How to Enable Fediverse on Threads and Connect with Mastodon Users

Threads recently joined the fediverse on July 5, 2024. This integration allows users to see thread posts, comment, retweet, like, and view content on their Mastodon accounts. Threads is not the first social media platform to incorporate into the fediverse, but it was a smart move. Twitter (now called X) has not yet integrated into the fediverse, which might give Threads an advantage for users who prefer Mastodon or other fediverse platforms.

How to Enable Fediverse on Threads and Connect with Mastodon Users

It’s important to note that Mastodon isn’t the only platform you can use to engage in the fediverse. There are several other options, including:

  1. Pleroma – A lightweight social networking server.
  2. Misskey – A decentralized microblogging platform.
  3. Pixelfed – A federated image-sharing platform similar to Instagram.
  4. Friendica – A platform that integrates with other social networks.
  5. PeerTube – A decentralized video hosting network.

These platforms all connect within the fediverse, allowing users to interact across different services. This creates a diverse and interconnected social media environment, giving users more control over their online interactions.

So, while Threads joining the fediverse is a significant move, there are many other platforms within the fediverse offering a variety of experiences. It’s a growing and dynamic ecosystem, giving people more choices in how they connect and share online.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to enable fediverse features on your Threads account and what to expect once it’s activated. We’ll also cover what features are currently supported, what’s not available, and how you can engage with Mastodon users effectively. Whether you’re new to the fediverse or looking to understand how this integration works, we’ve got you covered.

How to Enable Fediverse on Your Threads Account

For you to enable fediverse on your threads account, you don’t have to be a computer guru. Its very easy and even your grandma should be able to do it. So, without any further ado go into how you can enable fediverse on your threads account.

  1. Open the Threads app on your home screen.
  2. Tap on the profile icon at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Check if your account already has fediverse enabled. If you see the fediverse icon (a small circle with an inner circle) next to your username, it’s enabled. If not, continue with the steps below.
  4. Tap on the menu bar in the top right corner of the page.
  5. Select “Accounts.”
  6. Tap on “Fediverse Sharing.”
  7. Tap on the “Turn Sharing” button. This will activate the fediverse on your account.

After enabling, you will see your fediverse username. It will look something like “@username@threads.net“. You can copy this link and share it with other fediverse users. Now, you’re all set to interact with the fediverse community from your Threads account. It’s that easy.

What Does It Mean After You Turn On Fediverse on Threads?

When you turn on the fediverse on Threads, it means users on different servers can connect and share with you. Similar to email, people can interact regardless of the server they use. Unlike email, your profile and content will be public. Here’s what happens after you enable it:

  1. Fediverse Interaction: Your profile and posts become accessible to users across the fediverse, not just those on Threads. This widens your audience and interaction possibilities.
  2. Posting Notification: When you post a new thread, you’ll see the message “Beta. You’re sharing to the fediverse.” This confirms that your fediverse sharing is active.
  3. Fediverse Icon: Every post you make will have a fediverse icon if it’s available in the fediverse, signaling that your content can be seen by users on different fediverse platforms.

By enabling the fediverse, you’re expanding your reach and engagement within a larger, interconnected social media environment.

What Features of Threads Are Not Available for the Fediverse

Most posting features on Threads are available for the fediverse, but there is one exception: polls. When you add a poll to your post, you will see this message: “This post won’t be shared to the fediverse because it contains an unsupported attachment.” This means your post will not be available on the fediverse if it includes a poll. Features that are available for the fediverse include:

  • Posting images
  • Photos
  • GIFs
  • Hashtags
  • Recordings
  • Text

These types of posts will be visible to users on platforms like Mastodon. In summary, while almost all posting features are supported, polls are not. So, stick to text, images, and other supported attachments to ensure your content reaches the wider fediverse audience.

How Do You Know When a Mastodon (Fediverse) User Engages with Your Post?

When a Mastodon (fediverse) user engages with your post, you will receive a notification saying, “username@mastodon.social replied to you from the fediverse.” Here are a few key points to remember:

  1. Notifications: You will get a notification whenever someone from the fediverse replies to your comment or post.
  2. Limited Interaction: Since the feature is in beta, you can like replies from other servers, but you can’t reply to them yet. Additionally, some replies may not be visible.
  3. Delays in Engagement: Replies or favorites from Mastodon to your Threads account might take a while to show up. This is because they are coming from a different server, and there may be delays.

So, while you can receive and like replies from Mastodon users, be prepared for some limitations and delays in visibility and interaction.

How to Engage with Mastodon (Fediverse) Users

Currently, engaging with Mastodon (fediverse) users through Threads has some limitations since it’s still in the beta phase. Here’s what you can do and what to expect:

  1. Liking Posts: You can like posts and replies from fediverse users. This is a straightforward way to engage and show appreciation for their content.
  2. Replying: At the moment, you cannot reply to posts from the fediverse directly through Threads. This feature is expected to be available once the integration is more developed.
  3. Notifications: You will receive notifications when fediverse users engage with your posts, such as when they reply or favorite your content. However, due to the separate servers, there might be some delays in these notifications.

While these features are still limited, improvements are on the way. The goal is to enable full interaction capabilities, making it easier for users to engage across different platforms in the fediverse.