When you sign up for a new Mastodon instance, many servers offer two software versions: Glitch and Vanilla. Both run on the same core Mastodon protocol and can communicate with any other Fediverse instance. However, Glitch includes extra features for power users, such as advanced post formatting and custom column layouts. Vanilla, the default Mastodon release, focuses on stability and simplicity. This article explains the key differences between Glitch and Vanilla so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Key Takeaways: Choosing Between Glitch and Vanilla Mastodon
- Preferences > Appearance > Enable advanced web interface: Toggles the multi-column layout exclusive to Glitch.
- Compose box > Content warning and Markdown formatting: Glitch supports Markdown syntax in posts; Vanilla uses plain text only.
- Admin panel > Software update channel: Vanilla receives official updates first; Glitch may lag behind by days or weeks.
What Makes Glitch Different from Vanilla Mastodon
Vanilla Mastodon is the official release maintained by Mastodon gGmbH. It is the version you get when you install Mastodon from the main repository. Every new feature, security patch, and bug fix appears in Vanilla before any fork.
Glitch is a community fork of Mastodon that adds experimental features on top of the Vanilla base. The Glitch team cherry-picks commits from the official Mastodon repository and then layers on custom enhancements. Glitch is not a separate platform. It connects to the same federated timeline, uses the same ActivityPub protocol, and works with any Mastodon client app.
Post Formatting and Rich Text
Vanilla Mastodon supports plain text only in posts. You cannot use bold, italic, or inline links unless the client app interprets Markdown after the fact. Glitch adds native Markdown support in the web interface. You can type bold, italic, and [link text](URL) directly in the compose box. Glitch also lets you set a default post format — plain text, Markdown, or HTML — from the user preferences.
User Interface Layout
Vanilla uses a single-column layout on desktop. You scroll through the home feed in one stream. Glitch offers an advanced web interface with multiple resizable columns. You can place the home feed, notifications, a hashtag column, and a local timeline side by side. This layout mimics the power-user experience of TweetDeck. You enable it in Preferences > Appearance > Enable advanced web interface.
Flock Mode and Other Moderation Tools
Glitch includes a feature called Flock Mode. When enabled, new posts from your account are visible only to followers you have approved. This is stricter than Vanilla’s lock account option, which still allows anyone to see your posts in their timeline. Glitch also adds extra moderation tools for instance admins, such as the ability to limit individual accounts from posting media or creating new posts without a content warning.
Steps to Compare Glitch and Vanilla Before Committing
You cannot switch between Glitch and Vanilla after you create your account without migrating to a new instance. Test both versions before you sign up. Follow the steps below.
- Find an instance that offers both versions
Use the instance picker at joinmastodon.org or instances.social. Filter by software version. Look for servers that list both Glitch and Vanilla as options. Many instances run Glitch by default and offer Vanilla on request. Others run Vanilla and do not offer Glitch at all. - Visit the instance landing page
Open the instance URL in a browser. Look for a section labeled Software, Version, or About this server. Some instances display a badge: Glitch or Vanilla. If the page does not say, check the server rules or FAQ. - Read the admin announcement
Many instance admins post a pinned toot explaining why they chose a specific version. This toot often lists the features that matter most to that community. If you see mentions of Markdown, advanced columns, or Flock Mode, the instance runs Glitch. - Create a temporary account on each version
If you are still unsure, create a throwaway account on a Vanilla instance and another on a Glitch instance. Use the same email alias if possible. Spend 15 minutes on each. Compare the compose box, the column layout, and the settings menu. - Decide based on your daily use case
If you post long-form text with formatting, use Glitch. If you prefer a clean, distraction-free interface, use Vanilla. If you are an instance admin, consider that Glitch requires more maintenance because it is not the official release.
Common Misconceptions and Limitations
Glitch Posts Break on Vanilla Instances
This is false. When you post with Markdown on Glitch, the server converts the content to plain text before sending it to other instances. A Vanilla user sees the raw Markdown syntax, but the post still appears in their timeline. The formatting is not lost for other Glitch users on the same instance because the server stores the original Markdown source.
Glitch Is Unstable or Unsafe
Glitch is a mature fork that has been maintained since 2017. The Glitch team follows the same security practices as the official Mastodon project. However, because Glitch is not the official release, it may receive security patches a few days later than Vanilla. Instance admins should monitor both the official Mastodon release notes and the Glitch changelog.
You Can Switch Between Versions Later
You cannot switch the software version of an existing account without migrating to a different instance. The software version is a server-side setting. If your instance runs Vanilla, you cannot turn on Glitch features from the user preferences. The only way to change versions is to move your account to an instance running the other software. Use the Move account tool in Preferences > Account > Move from a different account.
Glitch vs Vanilla Mastodon: Feature Comparison
| Item | Glitch | Vanilla |
|---|---|---|
| Post formatting | Markdown, HTML, and plain text | Plain text only |
| Desktop layout | Single-column or multi-column (advanced UI) | Single-column only |
| Flock Mode | Available | Not available |
| Admin moderation extras | Per-account media limits, content warning enforcement | Standard Mastodon moderation |
| Update speed | Lags behind Vanilla by days or weeks | First to receive official updates |
| Community support | Glitch GitHub and Matrix chat | Official Mastodon documentation and forum |
Now you can evaluate the two Mastodon versions based on your posting habits, interface preferences, and admin responsibilities. If you want Markdown and a multi-column layout, pick a Glitch instance. If you want the fastest updates and a simpler interface, choose Vanilla. For instance admins, consider testing Glitch on a staging server before enabling it for your community. Either way, both versions connect you to the same Fediverse without any federation gaps.