257151,hjsv:6};\r\n a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];\r\n r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1;\r\n r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv;\r\n a.appendChild(r);\r\n })(window,document,'https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv=');\r\n</script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["article"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- //Connect Container: dummies --> <script src=\"//get.s-onetag.com/bffe21a1-6bb8-4928-9449-7beadb468dae/tag.min.js\" async defer></script>","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage"],"location":"header","script":"<meta name=\"facebook-domain-verification\" content=\"irk8y0irxf718trg3uwwuexg6xpva0\" />","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage","article","category","search"],"location":"footer","script":"<!-- Facebook Pixel Code -->\r\n<noscript>\r\n<img height=\"1\" width=\"1\" src=\"https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=256338321977984&ev=PageView&noscript=1\"/>\r\n</noscript>\r\n<!-- End Facebook Pixel Code -->","enabled":true}]}},"pageScriptsLoadedStatus":"success"},"navigationState":{"navigationCollections":[{"collectionId":287568,"title":"BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-entry-level-entrepreneur-287568"},{"collectionId":293237,"title":"Be a Rad Dad","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/be-the-best-dad-293237"},{"collectionId":295890,"title":"Career Shifting","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/career-shifting-295890"},{"collectionId":294090,"title":"Contemplating the Cosmos","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/theres-something-about-space-294090"},{"collectionId":287563,"title":"For Those Seeking Peace of Mind","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-those-seeking-peace-of-mind-287563"},{"collectionId":287570,"title":"For the Aspiring Aficionado","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-bougielicious-287570"},{"collectionId":291903,"title":"For the Budding Cannabis Enthusiast","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-budding-cannabis-enthusiast-291903"},{"collectionId":291934,"title":"For the Exam-Season Crammer","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-exam-season-crammer-291934"},{"collectionId":287569,"title":"For the Hopeless Romantic","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-hopeless-romantic-287569"},{"collectionId":296450,"title":"For the Spring Term Learner","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-spring-term-student-296450"}],"navigationCollectionsLoadedStatus":"success","navigationCategories":{"books":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/books/level-0-category-0"}},"articles":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/articles/level-0-category-0"}}},"navigationCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"searchState":{"searchList":[],"searchStatus":"initial","relatedArticlesList":[],"relatedArticlesStatus":"initial"},"routeState":{"name":"ArticleCategory","path":"/category/articles/general-social-media-33617/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{"category":"general-social-media-33617"},"fullPath":"/category/articles/general-social-media-33617/","meta":{"routeType":"category","breadcrumbInfo":{"suffix":"Articles","baseRoute":"/category/articles"},"prerenderWithAsyncData":true},"from":{"name":null,"path":"/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{},"fullPath":"/","meta":{}}},"sfmcState":{"status":"initial"},"profileState":{"auth":{},"userOptions":{},"status":"success"}}
Logo
  • Articles Open Article Categories
  • Books Open Book Categories
  • Collections Open Collections list
  • Custom Solutions

Article Categories

Book Categories

Collections

Explore all collections
BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)
Be a Rad Dad
Career Shifting
Contemplating the Cosmos
For Those Seeking Peace of Mind
For the Aspiring Aficionado
For the Budding Cannabis Enthusiast
For the Exam-Season Crammer
For the Hopeless Romantic
For the Spring Term Learner
Log In
  • Home
  • Technology Articles
  • Social Media Articles
  • General Social Media Articles

General Social Media Articles

Looking for common social media acronyms and shorthand? How about etiquette tips for different platforms? These articles have got what you need when you're trying to find your way around Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and more.

Articles From General Social Media

page 1
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5

Filter Results

42 results
42 results
General Social Media How to Find Your Twitter Followers on Mastodon

