Flipboard expands connections with decentralized social platforms through Bluesky and Pixelfed integration

Flipboard has recently announced its integration of Bluesky and Pixelfed, further expanding its connections with the federated social web. The latest version of Flipboard's app for iPhone, iPad, and Android now includes a beta feature that allows users to flip through articles, photos, and posts from Bluesky a decentralized alternative to X with a social networking protocol, and Pixelfed, an open-source platform serving as an alternative to Instagram. This integration builds on Flipboard's previous collaboration with Mastodon, another federated social network. The move demonstrates Flipboard's commitment to breaking down barriers between different social networking platforms, and mainly in highlighting alternatives to traditional platforms that dominate the market.

The integration of Bluesky and Pixelfed highlights the growing trend of early adopters shifting from mainstream social platforms to decentralized alternatives. Platforms like Mastodon, Pixelfed, and Bluesky, which utilize protocols such as ActivityPub and AT, enable decentralized social networking and communication. Creators and influential Twitter users are increasingly embracing these open services, as they offer cross-platform following and communication capabilities.

To connect a Bluesky account to Flipboard, users simply need to access the accounts section in the Flipboard app and follow the provided steps. Once connected, users can browse and interact with posts, photos, and articles shared via Bluesky directly within the Flipboard app. They can reply, like, repost, and share Bluesky content in their Flipboard Magazines, enabling a seamless experience across multiple platforms.

Flipboard's integration of Bluesky and Pixelfed represents a significant step towards a more interconnected social web, and the decision to leverage the APIs of Mastodon, Bluesky, and Pixelfed underscores its ambition to become a prominent player in the emerging social web at the protocol level.