Newsletter platform Ghost has launched its latest software update, Ghost 6, enabling publishers to distribute content across the open social web. This integration allows Ghost users to share content directly with decentralized platforms like Mastodon, Threads, Flipboard, and ActivityPub-supported WordPress sites, expanding their reach beyond traditional web and email channels.
Though Ghost promotes compatibility with Bluesky, this feature relies on Bridgy Fed—a bridging service connecting the ActivityPub-powered fediverse to Bluesky’s AT Protocol ecosystem. Manton Reece, founder of Micro.blog, highlighted this distinction, emphasizing Ghost’s use of bridging instead of direct AT Protocol integration. His comments underscore ongoing debates about interoperability between decentralized networks.
ActivityPub has gained traction as a decentralized alternative to centralized social platforms, particularly following Twitter’s transformation under Elon Musk. Meta’s Threads, WordPress blogs, and Flipboard’s Surf app have all adopted ActivityPub, creating a growing network of interconnected services. Ghost’s integration lets publishers join this ecosystem, allowing readers to follow, like, and repost content directly from federated apps.
Ghost 6 also introduces an “Inbox” feature for tracking content from other Ghost and WordPress publishers, alongside tools for sharing short-form posts to the fediverse. These updates aim to foster community engagement and broaden audience growth. Additionally, Ghost now includes real-time analytics, tracking web traffic, email performance, and subscription metrics in a unified dashboard.
The release follows controversy involving Ghost’s competitor, Substack, which faced backlash for promoting extremist content. Several high-profile publishers, including Casey Newton’s Platformer, have migrated to Ghost, joining others like 404 Media and The Lever. Ghost reports that its users have collectively earned over $100 million, with the platform generating $8.5 million annually.
Other enhancements in Ghost 6 include support for flexible payment options, branded newsletters, and personalized content delivery. Pricing for hosted plans has been adjusted, starting at $15 and $29 monthly for entry tiers, while larger publishers benefit from reduced rates. Combined, these updates solidify Ghost’s position as a privacy-focused, creator-friendly alternative in the newsletter platform space.