Article / Updated 02-16-2023

Listen to the article:Download audio As Mastodon has become more popular, millions of people have flocked to it from Twitter. Perhaps you, too, first heard about Mastodon on Twitter. As a migrant from Twitter to Mastodon, you're in good company. Finding members of your Twitter flock on Mastodon isn't difficult, and it's a great way to get a head start with building a following. If someone considered you follow-worthy on Twitter, they will on Mastodon, too. Several tools have been created for finding Mastodon accounts of your Twitter followers. If you haven't deleted your Twitter account, you can use any (or all) of these tools. Using Twitodon to find friends on Mastodon One service to help you find your Twitter followers on Mastodon is Twitodon. This site works by linking to your Twitter account and your Mastodon account and comparing the list of accounts you follow on Twitter with accounts on Mastodon that have also used Twitodon. If matches are found, Twitodon will give you a file you can import into your Mastodon account. Follow these steps to use Twitodon: Make sure you're logged into both your Twitter account and your Mastodon account. Go to Twitodon and click the link under the "Get Started" header to log into your Twitter account. A window opens, asking you to authorize Twitodon to access your Twitter account. Click the button to authorize Twitodon. You return to Twitodon and its Step 1 has been crossed off. Enter your Mastodon server's address (including the https://) in the field under Twitodon's Step 2, as shown in Figure 1, and then click Sign In. For example, if your Mastodon account is on mastodon.social, you'd enter https://mastodon.social. A screen appears asking you to authorize Twitodon to access your Mastodon account. Click Authorize. You return to Twitodon and Step 2 has been crossed off. Watch the number of scanned users go up as Twitodon processes the list, as shown in Figure 2. We hope the number of matches found go up as well! Because Twitodon can find only users who have also used Twitodon, don't be surprised if it doesn't come back with many or any results. The good news is that as more people migrate from Twitter and use Twitodon, it will be able to make more matches! So, it may be a good idea to try Twitodon again every so often as long as you keep your Twitter account. When Twitodon finishes scanning, click the link in Twitodon's Step 3 to download a list of the matches that were found. Twitodon's Step 4 (revoking Twitodon's authorization to access your Twitter followers) is optional, and we're going to skip it. Doing so will make it easier to come back and check Twitodon periodically in the future. Click the link under Twitodon's Step 5 to go to the Import page on your Mastodon instance, or click Preferences, Import and Export, and then Import. You see a screen similar to the one in Figure 3. Under Import Type, choose Following List (it should be selected by default). Choose the Merge radio button (which should also be selected by default). Merging means that you'll still follow everyone you follow on Mastodon before you import the matches found by Twitodon. Click the Choose File button and locate the file you downloaded from Twitodon. The file is named new_mastodon_follows.csv and should be in your Downloads folder. Click the Upload button on Mastodon's Import page. After a moment, you'll see a message that your file was uploaded and will be processed. Depending on the size of the file you imported, it may take a few minutes or longer for the file to be processed and for the new users to be imported. After a few minutes, go to your profile page and check whether your following number has gone up. As you follow the people you followed on Twitter, they'll get notifications and some of them may decide to follow you back. Using Fedifinder Fedifinder can scan your entire Twitter account, including accounts you follow, accounts that follow you, and your Twitter lists to find Twitter users who list their fediverse address in their Twitter profiles. Because it scans your lists and followers and doesn't depend on matched users already having used it, Fedifinder is more likely to find results than other automated programs for finding other Mastodon users. Follow these steps to use Fedifinder: Make sure you're logged in to both Twitter and Mastodon. Go to Twitter and edit your Twitter profile to add your fediverse address in one of the following places: The description The location The website address You can add your Mastodon address also to a pinned Tweet. Your fediverse address is your Mastodon server name followed by a slash, followed by your Mastodon username. It's the same as the link to your profile page on your instance. For example: hachyderm.io/@chrisminnick. Go to Fedifinder again and click the Authorize Twitter button at the top of the screen. Follow the instructions to authorize Fedifinder to access your Twitter data. Fedifinder scans your Twitter account to find fediverse addresses and starts showing you the results, as shown in Figure 4. Scroll down the page and click the link next to any Twitter lists you follow, and then click the Scan Followers link. After all the scans have finished, click the Export CSV with Found Handles link. CSV, short for comma-separated values, is a way of storing lists of data in text files so they can be imported into other systems. Go to the Import page on your Mastodon instance (click Preferences, Import and Export, Import) and import the resulting file (fedifinder_account.csv) in the same way you imported the file from Twitodon. Inviting friends and family If you have a fairly large Twitter following and follow a large number of Twitter accounts, you may have acquired some new followers and follows from using Twitodon and Fedifinder. But not everyone you want to follow is on both Mastodon and Twitter. To get more people to join you on Mastodon, you need to invite them. Mastodon makes inviting people to join your Mastodon server easy. Plus, when you use Mastodon's invite feature to invite people, signing up will be easier for them than it was for you because the link you give them will take them directly to the same local server you use. If your server allows users to create invitations, you can get an invitation link by clicking Preferences and then Invite People. You'll see the Invite People page, which is shown in Figure 5. The Invite People page allows you to create individual links, limited-use links, and links that expire. Unless you want to have a limited number of followers or you want to be able to track who uses which links, the best way to use Invite People is with the following settings: Set Max Number of Uses to No Limit Set Expire After to Never Select the Invite to Follow Your Account check box Once you've configured these settings, click the Generate Invite Link button. A text box with an invitation address appears, as shown in Figure 6. Tap or click the Copy button to copy this link. Here are a few ideas for how you can use your Invite link: Paste it into a post on Facebook. Put it in your profile on Twitter. Paste it into your Instagram profile. Email it to your friends and family and tell them to join you on Mastodon. Send it in a text message. Add it to a website you own. When someone follows the link on their phone, tablet, or computer, they'll see the same sign up page you saw when you first signed up for Mastodon. Plus, when someone signs up using your link, you'll find out about it, the number of uses next to your invite link will go up, and you'll gain a follower!

