Surf Browser: Easily Create Custom Social Feeds for Everyone
▼ Summary
– Surf, a new app by Flipboard, enables users to create and discover custom feeds based on their interests, moving away from algorithm-driven timelines.
– Starter Sets simplify feed creation, allowing users to personalize and even publish feeds off-platform, targeting mainstream users.
– Surf focuses on the open social web, aggregating content from platforms like Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads, as well as blogs and news via RSS.
– Users can build feeds around topics like hobbies, add social account feeds, and filter content to match specific interests.
– Surf remains invite-only but regularly admits users from its waitlist, with features like publishing custom feeds to Bluesky.
Surf Browser revolutionizes social media consumption by empowering users to craft personalized feeds tailored to their unique interests. Unlike traditional platforms that force-feed algorithmically generated content, this innovative tool from Flipboard puts control back in users’ hands, allowing them to curate exactly what they want to see—whether it’s niche hobbies, sports updates, or community discussions.
The introduction of Starter Sets makes feed creation remarkably simple, even for those unfamiliar with technical customization. These pre-built templates cover popular categories, instantly populating feeds with relevant sources while leaving room for personal tweaks. Want a baking-focused feed? Just select the hobby category and dive into subtopics—no coding or advanced skills required.
What sets Surf apart is its commitment to the open social web, aggregating content from decentralized platforms like Bluesky, Mastodon, and PeerTube alongside mainstream sources such as Threads, blogs, and YouTube. This approach circumvents the walled gardens of traditional social networks, offering a breath of fresh air for users tired of restrictive algorithms.
For those who enjoy sharing their curated feeds, Surf now supports direct publishing to Bluesky. With a few taps, users can showcase their custom feeds on their Bluesky profile, though it’s worth noting that only Bluesky-sourced content will appear when viewed within that app.
While still in invite-only beta, Surf represents Flipboard’s evolution beyond its magazine-style roots. As social platforms increasingly limit API access, tools like Surf provide a compelling alternative for those seeking a more intentional, interest-driven online experience. The waitlist is open, offering early adopters a chance to redefine how they engage with digital content.
Key features include:
- Topic-based filtering to refine sources (perfect for following a tech expert without their political commentary)
- Integration with personal Mastodon/Bluesky accounts for seamless blending of self-curated and platform-sourced content
- Cross-platform compatibility, pulling from RSS feeds, podcasts, and video platforms alongside social networks
For anyone frustrated with one-size-fits-all social feeds, Surf delivers a smarter way to browse—one that prioritizes genuine interests over corporate-driven engagement tactics.
(Source: TechCrunch)
