Hajra Naz
After months of beta testing, the open-source newsletter platform Ghost has officially released Ghost 6—a major update that extends its reach beyond email and web publishing.
This new version allows writers and publishers to natively share their long-form content across the decentralized social web, also known as the fediverse.
A Major Leap Into the Fediverse
With Ghost 6, users can now directly connect their newsletters to platforms and services that support ActivityPub, the open protocol powering federated apps. This includes:
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Mastodon
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Threads by Meta
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Flipboard
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WriteFreely
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Surf
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WordPress (ActivityPub-integrated sites)
Ghost also supports integration with Bluesky, a decentralized X alternative that uses the AT Protocol. This is made possible through a third-party tool called Bridgy Fed, which bridges ActivityPub and AT Protocol ecosystems.
How Does Ghost Compare to Competitors?
While Ghost uses Bridgy Fed for Bluesky support, some platforms like Micro. blog are pursuing direct AT Protocol integration, which could mean smoother functionality in the future.
There has been growing interest in decentralized networks since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter (now X). The rise of platforms like Mastodon and Threads reflects a broader move toward openness and decentralization.
Why ActivityPub Matters for Publishers
Ghost’s move into the fediverse offers substantial networking and engagement benefits:
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Federated app users can follow Ghost blogs.
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They can, like, reply to and repost content directly.
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Authors gain access to new, global audiences across platforms without needing centralized gatekeepers.
Ghost publishers can also engage with content via a new Inbox feature, which lets them follow and read other Ghost or WordPress content within their dashboard.
Key Feature Enhancements in Ghost 6
Aside from fediverse integration, Ghost 6 comes packed with several new tools and improvements:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Native Analytics | Real-time tracking of performance, reader engagement, and subscription conversions. |
| Inbox | Follow and read content from other long-form publishers directly inside Ghost. |
| Short-Form Posting | Share quick updates directly to federated platforms via the admin panel. |
| Flexible Monetization | Supports tips, donations, multiple payment options, and personalized content. |
| Branded Newsletters | Customize the design, tone, and experience of your email newsletters. |
A Response to Substack’s Growing Controversy
Ghost’s release comes at a critical moment for the newsletter industry. Its top rival, Substack, recently faced backlash after sending users a push notification promoting a Nazi-linked newsletter. This isn’t the first controversy for Substack—several major writers have already left the platform in protest, including Casey Newton of Platformer.
Ghost has quietly positioned itself as the ethical alternative, with publications like 404 Media, Spyglass, The Lever, Tangle, Inside, and SFist choosing the platform.
Financial Highlights
Ghost’s growth is steady. So far, its publishers have earned over $100 million collectively. As of this release, Ghost itself reports $8.5 million in annual revenue.
Pricing Updates
With Ghost 6, the company has also adjusted its hosted service pricing:
| Plan Type | Previous Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $9/month | $15/month |
| Creator | $25/month | $29/month |
Final Thoughts
Ghost 6 is more than just a software update—it’s a strategic leap into the future of decentralized publishing. With native fediverse integration, real-time analytics, and personalized monetization tools, Ghost is solidifying its place as a serious alternative to centralized platforms.
Whether you’re an independent writer, media startup, or digital publisher, Ghost 6 offers the tools to grow your audience—and own your platform.