View Article
General Social Media How Is Mastodon Different from Twitter?

Article / Updated 02-16-2023

Listen to the article:Download audio The chaos surrounding Twitter after Elon Musk acquired it in October 2022 led many Twitter users to begin checking out other social media platforms, including Mastodon. Here, we'll go over some of the major differences between the two platforms. The first thing to know about Mastodon is that it isn’t just one site, like Twitter.com and Facebook.com. Mastodon is made up of a galaxy of sites, and the first choice you’ll make when you decide to create an account is what star (or instance) in this galaxy of sites to call home. Each of these sites runs the Mastodon software (the common platform). Once you have a home on a site running the Mastodon software, you can connect with people on other sites running Mastodon. Many people arrive on Twitter looking to raise their public profile, gain millions of followers, and go viral. Certainly some people have become media pundits and celebrities by way of their Twitter posts. On Mastodon, however, being sociable, informative, and authentic is more important. A Mastodon instance is better thought of as a neighborhood rather than a stage. You don’t have to be smart-alecky to be respected. In addition, before getting an account on a Mastodon instance, you sign on to a code of conduct. Although the code of conduct can go into detail regarding what is and isn't allowed, the code is often simply a lengthy version of “while you’re on here, be nice.” Mastodon is a home, not a single site If you want to tweet, you go to Twitter.com, get an account, agree to the terms of service (whether you read all that legalese or not), and start tweeting. Twitter may not ask much of you as a user, but you pay a price. You have no stake in Twitter as a company, except as an unpaid content contributor. Twitter polls run by the CEO aren't binding, and wouldn't be, even if a majority of participants were stockholders. Every Mastodon server instance is an island to itself but interconnected. Instance administrators and moderators are not gods and can't make any decisions beyond that instance. That’s true even for founder Eugen Rochko. The vast majority of Mastodon sites seek to be safe and friendly spaces for all kinds of users. You should feel like you’re at home here. Mastodon is built to serve its community Mastodon is not driven by its financial bottom line nor the whims of venture capitalists, Wall Street traders, and hedge fund managers. It's driven to serve its users and the community. If the founder or his heirs were to sell the mastodon.social site, where Mastodon was born, each user could easily move to another Mastodon instance, taking their posts and followers with them. If you’ve found a home with a group of admins and moderators that serve you and the community at large, consider helping to keep the servers (and the community) running with a financial contribution that fits your budget. Algorithms aren't allowed on Mastodon Twitter started out as a place where you read the tweets of the people you followed in reverse-chronological order (as you do in blogs). But as the service grew, Twitter developed algorithms to figure out what you liked and shared on the service. The purpose of the algorithm was to keep you scrolling through your feed. You got what the algorithm thought you wanted, but you also saw more ads as the session continued. More eyeballs on ads, more money for Twitter. As politicians and politically oriented people found a way to get followers, raise money, and gain influence on the service, ordinary users found themselves in a filter bubble, where they saw only things with which they agreed. Debate, where it existed at all, became toxic. Misinformation flourished. Some people started calling Twitter a hellscape because of all the angry tweets that the algorithm promoted into people’s feeds. No Twitter user ever got to opt-out of the algorithm’s role in managing their feeds. There was never a vote among users to implement the algorithm when it was first developed. Programmers from outside the company couldn’t review the algorithm to determine its effect on people’s emotions. In contrast, Mastodon displays every post from every user and hashtag you follow. You may still spend hours scrolling through interesting posts by fascinating people, but at least you know that Mastodon won’t try to manipulate you to stay longer on the platform. Users aren't tracked on Mastodon The same forces (sometimes called surveillance capitalism) that created algorithms also created the cookie, that tiny slice of code that lives in your browser and tracks your movements across the platform and elsewhere. The cookie’s owner aims to understand the things you’re interested in or curious about — the better to sell your social graph to advertisers. The Mastodon focus on privacy actively discourages cookies. Nearly every instance offers strict rules on such behavior, and should an instance permit it, that instance would likely be blocked by most other Mastodon instances. Don’t bet on this changing anytime soon. Ads aren't acceptable (yet) on Mastodon The initial burst of enthusiasm for Mastodon came when Twitter appeared to be placing its financial stability on selling more advertising on the platform. The Great Mastodon Migration of 2022, which came next, was