After months of beta testing, newsletter platform Ghost has released a new version of its software, Ghost 6, which enables publishers to share their long-form content natively with the broader open social web. In addition to publishing newsletters on the web, via RSS, and through email, Ghost users can now connect with decentralized platforms like Mastodon, Meta’s Threads, Flipboard, WordPress sites integrated with ActivityPub, Surf, WriteFreely, and others.
Ghost also mentions compatibility with Bluesky in this release, though this is achieved through an integration with Bridgy Fed, a service that bridges the fediverse with the AT Protocol used by Bluesky. The fediverse operates on the ActivityPub standard, while Bluesky relies on the newer AT Protocol.
Manton Reece, founder of Micro.blog, highlighted the difference between his platform and Ghost’s approach. Micro.blog has focused on direct AT Protocol integration, whereas Ghost uses bridging. Reece noted that while Ghost promotes Bluesky compatibility via Bridgy Fed, it does not explicitly mention the service, which he finds somewhat misleading given his work on AT Protocol.
ActivityPub has long powered decentralized social media applications, but interest in the protocol surged after Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter (now X). Meta’s Threads, launched in 2023 as an X competitor, has gained traction on mobile devices. WordPress, including WordPress.com, also integrated ActivityPub, allowing users to follow blogs on platforms like Mastodon. Other apps, such as Flipboard’s flagship app and Surf, as well as Medium, have also embraced the open social web.
Ghost emphasizes the network effects of ActivityPub integration, enabling users on federated apps to follow, like, reply to, and repost Ghost publishers’ content. This expands publishers’ reach and readership. Additionally, Ghost users can track long-form content in an “Inbox” section, following articles published on Ghost or WordPress. Publishers can also post short-form content to the fediverse directly from Ghost’s admin screen, helping them grow their audience.
Ghost 6 arrives amid controversy involving its competitor, Substack, which recently sent a push notification promoting a Nazi newsletter. Several high-profile authors, including Casey Newton of Platformer, have left Substack over its stance on hosting such content. Notable Ghost publications include 404 Media, Spyglass, The Lever, Tangle, Inside by Jason Calacanis, SFist, and others.
Beyond ActivityPub integration, Ghost 6 introduces several new features. A native analytics suite now tracks performance, engagement, and conversions across web, newsletters, and subscriptions in real time. The software also supports multiple payment methods, tips and donations, branded newsletters, and personalized content.
Ghost has adjusted its pricing for Pro plans, with the cheapest options now starting at $15 and $29 per month, up from $9 and $25. However, publishers with large subscriber bases will benefit from reduced pricing.