Ghost Now Connects to the Fediverse - Substack Alternative

Ghost Newsletter Platform Connects to the Fediverse

The Ghost platform, an open-source alternative to Substack, has established a connection with the fediverse, also recognized as the open social web.

Understanding the Fediverse

Apps functioning within the federated network utilize the ActivityPub protocol. This protocol enables communication between applications like Mastodon, Pixelfed, Threads, and Flipboard, allowing content to be shared and engaged with across different platforms.

Initial Integration Plans

Ghost announced plans last year to integrate with ActivityPub. The goal was to enable publishers to distribute their blog posts to a wider audience on the open social web.

While initial expectations pointed to a launch in the previous year, Ghost has now unveiled its social web beta program.

Social Web Beta Launch

This beta allows users on a Ghost Pro subscription to test the new ActivityPub integration.

The company acknowledges that this feature is still under active development. A more refined version is anticipated with the release of Ghost 6.0.

Account Handles and Following

When Ghost Pro users link their blog or newsletter to the fediverse, others can follow their account. The account handle takes the form of "@index" followed by the publication’s domain name, such as @yoursite.com.

Ghost intends to allow customization of the "@index" portion of the handle in the near future.

Interaction on Federated Apps

Users on federated applications will be able to follow publishers on Ghost. They can also interact with posts through likes, replies, and reposts.

Introducing the Social Web Reader

To facilitate participation in the fediverse and expand readership, Ghost has launched a social web reader. This reader provides a “feed” of short-form content from across the fediverse, including posts from Mastodon and Threads.

The Inbox for Long-Form Content

A separate section, called the “Inbox,” allows Ghost users to stay updated with long-form content. This includes articles from platforms like Ghost and WordPress, which integrated with the fediverse in 2023.

The “Inbox” functions similarly to an email inbox, displaying new articles from followed publications. Clicking on a post opens an inline reader, with options to like, repost, or reply.

Direct Posting and Notifications

The integration of these feeds into the Ghost admin panel enables publishers to directly post short-form content to the fediverse. This helps build their reputation and following within the open social web.

The Ghost Reader also provides notifications for interactions such as follows, replies, likes, and reposts. Users can customize their Profile page to showcase their social web account, followers, and content.

Future Integrations

Ghost plans to further integrate social web profiles with Ghost memberships. Currently, these features operate independently.

Additional features in development include tools for blocking, reporting, muting, and adding media to notes and replies.

Compatibility Issues with Threads

Some compatibility issues exist, particularly with Meta’s Threads. While Ghost users can find Threads profiles, interactions are currently blocked due to restrictions on Threads’ side.

Ghost suggests contacting Instagram head Adam Mosseri to address this issue.

Accessing the Beta

Ghost Pro subscribers can enable the social web beta by navigating to Settings > Labs within the Ghost Admin.

Notable Ghost Publications

Ghost is currently utilized by several prominent publications, including Platformer by Casey Newton, 404 Media, The Lever by David Sirota, Tangle, Inside by Jason Calacanis, and SFist.