made up of users and advertisers who didn’t want to be associated with Twitter's new owner. On Mastodon, most codes of conduct discourage excessive advertising, and what’s excessive has mostly counted in single digits. The exceptions are the online equivalent of yard sales, art shows, community theater, and musical performances. The Mastodon focus on community-building frowns on personal branding at least as much as on corporate branding. However, businesses aren't banned, and if you’re in business, you can post about it all you want. What won’t fly are targeted ads based on trackers and algorithms, as noted previously. Mastodon isn’t perfect, but its ideals are high. Welcome to the fediverse! The fediverse is a collection of websites and social networks that, in some ways, looks back fondly on the early days of the World Wide Web. When Sir Tim Berners-Lee created the web, he envisioned it as a collaboration tool, with sites offering read-write access to any visitor. Aside from wiki sites (such as Wikipedia) and blogs that accept reader comments, today’s web is largely a space for one-way communication. Mastodon encourages its users to collaborate by putting the focus on conversation and discussion. It’s easy to participate in a conversation by selecting the post's reply icon. The Fediverse expands that idea beyond just Mastodon into other services. The fediverse, which is a combination of federated and universe, got its name for the federated connections between independent websites on the social web. The foundation of the fediverse, and Mastodon as well, is the ActivityPub protocol, recognized as a web standard by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Developers use the standard to power a variety of federated alternatives for organizing events, sharing music, and just hanging out. The boring, technical way to describe the ActivityPub standard is that it “provides a client-to-server application programming interface (API) for creating, updating and deleting content, as well as a federated server to server API for delivering notifications and subscribing to content.” Mastodon first used a protocol called OStatus, an open standard that enables microblogging, but switched to ActivityPub in 2017. For the last decade or so, the IndieWeb movement has been building some of the social web standards that power Mastodon, especially the ActivityPub protocol, but for individual websites. IndieWeb focuses on your ability to control your content and connect with the people you want to connect with, with no one using your stuff to get others to sell you things you may not want. Do not confuse fediverse with metaverse! The metaverse started as a creation in the mind of speculative fiction author Neal Stephenson in his fantastic novel Snow Crash. In the novel, the metaverse served as the escape hatch from the dystopia in which most people lived, where the only jobs were in high tech and high-speed pizza delivery. The dystopia was the society. Today, the metaverse is a virtual reality that Facebook (excuse us, Meta) billionaire Mark Zuckerberg wants to use to make even more money. The fediverse is a much more pleasant place, where the users rule. And if profits are even a consideration, they come after the people who participate. Understanding federation When you’re starting out with Mastodon, wrapping your head around the idea of a federation can be maddening. Not to overwhelm you with community metaphors, but think about the following facets of neighborhoods: Life might be pretty much the same from neighborhood to neighborhood, but some places have different social rules. Violating those rules can get you in trouble. In some neighborhoods, you must live there for many years before you can even call yourself a resident! Although your neighborhood might have regular elections for city council members and other leaders, you might also have a person active in the community who is so respected that they’re called the mayor of the neighborhood. If you have an active neighborhood association, they probably have events to raise money for various programs to improve life in the neighborhood. While the city government pays for a lot of things (and usually has taxing power), neighborhood associations often pay for things such as flowers in common areas. You can change your residence from one neighborhood to another without getting permission from the city or the neighborhoods involved (condominium association boards notwithstanding). All this is true also in the virtual world of Mastodon: Every Mastodon instance (neighborhood) has a code of conduct that you have to agree to before you join (move in). Violating the code of conduct can get you in trouble (a suspension or worse). Regardless of whether your instance has a governing board, the administrator is definitely the permanent mayor, in charge of keeping things going. While your instance administration can’t tax you (yet) to keep the servers running, you do have an obligation to help out if you can. As the mother instance, https://mastodon.social helps other instances financially, but each independent instance has to keep the lights on. Aside from a disciplinary situation, it’s easy to change your Mastodon neighborhood — and bring all your friends with you. If you ever need to move your account to another instance, there's a Mastodon page with instructions.

