Mastodon Adds Customizable Lists Feature to Android App for Better User Experience
New feature aims to aid user transition from Twitter and declutter home feed by enabling organization of follows based on interests, with iOS update expected to follow.
- Mastodon, an alternative to Twitter/X, has introduced a Lists feature to its Android app, enabling users to create custom lists around specific topics or interests. This feature, which was previously available only via the web, aims to enhance user experience and facilitate a smoother transition for newcomers from Twitter/X.
- The Lists feature also provides a decluttering function by allowing users to seclude certain accounts to lists, thus cleaning up the home feed. This can be beneficial for topics or interests that users want to track occasionally rather than constantly see in their feed.
- Mastodon's web interface has traditionally been more challenging to navigate, with the lists function being more cumbersome than its counterpart on Twitter/X. The mobile functionality has improved since Mastodon hired additional developers, accelerating its ability to compete with Twitter/X.
- Other third-party apps like Tusky, Metatext, Ivory, Mammoth, and more have stepped in to address the absence of lists on mobile, offering a more streamlined approach. However, Mastodon's own first-party mobile app didn't offer access to lists until this recent update.
- While an update for the iOS app is expected, the company hasn't committed to a timeframe yet. Mastodon also signaled that more features for iOS and the web are in development, enhancing its competitiveness in the microblogging space.