How to schedule Mastodon posts

Mastodon has no algorithm deciding who sees a post: people see what the accounts they follow posted, in order. That makes a steady rhythm matter more than anywhere else, and scheduling is how a busy business keeps one.

1. On your server's website

The Mastodon website your server runs is built for posting now. Mastodon itself can hold a post for a set time, though, which is how some Mastodon apps and schedulers queue posts ahead. If you only post to Mastodon, an app that offers this may be all you need.

2. With a scheduler

A scheduler earns its place when Mastodon is one of several networks. It has to work with whichever server your account lives on, not only the biggest one, so check that before you sign up. Our guide to the best Mastodon schedulers lists the ones that do and which fits which job.

Get the post right before it is queued

• Most servers allow 500 characters, and some allow more. Mastodon counts every link as 23 of them, whatever its length. Check a draft with our free character counter.
• A post takes up to four images or one video, not both.
• Write alt text for every image; many people on Mastodon expect it.
• Plain, useful posts do better than promotion, because people boost what helps them.

Hashtags do the finding

With no algorithm, hashtags are how new people come across a post. Use a few that people actually follow, written in CamelCase so screen readers say them properly. Our guide on how to use hashtags on social media covers choosing them.

Scheduling Mastodon with Optimate

Optimate's Mastodon scheduler works with any server, checks your server's own character limit when it publishes, and puts Mastodon on one calendar with your other platforms. Start your 14-day free trial, no card needed.