View Article
General Social Media How to Pick a Mastodon Server

Article / Updated 02-16-2023

Mastodon is a decentralized social media platform that's made up of thousands of separate computers (also known as servers or instances) that have all agreed to speak the same language and share certain data. When you create your Mastodon account, you get a username, which will be tied to one of these servers. Each server in the network has its own personality — and some servers pride themselves in having no particular personality. Every server is free to join, although some may be closed to new accounts or may require that you get on a waiting list. The most difficult part of getting a Mastodon account is choosing which server to join. Fortunately, there's a Mastodon web page (shown in the image below) to help you sort through your options. You can sign up for Mastodon using the app or the website. However, signing up on the website — on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone — is easier than signing up with the app. Your very first step in getting Mastodon is to go to the Join Mastodon page. Then, click the "Get the App" link to use the app or click "Create Account" to use your web browser. Both the website and the app are free, and creating your account on one allows you to use all the features of both. If you click "Get the App," you'll be taken to a screen where you can choose to go to the Apple App Store (to download the iPhone app) or to Google Play (to download the Android app). Once you get to the app store, download and install the Mastodon app as you would with any app. Signing into the Mastodon mobile app is covered in the “Signing in Using the Mobile App” section, later in this chapter. Because Mastodon is based on a free and open standard, there are many apps to choose from to use Mastodon. Start with the official one, which is called Mastodon. Browsing your options When you visit the Join Mastodon page and click the "Create Account" button, you'll be taken to the Servers page, which is shown below. Many more Mastodon servers than the ones you see when you scroll down this page are available. However, the servers on joinmastodon.org follow certain rules known as the Mastodon Server Covenant, which is an agreement by the server's owner to work to keep the server free of hate speech, to back up their data daily, to have a person on call to deal with technical issues with the server, and to give users of the server at least three months’ notice before shutting down the server. Because these servers have agreed to the Server Covenant, they are seen as trustworthy, stable, and safe places to serve as your home in the Mastodon universe. Although you can't go wrong with any of the instances listed on the servers page, some will be a better fit for you than others — and that's what makes Mastodon so cool! Spend some time browsing through the different servers listed here. Note that you have several options for filtering the results — including by geographical region and topic (listed on the left side of the screen) and by legal structure, sign-up speed, and language (selected from drop-down lists at the top), as shown below. Once you've found a server or two that sound like places where you'd like to hang out and call your home base, the first potentially make-or-break characteristic of the server is the sign-up speed, which is how fast it will take for you to get an account. Understanding sign-up speed When you browse the list of servers, you'll see two types of buttons: "Apply for an Account" button and "Create Account." The "Create Account" button means that the server has instant signup: You can have a new account on that server in the amount of time it takes for you to choose a username and a password. Servers with an "Apply for an Account" button require that new accounts be approved by an administrator. This approval may take only a few minutes or a day. If you're super-excited to start using Mastodon, go with one of the ones that have the blue "Create Account" button. Don't worry too much about picking the perfect server. Choosing a server doesn't have to be permanent. You can move your account (and all of your followers!) to another server easily after you sign up. Reading the rules Regardless of whether you choose to apply for an account or go with a server that has instant account creation, check out the rules of your chosen server before you commit. To see a server's rules, first click the "Create Account" or "Apply for an Account" button to go to the server. Once on the server, you'll see a description of the server on the left, with the name of the server administrator and the number of users. Below the server information, click "Learn More" to read more about the server, including its code of conduct, which describes the guidelines for how users of the server are expected to behave while using the server. Rather than having a complicated set of rules that try to make the greatest number of people happy and end up pleasing no one (such as what centralized platforms such as Twitter and Facebook must do), each Mastodon server sets specific rules and the conduct expected from users. If you don't like the code of conduct on one server, check out other servers until you find one with a code of conduct more in keeping with your beliefs. Previewing a server When you sign up using a web browser, many of the servers listed at joinmastodon.org allow you to browse the content on the server before joining. If you click to the server and see posts, rather immediately seeing a sign-up or login page, you've come to one of these. To see the content posted by the local users of the server, click the "Local" link on the right side of the page. The posts listed under "Local" are by people who would be your neighbors if you were to join this server. Are they talking about things you're interested in? If so, this may be the perfect server for you! Meeting the admin Another way to choose a server is to find out more about the person running it. Every server prominently displays the person in charge of keeping the server running and enforcing the server's rules. Click their profile from the server's home page or from the server's "About" page to read more about them and to see the things they're interested in and what they post. On Mastodon, the admin sets the tone for the server. If the admin seems like someone you'd like to hang out with, that's a good indication that you've found a home. Seeing why smaller is better A server might have just a handful of members to many thousands. Servers with a smaller number of users are vital to keeping the entire universe interesting and avoiding a monoculture. Smaller servers also tend to have stronger personalities than larger servers. And smaller servers are often less prone to slowing down because they're less likely to get a lot of traffic. Because every server allows access to the other servers, you have nothing to lose by going with a smaller one. In the same way that you're more likely to make friends in a small community group versus an international club with millions of members, joining a smaller Mastodon server makes you a bigger fish because the pond is smaller.

View Article
General Social Media Mastodon For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-16-2023

Listen to the article:Download audio Even though thousands of people join Mastodon every day, the number-one concern of new users is that they can't make the shift over from Twitter entirely because many of the people they follow on Twitter haven't set up a Mastodon account yet. Here, you discover some of the best ways to start meeting and engaging with new people on Mastodon. Another concern of new Mastodon users is that it's different from using other social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. At first, these differences may seem difficult to adapt to. But with the tips covered here, using Mastodon will soon become second nature.

