Ghost Joins Open Social Web in Latest Release
▼ Summary
– Ghost 6 enables publishers to share long-form content natively with decentralized platforms like Mastodon, Threads, and WordPress via ActivityPub integration.
– Bluesky compatibility is achieved through Bridgy Fed, a bridging service, unlike Micro.blog’s direct AT Protocol integration.
– ActivityPub has gained traction as a decentralized alternative to X (formerly Twitter), with platforms like Threads and WordPress adopting it.
– Ghost 6 introduces new features like real-time analytics, payment support, and personalized content, alongside updated pricing plans.
– The release follows controversy around Substack’s hosting of extremist content, prompting some publishers to switch to Ghost.
Ghost has rolled out its latest update, Ghost 6, introducing native integration with the open social web, a major leap for publishers looking to expand their reach beyond traditional channels. The update enables seamless sharing across decentralized platforms like Mastodon, Meta’s Threads, Flipboard, and WordPress sites supporting ActivityPub, alongside email and RSS distribution.
Though Bluesky compatibility is mentioned, it’s worth noting this feature relies on Bridgy Fed, a bridging service connecting the fediverse (powered by ActivityPub) with Bluesky’s AT Protocol. Manton Reece, founder of Micro.blog, highlighted the distinction, pointing out his platform’s direct AT Protocol integration compared to Ghost’s bridged approach.
ActivityPub has gained traction as a decentralized alternative following Twitter’s transformation under Elon Musk. Platforms like Threads, WordPress, and Medium have embraced the protocol, allowing users to follow blogs and interact across federated networks. Ghost’s move taps into this growing ecosystem, offering publishers new ways to engage audiences through likes, replies, and reposts.
Beyond social integration, Ghost 6 introduces a real-time analytics dashboard, tracking performance across web, email, and subscriptions. The update also supports personalized content, branded newsletters, and flexible payment options, including tips and donations. Pricing adjustments now start at $15/month for basic plans, with tiered reductions for larger publishers.
The release follows controversy around Substack, Ghost’s competitor, which faced backlash for promoting extremist content. High-profile migrations to Ghost include 404 Media, The Lever, and Platformer, underscoring its appeal as a publisher-friendly alternative.
With these upgrades, Ghost strengthens its position as a versatile platform for independent creators, blending traditional publishing tools with the expanding fediverse.
(Source: TechCrunch)
