Mastodon announces major user interface overhaul for version 5.0

Mastodon has revealed details regarding the upcoming version 5.0, which focuses on a significant overhaul of its user interface and navigation to improve usability and clarity.

Key changes include a new post editor that will appear as an overlay rather than being confined to the sidebar, providing more space for users. The platform is also rebranding “private mentions” to “messages” and separating direct messages into their own dedicated editor and page to prevent accidental public posting.

Navigation will be streamlined into a single-column layout, with server names and icons becoming more prominent. The existing “Lists” feature will be renamed to “Custom Feeds” to increase visibility, as data suggests many users were previously unaware of the function. Additionally, the “Quiet public” setting will be moved to a sub-setting for public posts to better manage post visibility and discoverability.