View Cheat Sheet
General Social Media Twitch For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 09-02-2022

Twitch is an exciting entertainment platform. With Twitch, you can watch broadcasters show off their talents as they live-stream themselves playing video games, playing music, showing off their hobbies, and so much more. And you can set up your own channel and start broadcasting your own content. The great thing about Twitch is that you can interact with your audience while streaming, which builds a sense of community.

View Cheat Sheet
General Social Media Discord For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-23-2022

The idea behind the Cheat Sheet is to give you a quick shortcut on what you may want to jump into, research further, or implement straight away when getting started on Discord. The Cheat Sheet is also a quick reminder of details you may want within reach like “What can I integrate with my Discord?” or “What were those tips on interviewing guests?” Your Cheat Sheet is a flash card for what you need at a glance.

View Cheat Sheet
General Social Media How to Locate Bebo's Archived Content

Article / Updated 10-06-2021

If you are an old bebo.com user, then you may have had a heck of a time trying to keep your account content when the social networking platform was sold to AOL (America Online) and then bought back by the original creators, who relaunched in February 2021. During the transition from Bebo Inc., to AOL and back again, many users found it difficult to retrieve their uploaded blogs, photos, and posts. If you are or were a diehard bebo.com user and logged in regularly to keep your account active, you probably want to maintain and save all of your old online content. Due to the transition to and from AOL, some users stopped visiting the site regularly. Consequently, their accounts have been disabled and removed from the Bebo archive. Accessing the archives If your account was still active prior to the Bebo transformation into a social messaging application, chances are you will be able to retrieve all of your lost blogs, photos, and posts. To access Bebo’s archives, follow these steps: To access the old content, you first must download the Bebo application from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After you have installed this application, launch Bebo and follow the steps to create a new account. Do not use the same credentials with your new account as the old ones you used on bebo.com. Reports of old accounts being deactivated have been noted, and some additional users have lost their archived material due to the same username/password combination causing confusion on the Bebo application’s servers. After you have created your new account, you can send a hashtag message to anyone as follows: #oldphotos. Instantly a window will pop-up asking for your old Bebo account information. Enter your username or e-mail and password to the old Bebo account and press continue. Make sure you are putting in your old bebo.com account info and not the new info you just created! E-mail then will be sent to you via the e-mail associated with your account containing links to all your old bebo.com content. Bebo Inc., claims #oldphotos doesn’t work for just old photos but also for old posts and blogs as well and is trying to rectify the issues caused by AOL. If you are one of the lucky ones and get to keep your archived content, great! Otherwise, be prepared to say goodbye to the content in case it is lost forever, and perhaps next time consider a hard copy backup directly on your computer, external hard drive, or memory card for safe keeping. Good Luck!

View Article
General Social Media Top 10 Essentials for Discord

Step by Step / Updated 04-29-2020

When starting off with a platform as robust, as multi-layered, and as versatile as Discord, you quickly realize that just downloading Discord is the first step. You might notice other Discord servers have a better sound, sharper video, and a better handle on the capabilities beyond text communication. That’s because those servers have made investments in ways other than time and attention. The individuals and teams behind those servers invest in hardware that improves the Discord experience they offer. If you want to take a look at making your Discord experience a step or two beyond the basics, here are some suggestions of items and accessories that can improve your Discord experience.

View Step by Step
General Social Media What Is Discord Server?

