Flipboard to transition user accounts to ActivityPub, expanding reach to the Fediverse

Flipboard, the social media magazine and news application, recently revealed plans to transition its user accounts to ActivityPub, the technology that powers Fediverse services such as Mastodon, PeerTube, and Pixelfed. According to Flipboard, the shift will enable users to discover and engage with a broader range of content creators, including writers, vloggers, artists, scientists, political leaders, and many others who are active within the Fediverse.

The transition to ActivityPub will also benefit publishers, creators, and brands on Flipboard, as they can expect increased visitor traffic and engagement due to the sharing and discovery of their content across the expanding Fediverse.

As part of the transition process, Flipboard has federated 25 publishers and creators to test the system and collect feedback. The company plans to allow any Fediverse user to follow and interact with any public curator on Flipboard by January 2024. By April 2024, any Flipboard user will be able to follow and engage with any public account in the Fediverse.

Flipboard describes this move as the most significant expansion of its ecosystem since its inception as a social magazine in 2010. The company hopes that its transition to the Fediverse will inspire other apps and services to consider the same.