Mastodon isn't really a Twitter replacement, in that there's no recommendation algorithm, and no real notion of trending topics. You need to actively search for users you like and events you're interested in.
It takes effort. Follow hashtags. Whenever you see someone who posts something you like, follow them, then creep on their subscriptions and follow them.
What are some of your fav accounts that are fun or interesting?
Aside from folks in my city, I enjoy
@carnage4life@mas.to @ancient_catbus@jorts.horse @SmudgeTheInsultCat@mas.to @lowqualityfacts@mstdn.social @pooh@botsin.space
These are great thanks!
The more you interact the more it will open up. Follow and boost without pause. Follow #introduction and #introductions.
Cool I’ll check all that out :)
Search for hashtags then add them to your follows, that will show you any post with those hashtags, from there you can follow people that seem to interest you.
Learning to follow hashtags was a game changing moment for me on Mastodon. Went from not really using it at all to frequent user.
Same. It's a shame not enough weight is given in the interface or most intros. It's really the best way to discover great content.
Write an introduction post (and make sure you hashtag it #introduction). Use lots of hashtags in your posts, it will link you with other folks using the same ones. Jokey ones aren't very useful, try to keep them general.
Follow liberally (like the other commenter said, you can just unfollow if they stop being interesting, retoot generously (as there is no algorithms, retooting is the only way posts gain traction (and people will notice if you're retooting them), follow any hashtags that seem interesting.
Also, since nobody else mentioned it, always alt-text any images you shared, not only because it is courteous and expected for you to do so, but it will help you get followers, because many people won't follow people who don't use alt-text.
Oh, and the same goes with content warnings!
It's these little things that make good Mastodon members and will keep people engaged with you.
(You can watch how people who do well on the platform format their posts to validate what I've said).
Mastodon is awesome, I love it. Good luck!
PS: I almost forgot to mention your instance! Check out your local timeline to see what's going on there. If there isn't anything interesting there maybe move to a more active instance, or one that reflects your interests.
Sorry this is so long, I kept adding things.
For me it was follow liberally and go down the rabbit holes of peoples reblogs to find more.
You can always unfollow later if they suck.
Every now and then I'd look at the "Explore" tab and follow random accounts.
Doesn't matter if they only have a few toots that resonate with me... Following costs nothing and I can always unfollow later.
Follow in explore (or boosted toots), unfollow what gets noisy, repeat
I found a few podcasters I listen to and looked to see who they follow. There are a lot of tech people on there.
I also follow a few sites like Hacker News.
I also follow hashtags of my city and favorite sports teams. I just used the search function to find them and also watched what was on many of the posts I like.
My feed is now more than I can realistically keep up with.
I use the Ivory app, so there is a Trending feed. Sometimes I just read it.
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