Mastodon Introduces New Revenue Model with Paid Hosting and Support Services
Mastodon, the non-profit organization behind the decentralized social network alternative to platforms like Threads and X, has announced a new strategy to generate revenue. Instead of solely relying on donations and grants, Mastodon will now offer paid hosting, moderation, and support services for organizations looking to join the open social web.
The Fediverse and ActivityPub Protocol
The network, known as the fediverse, allows individuals and organizations to create their own servers that connect with others using the ActivityPub protocol. ActivityPub powers various applications such as Mastodon, Meta’s Threads, Pixelfed, and more, with integration into platforms like WordPress and Drupal.
Customized Server Solutions
While anyone can sign up for an account on a public Mastodon server, some entities prefer to run their own servers to have more control. To address this, Mastodon will offer hosting services where their team manages servers and provides optional moderation assistance.
Support Contracts for In-House Tech Teams
Mastodon will also offer support contracts for organizations with existing IT departments that need assistance with server management. This option is tailored for companies new to running federated software like Mastodon.
Diversifying Revenue Streams
Mastodon has already partnered with clients like the European Commission and AltStore to establish a more stable revenue stream. However, the company emphasizes that these new services are meant to complement, not replace, existing funding sources like donations and grants.
“We are excited to expand our services to organizations that share our vision of a free, open, and decentralized social web,” said Felix Hlatky, Mastodon’s chief financial officer.
By offering paid hosting and support services, Mastodon aims to ensure financial stability for its team while maintaining the community-driven nature of the Fediverse.