Do not assume one protocol
Mastodon, Bluesky and Matrix should not be presented as three interchangeable apps for one protocol. Profiles and references below describe a specific point for each service. Check documented connection or transfer possibilities before promising universal migration.
Compare services in context
On small screens, the table can scroll horizontally.
| Platform | Documented point | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Mastodon | Each Mastodon server defines its rules and moderation. The home feed displays followed accounts’ posts in chronological order. | Read the server’s rules, terms and migration options before signing up. |
| Bluesky | Bluesky moderation combines automated filtering, human actions and content labels selected by users. | Treat posts as public and review accounts suggested in shared lists. |
| Pixelfed | Pixelfed uses ActivityPub to interact with profiles on other servers and supports follower-only posts. | Choose a server whose rules and moderation suit you. A public post may travel beyond your own server. |
| PeerTube | PeerTube can use peer-to-peer delivery to reduce bandwidth load on the server hosting a video. | Each platform sets its rules, technical limits and moderation. Check rights to images and music before publishing. |
| Lemmy | Lemmy allows following a community on another server by searching its URL or full identifier. Rules are specific to communities and servers. | Moderation rules vary between communities and servers. Read them before posting and avoid sharing sensitive information. |
| Element (Matrix) | Element is a messaging application using the Matrix standard. A provider hosts the account; different applications can use the same account. | Check room encryption, devices and key recovery. A public room and a private encrypted room do not share the same protections. |
Choose a human organisation too
Examine moderation, provider terms, maintenance capacity and existing audience. An open instance or service may suit public use without suiting sensitive conversation. Make a non-sensitive trial, check space settings and keep useful references outside the feed.
Questions for your trial
- Who hosts the account and which rules apply.
- Which content is public and how it circulates.
- Which leaving or switching procedure is documented.
- Who receives reports and handles access problems.
Related methods
Sources and comparison limits
Primary references consulted for factual points. Methods and templates are editorial suggestions; service conditions should still be checked in current documentation.
- joinmastodon.org — original reference ↗
- bsky.social — original reference ↗
- pixelfed.org — original reference ↗
- joinpeertube.org — original reference ↗
- join-lemmy.org — original reference ↗
- matrix.org — original reference ↗
This table gives neither a quality ranking nor a security score. Points reused from profiles were documented during the 2 October 2026 review.