You want a specific post to stay at the top of your Mastodon profile so visitors see it first. Mastodon includes a built-in pinning feature that lets you highlight one post above all others. This article explains how to pin a post using the Mastodon web interface and the official mobile app. You will learn the exact steps and understand what happens when you unpin or delete a pinned post.
Key Takeaways: How to Pin a Post on Mastodon
- Three-dot menu on any post: Open the post options and select Pin on Profile to lock it to the top.
- Profile page verification: After pinning, the post appears directly below your profile header and bio.
- Unpin anytime: Use the same three-dot menu to unpin the post and restore normal chronological order.
What Pinning a Post Does on Mastodon
Pinning a post on Mastodon makes it the first item visitors see when they load your profile. The pinned post stays above all other posts regardless of when you created it. This feature works like a sticky note on your profile wall. You can only pin one post at a time. If you pin a second post, Mastodon automatically unpins the first one.
Pinned posts are visible to everyone who visits your profile, including people who do not follow you. They appear on both the web interface and all Mastodon mobile apps. The pinned post shows a small pin icon next to the timestamp. This icon lets viewers know the post is intentionally placed at the top.
You can pin any post you have authored. This includes text posts, image posts, polls, and posts with attached files. You cannot pin a boost or a reply to another user. Only original posts from your account qualify for pinning.
Before you pin a post, decide what message you want to highlight. Common choices include an introduction post, a link to your website, a statement of your interests, or a call to action. Because you can only pin one post, choose carefully.
Steps to Pin a Post on a Mastodon Profile
These steps work on the Mastodon web interface accessed through a desktop browser. The same method applies to the official Mastodon mobile app for iOS and Android with minor visual differences.
- Go to your profile page
Click your avatar in the top navigation bar or open the menu and select Profile. Your profile page displays all your posts in reverse chronological order. - Find the post you want to pin
Scroll through your posts until you locate the one you want to highlight. You can use the search bar on your profile to find older posts by keyword. - Open the post options menu
Click the three-dot icon located at the top right corner of the post. The icon looks like a horizontal ellipsis. A dropdown menu appears with several actions. - Select Pin on Profile
In the dropdown menu, click the option labeled Pin on Profile. Mastodon immediately moves the post to the top of your profile. A pin icon appears next to the post timestamp to confirm the action. - Verify the pinned post
Refresh your profile page or navigate away and come back. The pinned post remains at the top above all other posts. The pin icon stays visible to you and all visitors.
Pinning a Post Using the Mastodon Mobile App
The official Mastodon mobile app uses the same logic but with a slightly different interface. Open the app and tap your avatar to go to your profile. Tap the three-dot icon on the post you want to pin. From the menu, tap Pin on Profile. The pinned post appears at the top immediately. The app shows a pin icon next to the post timestamp just like the web version.
Unpinning a Post
To unpin a post, open the three-dot menu on the currently pinned post. Select Unpin from Profile. Mastodon removes the pin icon and the post returns to its original chronological position. The post remains on your profile and is not deleted. You can pin a different post at any time using the same steps.
What Happens If You Delete a Pinned Post
If you delete a pinned post, Mastodon automatically unpins it. The post disappears from your profile and from the feeds of anyone who boosted it. Your profile no longer displays a pinned post. You must pin another post if you want one to appear at the top. Deleting a pinned post does not affect any other content on your profile.
Mastodon Profile Pinning vs Other Platforms
| Item | Mastodon | Twitter / X |
|---|---|---|
| Number of pinned posts allowed | One | One |
| Pin icon visibility | Yes, a pin icon appears on the post | Yes, a pin icon appears on the post |
| Can pin replies to others | No | No |
| Pin persists after account migration | No, you must pin again on the new account | No, you must pin again on the new account |
Things to Avoid When Pinning Posts
Do not pin a post that contains outdated information. Because the pinned post is the first thing visitors see, stale content creates a poor impression. Review your pinned post every few weeks and update it if necessary.
Do not pin a post that links to broken URLs. Check all links in the pinned post before and after pinning. A broken link frustrates visitors and reduces trust in your profile.
Do not pin a post that contains sensitive or controversial material. The pinned post is public to everyone, including people who find your profile through search engines or federation. Use the content warning feature if the pinned post requires it.
Do not pin a post that is a reply to another user. Mastodon does not allow pinning replies, but if you try to pin a reply through a workaround, the pin will fail or the post will not appear correctly. Only pin original posts you create.
If the Pin on Profile Option Is Missing
If you do not see the Pin on Profile option in the three-dot menu, check that you are viewing your own profile. You can only pin posts you authored. If you are on another user’s profile, the option does not appear. Also confirm that the post is an original post and not a boost or a reply. If the post is a reply, the option is hidden by design. Log out and log back in to refresh your session. If the option still does not appear, try a different browser or update the Mastodon app to the latest version.
You can now pin a post to the top of your Mastodon profile using the web interface or mobile app. Choose a post that represents you well and update it when your priorities change. For advanced profile management, consider adding a link to your pinned post in your bio using the Profile metadata fields.