WordPress.com, the force behind WordPress sites, recently announced a significant update to its ActivityPub 1.0.0 plugin, and it’s not stopping there. In an exciting move, WordPress.com has extended its support to its own hosted sites, offering its customers a chance to connect their blogs with the fediverse.
What is the Fediverse?
The fediverse, while not as mainstream as traditional social networks, has been gaining momentum in recent months, partly driven by controversies surrounding other platforms. It’s essentially a network of independent websites or servers that collaborate to create an interoperable social network. This unique approach gives fediverse users more control over their data and even the ability to create their servers.
How Does the ActivityPub Plugin Work?
The ActivityPub plugin is the bridge between your WordPress.com or any compatible WordPress hosting platform blog and the fediverse. This integration empowers fediverse users to follow you on their preferred platforms. What makes it truly seamless is that it works both ways. When your fediverse audience responds to your content, their replies are automatically translated into WordPress comments. This eliminates the need to run two separate systems in isolation.
Accessible for All WordPress.com Users
This exciting development is available to all WordPress.com users, including those with free accounts. A new toggle in the account settings simplifies the process.
WordPress.com’s Vision for the Fediverse
WordPress.com believes that this initiative will revolutionize blogging. It envisions several benefits, including expanding your blog’s reach, connecting with diverse audiences, and fostering engaging dialogues. While federated platforms are not as popular as mainstream social media, they offer a unique alternative. Although some individuals are hesitant due to perceived technical challenges, the demand for alternatives to traditional solutions may drive increased uptake. WordPress.com’s early entry into this arena positions it favorably to lead the way.
