Contents
Mastodon: do & don't
Same trigger, different action, very different outcome. These are real rule shapes SocFlow supports today — paired with the compliant alternative for the same goal.
Reacting to keyword mentions
Don't
Keyword match → Reply
Auto-reply to every post containing your brand name, from anyone.
Mastodon has no fediverse-wide automation policy, but auto-replying to every stranger who used a matching word is unsolicited contact — and unlike X, Mastodon's API has no mention-check to reject it, so nothing stops it from actually happening. SocFlow doesn't offer Reply on this trigger for exactly this reason.
Do
Keyword match → Tag author
Flag matching posts so you can jump into the conversation personally.
You decide, post by post, whether and how to engage.
Following people back
Don't
Keyword match → Follow
Follow everyone who happens to use a matching word.
This targets every stranger who used the word, not people who've engaged with this account — indiscriminate bulk following is routine grounds for instance-level suspension. SocFlow doesn't offer Follow on this trigger for exactly this reason.
Do
New follower, filtered (e.g. Followers > 100) → Follow
Follow back only accounts that match real criteria you set.
A deliberate, targeted follow-back rule isn't indiscriminate — the filters are what make the difference.
Replying when someone actually tags you
Don't
Trending post → Reply
Auto-reply to whatever's trending on your instance right now.
A trending post's author never engaged with this account — same unsolicited-contact problem as a keyword match, just sourced differently.
Do
Someone mentions me → Reply
Reply automatically only when your account is the one actually tagged.
The mention itself is proof someone engaged with this account first — this combo stays fully available.
Bots self-identify here by default
More platforms