In most circumstances, servers across the fediverse communicate with each other automatically, and build up a network of known servers as time goes on. The more people you interact with, and follow you, the more your server understands the wider network.

This can be helpful when you are searching, especially using hashtags. Your server can only show you what it knows about!

Relay servers are a way to force content onto a server, from a specialised server (relay server). It gathers up content from other servers participating in the relay and sends the posts to your own server.

This can be very useful for smaller servers, especially those which are single user home-based, as they can struggle to be known, and find content.

Caution: It can also overwhelm small servers if it is a large relay server, with thousands of posts. There is also little control over content coming in. Your own server may end up with posts from less desirable servers. Always check who is participating in the relay server.

If you are a server administrator, consult your documentation on how to add relay servers. Currently Mastodon and Misskey (and derivatives) can use relay servers.

• https://relay.infosec.exchange
• https://relay.activitypub.ca
• https://relay.c64.social
• https://relay.intahnet.co.uk
• https://fedi-relay.gyptazy.com

A more comprehensive list is available at https://relaylist.com