First of all, it’s worth saying that most people do not need multiple accounts. The Fediverse is designed in such a way that people on different servers can interact seamlessly, as if they were all on one network. For most people one account is enough, because it lets you interact with people on the whole network. However, there are situations where having more than one account is useful.
So, why have multiple accounts?
Lots of possible reasons:
- Separate personal and work accounts.
- Specialist accounts that focus on particular topics, separate from a general account.
- Some server types are built for particular kinds of content, such as PeerTube for video, Pixelfed for photos, OwnCast for live streaming, BookWyrm for book reviews etc.
- Backup emergency accounts on different servers in case the main account’s server goes down.
- Temporary accounts to try out another server before possibly moving main account there.
What are “alt accounts” or “alts”?
“Alt accounts” or “alts” just mean alternative accounts owned by the same person. They may be permanent or temporary.
Can I be signed into several accounts at once?
Yes, all the official and third party apps support being logged into multiple accounts simultaneously, and you can also be signed into several accounts at once on the web browser and web apps.
Apps normally have an account switching button in the corner of the screen which you can press to select which account you want to use. Alternatively, you can use several different apps if you prefer. The official Mastodon apps have a switcher in the bottom right corner of the screen, hold it down to add an account or switch between accounts.
If you’re using accounts through the web browser and your accounts are on different servers, you can be signed into multiple servers at once and switch between them by keeping each one open in a separate tab. You can use the same email address when signing up for accounts on different servers.
Should I sign up for multiple accounts on different servers or the same server?
If you’re going to have multiple accounts, it’s highly recommended that you sign up on different servers! Having accounts on several different servers brings very significant advantages:
- If a server breaks down, accounts on other servers will still work. It is extremely unlikely that several servers would break down at exactly the same time, so having your accounts on different servers means you will always have at least one working account.
- It will be much easier for you to be signed in on many accounts at once if they are on different servers. Multiple accounts on the same server can mean you have to keep signing in and out to swtich accounts.
- By having accounts on different servers, you can use the same email address for all of them. If you try to sign up for multiple accounts on the same server, you will need different emails for each account.
It’s the independence of each server that makes it good to have accounts on separate servers. It means any kind of problem that hits one server will not affect your other accounts.
Can I sign up for multiple accounts on the same server if I want to?
Yes, you can, but it will be putting all your eggs in one basket. If that server goes down, it means you lose all access to the Fediverse. It also makes it more difficult to log in on web browsers and web apps, as you will probably have to keep signing in and out.
How should I promote my other accounts?
A common way to promote your other accounts is to mention them in your account profile page. It’s also highly recommended that you follow your other accounts, so that their content will federate more widely.
How should I handle emergency backup accounts?
If you run an account that needs to stay operating as reliably as possible (for example if it’s giving out important info), making a backup account on a different server is a good idea. If your main account’s server goes down, you will be able to switch to your backup account to post.
When you choose a server for your backup account it might be worth checking with the admin that they are okay with it, as some admins delete inactive accounts and your backup is likely to stay inactive for long periods. Also, it’s important that the backup account’s server isn’t owned or run by the same people as your main server.
After you’ve set up your backup account, tell your followers about it and encourage them to follow it. Make clear that you will only post from your backup if your main account goes down, so it won’t be any extra strain on their timelines.