I figured it out, but after nearly giving up on it. There's basically no algorithm to suggest you content like on other sites, so you gotta search for hashtags for stuff you're interested in and follow them. You basically create your own content pushing algorithm by scratch.
I like it, but considering the average twitter user isn't going to get it after having content and people pushed to them by twitter's algorithm, I can see why so many people gave up on it. Then again the people who are actually there seem cool enough, and it's nice to have a microblog and drip feed that isn't drowning in drama and sponsorships. I think I kinda prefer if Masto stays small.
If it means anything to you, I have been using reddit less and less these days because the content and the community culture there has degraded since the protests and the API hikes. I was never an active participant in the protest, but I want to encourage the growth of other platforms, which is why I come here in the first place.
I mean ideally, you should be able to customize the communities you see, and on kbin at least, there is a setting where you see your subscribed posts as your default front page, which is what I use. You can also block communities that you don't wish to see much like filtering from RES.
I've actually appreciated the LGBTQ stuff and memes, but I know that isn't what everyone wants to see all of the time. The reality is there isn't as much variety on the fed yet because most of the people who have stuck around are like minded nerds who enjoy the same stuff and align with the same views.
I think kbin and lemmy have been my favorites so far. I've been using kbin more simply because of the interface, and the microblogging features.
Tildes is a close second, where its more about discussion rather than memes. The user culture there is very respectful, so it's my preferred place for nuanced discussion.
I've only peeked in Raddle a little. It's basically if beehaw was it's own site, but even more so overtly Anarchist. It's like reddit design wise, it feels like they tried to cloan reddit to a tea, but forgot some of the qol feature, in a way it's basically leftist voat.
You feed the community you want to see grow. If I was concerned about community size, I'd still be on reddit. You could post to the Beehaw community, which may mean more views, or you could contribute to your local instance's community, which will show people that it is active, which will lead to people posting there as well, which will lead to growth. Or you could always post to both.
I would be severely disappointed if I went to a BDSM party, and burgers and drinks weren't served. I could take or leave the Salsa music.