Migration Guides

OshiSocial Migration Guides

Simple guides to help you navigate between platforms and make the most of OshiSocial!

Platform Comparison

Sharkey vs Mastodon Features

Sharkey (OshiSocial)

• React to post with Emoji - Go beyond simple Likes with multiple reaction types
• Built-in drive system - Manage and organize your media files efficiently
• Enhanced customization - More UI options and themes available
• Better threading display - Improved conversation visualization
• Post import support - Can import posts and media when migrating

Mastodon

• Wider app ecosystem - More third-party apps available
• Simpler interface - Easier for beginners to navigate
• Broader instance selection - More servers to choose from
• More established platform - Larger overall user base

What Transfers Between Platforms

Always Transferable:

• ✅ Followers
• ✅ Following lists
• ✅ Bookmarks
• ✅ Blocks and mutes

Platform-Specific Transfer Capabilities:

• Mastodon → Sharkey: ✅ Posts and media CAN be transferred
• Sharkey → Mastodon: ❌ Posts and media CANNOT be transferred (Mastodon limitation)

Caution

When migrating, your old account will become a redirect-only account and will no longer be fully functional. Plan your migration carefully!

Migration Guides

Mastodon to Sharkey

Migrating from Mastodon to Sharkey

Pre-Migration Steps

Step 1: Create Your User Archive

Access Export Settings

On your Mastodon instance, go to Preferences → Import and Export

Request Archive

Click “Request your archive” to create a full backup

Wait for Notification

Wait up to 24 hours for an email notification that your archive is ready

Download Archive

Download the ZIP file containing your posts and media

Step 2: Export Additional Data (Optional)

From the same Import and Export page, download CSV files for: Follows, Bookmarks, Blocks, Mutes

Migration Process

Phase 1: Setup New Sharkey Account

Create Account

Create your new account on the target Sharkey server (e.g., oshi.social)

Configure Migration Settings

Navigate to Settings → Account Migration

Link Old Account

Enter your old Mastodon handle (format: @oldusername@example.com)

Save Configuration

Click Save to establish the link

Phase 2: Initiate Migration from Mastodon

Return to Old Account

Log back into your OLD Mastodon account

Access Move Settings

Go to Preferences → Account → “Move to a different account”

Enter New Handle

Enter your NEW Sharkey handle (format: @newusername@sharkey.server)

Confirm Migration

Enter your password and click “Move followers”

Note

After this step, your old Mastodon account becomes redirect-only and followers will be moved to your new account.

Post-Migration: Import Your Data

Access Import Settings

On your NEW Sharkey account, go to Settings → Import and export

Upload Archive Files

Upload your files: Archive ZIP for posts and media, CSV files for follows, bookmarks, blocks, and mutes

Monitor Upload Progress

Watch for the upload indicator in the top right corner

Wait for Import

Wait for the “import in progress” message. Imports can take many hours depending on data size.

Caution

Important Security Note: After import completes, DELETE the uploaded ZIP files from your Sharkey drive as they are publicly accessible!

Tip

If an import fails, wait at least 24 hours before attempting again and contact an admin to avoid creating duplicate data.

Sharkey to Mastodon

Migrating from Sharkey to Mastodon

Note

Due to Mastodon software limitations, posts and media CANNOT be transferred when migrating from Sharkey to Mastodon. Only followers, follows, bookmarks, blocks, and mutes can be migrated.

Pre-Migration: Export Your Data

Access Export Settings

On your Sharkey server, navigate to Settings (right sidebar)

Open Import/Export

Select “Import and Export” from the settings menu

Export Your Data

Export: Follows list, Bookmarks, Blocks list, Mutes list

Download Files

Your exported files will be stored in your Sharkey drive for download

Migration Process

Phase 1: Setup Mastodon Account

Create New Account

Create your new account on the destination Mastodon server

Access Account Settings

Go to Preferences → Account

Create Account Alias

Under “Moving from a different account,” select “Create an account alias”

Enter Old Handle

Enter your old Sharkey username (format: @oldusername@sharkey.server)

Confirm Alias

Click “Create alias” to establish the connection

Phase 2: Initiate Migration from Sharkey

Return to Sharkey

Log back into your OLD Sharkey account

Access Migration Settings

Navigate to Settings → Account Migration → “Migrate this account to a different one”

Enter New Handle

Enter your NEW Mastodon username and password

Confirm Migration

Click Migrate to transfer your followers

Caution

Your old Sharkey account will no longer be fully functional after migration. It will become a redirect-only account.

Post-Migration: Import Additional Data

Access Import Settings

Log into your NEW Mastodon account and go to Preferences → “Import and export” → Import

Upload CSV Files

Upload the CSV files you exported from Sharkey: Follows list, Bookmarks, Blocks list, Mutes list

Process Imports

Wait for each import to complete before starting the next one

Note

Remember that your posts and media from Sharkey cannot be imported to Mastodon. Consider downloading your archive from Sharkey as a personal backup before migrating.

Best Practices for Migration

Before You Migrate

• Announce your move - Let your followers know you’re migrating in advance
• Backup everything - Download all your data even if it can’t be imported
• Update your bio - Include your new handle in your old account’s bio before migrating
• Choose timing wisely - Migrate during low-activity periods to minimize disruption

After Migration

• Verify imports - Check that your follows, blocks, and other data transferred correctly
• Update external links - Change any websites or profiles that link to your old account
• Re-introduce yourself - Make an introduction post on your new account
• Be patient - It may take time for all followers to migrate and for federation to stabilize

Tip

Need help with your migration? Contact the OshiSocial admin team for assistance!