• The Mastodon app now lets users view Quote Posts from other fediverse apps.
• Full quoting is coming in the next update, with controls to limit misuse.

Mastodon has released version 4.4. The update brings several improvements across the platform and lays the foundation for a change that could shape how people interact on the site — the introduction of Quote Posts.

This type of post, familiar to users of other platforms, allows someone to repost another person’s message and add their own comment above it. It’s often used to react to statements, debate ideas, or, in many cases, mock or criticise. On X, Quote Tweets became a common way to publicly “dunk” on someone, contributing to a more hostile tone across the platform.

Mastodon says it’s approaching the feature with caution. Users will have more control over how their posts are quoted. They can choose whether or not to allow quoting, receive notifications when their content is quoted, and even remove their post from a quote after the fact. These options are meant to reduce the risk of misuse, especially around harassment or unwanted attention.

But Quote Posts aren’t fully live yet. Version 4.4 only includes the underlying code needed to display quotes from other platforms in the fediverse. That means users can now see quotes created on compatible apps — but they can’t create them just yet. That feature is expected to roll out in version 4.5, which is planned for later this year.

Improved profiles, navigation, and list tools

The latest update also brings a number of changes aimed at making the app easier to use and customise.

A new “Feature on my profile” setting lets users highlight specific content. This can include posts using certain hashtags, or other profiles the user wants to promote — such as related accounts for side projects, businesses, or communities.

Pinned Posts now appear in a carousel at the top of each profile, allowing for easier scrolling. Since Mastodon allows up to five pinned posts, this change helps visitors find older or more relevant content without having to dig through an entire feed.

There’s also a new profile widget that shows how many mutual follows exist between you and the person whose profile you’re viewing. It’s a small addition, but one that could make it easier to find shared connections.

Managing Lists has been made more straightforward as well. Users can now add or remove people directly from their profile pages or from the Followers and Following tabs. This makes organising feeds and filtering content more efficient, especially for long-time users.

Media upgrades and mobile tweaks

Mastodon’s media player has been redesigned with more accessible controls. Play and pause buttons are now placed in the centre, and the update adds keyboard shortcuts for volume, skipping, and fullscreen mode.

Image handling on mobile devices has also improved. Users can zoom in or out with a pinch or double-tap, and swipe up to exit the zoomed view — mimicking native photo apps. A new reminder to add alt-text when posting images encourages users to consider accessibility, especially for those who rely on screen readers.

The mobile website now feels more consistent with the native apps. A new bottom toolbar and better navigation layout aim to simplify movement across the platform.

Other changes under the hood

The “Explore” section is now labelled “Trending,” and the sidebar navigation has been reorganised into three clear sections: main navigation, curated content like Bookmarks and Lists, and everything else.

Account setup has also been simplified. The onboarding process now takes two steps instead of four, which may help new users get started faster and reduce early drop-off.

Admins will notice new tools for compliance, including the ability to manage terms of service, support translations for server rules, and set age limits for users.

These updates come as Mastodon continues to expand its structure and explore new revenue streams. The team recently formed a nonprofit entity in Europe, added more staff, and began looking into offering paid services. Hosting the European Commission’s Mastodon instance last year suggests it may be positioning itself for more institutional partnerships in the future.