Article / Updated 04-29-2020

Perhaps the trickiest thing to do right off the bat is define Discord. On the surface, it looks and sounds like Skype on steroids, but it’s a robust, stable communications platform available as a browser application, a stand-alone desktop application, and a mobile app for both smartphones and tablets. Discord offers the following features: Text chat Audio and video chat (group and private) Private text messaging News feeds Link and media sharing Streaming and screen sharing Discord provides gamers, streamers, and many other creative individuals and organizations an all-encompassing platform for topic-specific chat streams, private audio channels and open public chats, interviews for podcasts and streams, and much more. One of many reasons this platform is so closely associated with gaming is due in part to its founder, Jason Citron. Citron was the founder of OpenFeint, a social gaming platform for mobile games, and Hammer & Chisel, a game development studio. Being a gamer himself, Citron noted problems with available options providing real-time game comms. His development team introduced Discord in May 2015 to Reddit communities, where it gained popularity with eSports gamers and Twitch.tv hosts and took off from there. Within its first year, Discord was hailed by PC Gamer as the best VoIP service available, praising its ease of use and its stability. Oh, and Discord costs now what it did when it was introduced: free. Discord stands apart from other game comms solutions — and for many professionals reliant on using the Internet for communications — for its stability, audio quality, video quality, and ease of use. It may seem a little intimidating when you first launch it, but setup and use are incredibly easy. Welcome to a look inside my brain when I first started streaming — creating content live online through a service like Twitch, Mixer, or YouTube—and I was asked, “So what’s your Discord server?” Are you kidding? I have to know this thing called Discord if I want to know Twitch? No, Discord is not necessarily a necessity for streaming, but if you want to build a community, if you want to extend your reach as a content creator, and if you want to level up your online communications game, yes, you will need Discord. Awesome. So, What Exactly Is VoIP? All right, maybe learning something new won’t be so bad if you have a good reason for picking up yet another platform. That is a sound reason to get behind taking time to traverse the learning curve, so where do you begin with Discord? Or where do you begin your serious look at why you need yet one more platform added to your growing palette of applications? So let’s step back a bit and talk about what is at the heart of Discord: audio chat. Discord is one of many apps taking advantage of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a method commonly used for the delivery of media communications (audio, video, and data files) through online connections using audio and video codecs (formats used for compressing a lot of data into order to make it manageable for exchange). Think of how the JPEG format takes a huge image file and makes it only a few megabytes. Codecs are similar to that. Instead of data being transmitted over circuit-switched network, digital data is transmitted over a packet-switched network: the Internet. Perhaps the biggest name of early VoIP that changed the way the world communicated was Skype, offering free calls anywhere internationally by using closed networks for private user bases. The Danish software first reached the public in the summer of 2003. Provided you have broadband Internet, Skype offers up audio and video calls of better quality than standard telephone connections. Along with VoIP, a handy chat function is included for the exchange of data files. Here’s where things start to get a little dicey with VoIP. While the audio and video quality of these calls was unparalleled, a lot of factors would come into play, beginning with the quality of the broadband Internet. Not all broadband is created equal, and in rural areas and developing nations, dial-up was still the way to connect in 2003 and later. Even if broadband is up and running on both the sending and receiving ends of a VoIP call, sending files during a call could disrupt or outright end a call on account of the size of the files being exchanged, the upload/download limitations of the broadband connection, and the amount of traffic on both parties’ end. Then there’s security. Each point of a VoIP connection creates a potential vulnerability, as firewalls, if not configured properly, can block incoming and outgoing calls. Additionally, distributed denial-of-service attacks can easily take down VoIP systems, rendering them busy. And these are just two of many vulnerabilities that VoIP can bring to a professional or home network. Free global communication is a very cool thing, but it also comes with a lot of compromising possibilities. So while an improvement over your usual hard-wired telephone calls, VoIP is hardly perfect. So, What Exactly Is In-Game Chat? Now as VoIP has its checkered reputation, it did introduce the idea of open communications within online games. The concept of built-in chat options, a feature that is usually expected in team-oriented games, be they MMOs (massively multiplayer online games), FPS (first person shooters), RPGs (role playing games), or some other flavor of video game with communications between team members, completely changed how we play on our chosen platforms. In-game chat was introduced in 2006 with Nintendo’s Metroid Prime Hunters, offering gamers real-time audio through the Nintendo DS’s built-in microphone. In-game chat was also offered that year with Nintendo’s Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl. Today, in-game chat is everywhere. Bungie’s Destiny offers Fireteam Chat to keep Guardians connected when you lead a raid team into the Garden of Salvation. Epic Games’ juggernaut Fortnite also comes with native chat, allowing you to tell that 10-year-old who just fragged you the best place to store their Legendary pump shotgun. Even cutthroat pirates can make new friends through in-game chat in Rare Studios’ Sea of Thieves, pictured here. Then you have Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Consoles are offering their own audio channels to give their gamers a more social experience. Can’t game with your friends in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, as you are enjoying an adrenaline rush from Dead by Daylight? No worries. Sign on to Xbox LIVE or PSN and enjoy some casual hangout time with your crew. So long as you are logged into your console’s respective network, you can chat with your friends, build your network to include others, and swap media ranging from screen captures to game play. And don’t worry about not having the right gear straight away. Consoles will offer you the basics (such as an earbud with a mic and an audio jack in your controller) so you can start chatting straight out of the box. In-game chat has become so prevalent, it is now a feature expected by gamers. It’s the ability to connect that appeals to players, as the gaming experience becomes something more social and more inclusive. From my own experience with in-game chat, it’s always fun to be able to work with fellow gamers in a tight scenario (be it PvP or PvE) and execute audibles. Feels good, man. However, the quality of the chat varies from game to game. Destiny’s native Fireteam Chat, for example, is barely better than the audio quality of a hard-wired telephone call. Another limitation of native in-game chat is that it is native to that game, so if you want to just hang out with your mates while gaming, you have to be in that particular game. Console chat tends to have better audio quality as opposed to native in-game chat, provided that the network you’re on is having a good hair day. If someone in your party is suffering from connection issues, their audio will be spotty at best, popping and locking harder than a Cirque du Soleil performer. Sometimes, incompatibility in gaming gear (microphones, headsets, and so on) may also complicate things. A common audio issue on PSN, for example, is a Network Address Translation (NAT) error, which can occur when network settings on an individual’s console are not set properly or a firewall is active. Troubleshooting can be something of a challenge and may not always be a one-solution-fits-all kind of thing. And if Xbox LIVE or PSN is offline? No soup for you. VoIP is free and able to connect you with friends everywhere in the world, but not without a fair share of problems ranging from spotty reception to security vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, game and console developers offer their own brands of in-game communications, but if the audio quality doesn’t make you suffer, connection issues will.

