Mastodon, the decentralized social network often seen as an alternative to platforms like X and Threads, has rolled out its latest update with version 4.4. This release prepares the groundwork for a much-anticipated feature: Quote Posts, similar to Twitter’s former Quote Tweets. While full functionality won’t be available until Mastodon 4.5 later this year, version 4.4 enables users to view quoted content from compatible fediverse platforms.
Unlike the often contentious “dunking” culture that emerged on Twitter following the introduction of Quote Tweets, Mastodon aims to moderate this feature carefully. Users will have control over whether their posts can be quoted and can retract their posts from being quoted at any time. Notifications will alert users when their content is quoted, offering a layer of transparency and control to limit misuse.
Beyond the quote feature groundwork, Mastodon 4.4 introduces several design and usability improvements. Profile pages gain a “Feature on my profile” option to highlight specific content or other accounts. Pinned posts are now presented in a carousel for easier access, and a new profile widget shows how many mutual followers users share. Navigation and list management have been streamlined, allowing users to add or remove profiles more conveniently.
The media player received a redesign with better controls, including hotkeys for playback adjustments. Mobile users benefit from enhanced photo zoom gestures and reminders to add alt-text for accessibility. The mobile web version also aligns more closely with the native app experience through improved navigation and toolbars.
For server administrators, the update introduces compliance tools, such as multilingual Terms of Service management and age restrictions. This update follows Mastodon’s broader efforts this year to grow beyond individual stewardship, including forming a new nonprofit in Europe and expanding commercial services.
