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Schedule Mastodon Posts on Any Server
Updated · Multi Post Social guide
You can schedule Mastodon posts from Multi Post Social for an account on any server: text up to the server’s limit, up to four images with alt text, video, polls, content warnings and a visibility level per post. Mastodon is a network of independent servers, so a few things depend on where your account lives. This guide covers servers, the connection steps, the limits the composer reads from your server, content warnings and visibility, and the habits that fit the culture.
What you can schedule on Mastodon
Text posts, posts with up to four images or one video, polls with up to four options, and threads all publish directly. Each post can carry a content warning, which hides the text behind a short label until the reader opens it, and a visibility level: public, unlisted, followers only or direct. Hashtags are the main discovery tool on Mastodon and the composer counts them. Boosts and edits of live posts happen in your Mastodon client.
Servers and accounts
A Mastodon account is a handle plus a server, such as [email protected] or [email protected]. Any server that runs standard Mastodon software connects, including a server you host yourself. Character limits, media sizes and poll options are set by each server; the composer asks your server for its limits when you connect and uses them for the live counts. Accounts on other software that speaks the same protocol may work, but Multi Post Social tests against Mastodon itself.
How to connect Mastodon
- Open Channels, press Connect channel and choose Mastodon.
- Enter your server address, such as mastodon.social. A login window from that server opens.
- Sign in on your server and authorize the app to post and read notifications.
- Set the time zone and posting schedule. Mastodon timelines are chronological, so spreading posts through the day reaches people in different time zones.
Limits and formats
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Publishing method | Auto-publish (posts at the scheduled time) |
| Text limit | 500 characters (server may differ) |
| Formats | Post, Image (up to 4), Video, Poll, Content warning |
| Account type needed | Any account on any server |
| Media limits | Depends on the server; often 40 MB video |
| Hashtag tip | Hashtags drive discovery; use 2 to 5 |
| Format | Method | Typical specs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Auto-publish | 500 characters on most servers | Server may allow more |
| Images | Auto-publish | Up to 4, often 16 MB each | Alt text per image is expected |
| Video or audio | Auto-publish | Often 99 MB, server-dependent | One file per post |
| Poll | Auto-publish | 2 to 4 options, 5 minutes to 7 days | Single or multiple choice |
| Thread | Auto-publish | Several posts in order | Each within the server limit |
Content warnings and visibility
A content warning is a short label such as Politics or Long post; readers tap to reveal the text. Many communities expect warnings for certain topics, and using them is a sign of respect, not a penalty. Visibility decides who sees the post: public posts appear on hashtag timelines, unlisted posts show only to followers and on your profile, followers-only posts stay private, and direct posts reach mentioned people. The composer stores both per post, so an announcement can be public while a team note is unlisted. The scheduler guide explains how per-network fields are saved.
Best practices when you schedule Mastodon posts
- Use 2 to 5 hashtags in CamelCase, such as #SocialMediaTips, so screen readers pronounce them.
- Always add alt text; the community notices and boosts accessible posts more.
- Add a content warning for long posts, politics and anything some readers may skip.
- Avoid marketing tone; explain, share and answer questions.
- Reply from the inbox; conversation matters more than reach here.
- Mirror Bluesky and X posts here with the AI assistant adjusting hashtags.
Connection errors and fixes
| Message | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Server not reachable | Typo in the address or the server is down | Check the address; try again later |
| Authorization revoked | App removed in your server settings | Press Reconnect and authorize again |
| Text too long | Server limit lower than the composer assumed | Reconnect to refresh limits; shorten the post |
| Media too large | Over the server’s media limit | Compress the file |
| Rate limited | Too many posts in a short burst | Spread slots a few minutes apart |
Mobile tips
The server login opens in your phone browser and returns to the Multi Post Social app when done. Add alt text in the composer before queuing; it is quicker on the phone while the photo is fresh.
Mastodon rules to keep in mind
Each Mastodon server sets its own rules, posted on its About page, and moderators can limit accounts that post marketing without context or skip content warnings. Read your server’s rules before scheduling. The Mastodon documentation explains visibility, warnings and limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule Mastodon posts on my own server?
Yes. Enter the server address when connecting; any server running standard Mastodon works, including self-hosted ones.
Why is my character limit different from 500?
Each server sets its own limit. The composer reads it from your server when you connect; reconnect to refresh after a server change.
Can I schedule posts with a content warning?
Yes. Add the warning text in the composer and the post publishes with the text hidden behind it.
Can I choose who sees a scheduled post?
Yes. Pick public, unlisted, followers only or direct per post.
Join the conversation on Mastodon
Connect your server free, schedule accessible posts with alt text and answer replies from one inbox.
Keep Reading
- ChannelsAll 12 networks and what each supports.
- Bluesky300 characters, images, link cards.
- X (Twitter)Posts, threads, polls, alt text.
- AccessibilityWCAG target, known gaps, reporting.
- PublishComposer, queue, posting schedule and calendar.
- Multi Post Social homeStart here: what Multi Post Social does and how to begin free.