View Article
General Social Media How to Set Up Your Discord Server Account

Article / Updated 04-29-2020

Your first to-do item with this new platform is to set yourself up on Discord first. Again, it does not cost a thing for you to do this, apart from time. There are a lot of flavors of Discord. You can use the communications app: Through a browser As a stand-alone desktop application On your smartphone or tablet 1. Launch your browser of choice, and go to DiscordApp.com. Discord offers you two options: Download for Your OS or Open Discord in Your Browser. 2. Select the Open Discord in Your Browser option. 3. Enter a username for yourself. Create a name for yourself that people in Discord will know you by. If you are a content creator or a gamer, or if you’re developing an online persona, it is best to think ahead of how you want to be known. For example, on PSN, Instagram, and Twitch, I use the moniker TheTeeMonster. So, when I set up my Discord, I entered TheTeeMonster as my username. Consistency is key, so aim for the same username from platform to platform. 4. Click the arrow button to the right, and verify that you’re not an automated program or bot. 5. Verify your account by email or by phone. Choose your preferred method of verification and follow the steps to assure Discord that yes, you are in fact a real person. 6. When you’re asked to set up your server or jump into Discord, click the Get Started option. When you join Discord, you create what is called a server. This is your own private corner of Discord, and you decide how public your chat will be. 7. In the Create Your Server dialog box, come up with a name for your server and a serve name, and select the server region closest to your location. This is where you give your server a name people can remember it by. The content creator IAmTeeBot called his server The System. Aura’s Discord server is called The Pit, named after his love for his pitbull Layla. Then you have James Werk’s Discord, named aptly enough The Werkshop. If you don’t like what you initially name your server, don’t worry. You can always change it later in the Settings section of your server. 8. Claim the server as your own with a valid email and password. You will be sent an email asking you to claim the server, making you its moderator — the one in charge of the whole operation. You are given the option of downloading the desktop app. You will always have the option of downloading the app later. When you claim your server via email confirmation, you are live on Discord! 9. Return to the Discord browser window, go to the top left of the app, where you see your server name, click the arrow to get the drop-down menu, and select the Server Settings option. A few options are listed here, and we will cover them all eventually. Right now, we’re focusing on just the Server Settings option. 10. In the Server Overview section, you can upload an icon for your server. To do so, click the default icon (the initials of your server name in a blue circle) or click the Upload Image button, and find on your computer an image or logo representative of you or your organization. Select it and then click the Open button to upload it. The server’s unique icon or avatar allows users to recognize your server at a glance. You will want to have an avatar for your server as well as one for yourself. Discord recommends an image at least 512 x 512 pixels for an avatar. 11. Change server regions or rename your server if you find yourself in need of a rebrand. Scroll to the bottom of Server Settings, click the Save Changes button, and then press the Esc key to return to Discord. On starting off your server, Discord is very much the blankest of canvases. I mean, it is quiet. Very quiet. Like when you’re wandering through the Nostromo in the opening shots of Alien — that kind of quiet! Discord gets that and doesn’t want you to feel put off, so when you first arrive, it automatically highlights things to do, such as Set a Status. You might also see an exclamation point floating around the user interface. On clicking the exclamation point, tips are revealed on neat stuff you can do straight out of the box. These tips also appear whenever Discord changes features and functions, so keep an eye out for those. Just above your server icon, you should see the Discord icon (if it reminds you of a gaming console controller, you would be correct), your shortcut to the Home section. Single-clicking that icon immediately takes you to the Activity section, the area of Home always featured on your arrival to Discord. The Home feature offers four options: Activity Library Nitro Friends We’re going to do a deep dive into all of these options, but not straight away. Let’s find a pace crawling before we challenge gravity and start walking. What we need to do first is fill in blanks in your profile and explore some of the control functions that Discord offers you as the moderator of your server.

View Article
page 1
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5

Quick Links

  • About For Dummies
  • Contact Us
  • Activate A Book Pin

Connect

Opt in to our newsletter!

By entering your email address and clicking the “Submit” button, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Dummies.com, which may include marketing promotions, news and updates.

About Dummies

Dummies has always stood for taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. Whether it's to pass that big test, qualify for that big promotion or even master that cooking technique; people who rely on dummies, rely on it to learn the critical skills and relevant information necessary for success.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Cookies Settings
Do Not Sell My Personal Info - CA Only