Mastodon tries to give people nice link previews for any URLs shared in posts. It generally does so by looking for metadata on the linked page in a specific order:

1. JSON-LD
2. OpenGraph (OG)
3. Standard Meta Tags

When a page has data in these formats, Mastodon pulls the information it needs to display a title, description, image, and more.

What is JSON-LD?

JSON-LD is a way to embed structured data in a page using JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). It’s often used for things like Schema.org data or rich snippets. Mastodon scans for it first.

For years, I’ve been wanting to fly up to Mackinac Island (KMCD) for a day of cross-country skiing, but the weather has never lined up. Either it’s too warm, and there won’t be enough snow on the island to make it worthwhile, or the weather is too rough for a safe flight there and back, with the additional risk of getting stranded.

The Island in the winter is a completely different experience from the bustling summer season. With no cars allowed, the only ways to get around are by foot, bike, horse-drawn carriage, or in the winter, skis and snowmobiles. The island gets a fair amount of lake-effect snow, and when conditions are right, it offers a scenic ski experience with views you just can’t get anywhere else.