Mastodon Starter Guide
Everything you need to know to get started on Mastodon and the Fediverse.
Join an Existing Instance (Recommended for individuals)
Step 1: Pick a Canadian Instance
An instance is just the server where your account lives. You can talk to anyone on any instance - this just determines where your data is stored and the type of moderation to expect.
View our list of Canadian instances →
Not sure which to pick? mstdn.ca is the largest Canadian instance and a safe default.
Step 2: Sign Up
Visit your chosen instance and click "Create Account" or "Sign Up."
Some instances require approval. This usually takes a few hours.
Step 3: Set Up Your Profile
- Add a profile photo (use your official headshot)
- Write a short bio (name, role, riding/region)
- Add a link to your official website
Step 4: Verify Yourself
This is how people know it's really you. Add your Mastodon link to your official website, and Mastodon will show a green checkmark next to that link on your profile.
Step 5: Post Your First Message
You're in. Say hello, introduce yourself! Since hashtags travel everywhere, use the hashtag #Introduction for your first post is tradition - the community will welcome you.
Additional Tips & Tools:
- Visit Feditips for helpful advice on using Mastodon
- Download the Mastodon mobile app for Apple or Android
Run Your Own Instance (Recommended for political parties, government offices, and organizations)
Want your own server at @yourname@yourparty.ca? This gives you complete control - your domain, your rules, your data.
Why run your own instance?
- Full control over your presence (no one can ban you or change the rules)
- Branded handles (e.g. @myname@mydomain.ca instead of @myname@mstdn.ca)
- Your team all on one server
- Complete ownership of your data
The easy way: Managed hosting
You don't need to be technical. We recommend FediHost - a Canadian company based in Montreal that handles everything for you.
- Canadian servers, Canadian support
- They set it up, they maintain it, they handle updates
- You just use it
The DIY way
If you have technical staff and want full control, you can self-host. You'll need:
- A domain name
- A VPS (server)
- An email provider
- Time and Linux knowledge
Mastodon's official installation guide →
You're Ready
That's it. Whether you join an existing instance or run your own, you're now part of a growing network of Canadians taking ownership of their digital communications.
No algorithm, no billionaire, no data harvesting. Just you and your community.
Next steps:
- Follow @ElbowsUpForDigitalSovereignty for updates
- Check out who's already on Mastodon
- Questions? Reach out - we're happy to help
Welcome to the Fediverse. 🍁