On Thursday, Flipboard introduced a groundbreaking feature called social websites, designed to empower creators and publishers by allowing them to establish their own unique spaces on the internet.
These social websites are crafted around existing conversations happening across the open social web, which encompasses decentralized platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky, among other public content sources.
According to Flipboard, these platforms consolidate various forms of media--such as social posts, videos, podcasts, newsletters, and discussions--into a single, user-controlled destination. This means creators can unify their profiles and content from multiple sources, including Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, YouTube, and blogs, into one cohesive hub.
Flipboard envisions social websites as a new paradigm for social media, emphasizing community ownership and content organization. The company has been a proponent of decentralized social media in recent years and aims to facilitate easier access for publishers and creators to engage with the open social web.
"Social websites enable podcasters, creators, and publications to cultivate communities centered around their work while maintaining control over the user experience, including the underlying algorithm," stated Flipboard CEO Mike McCue in a recent blog post. He added that creators can leverage these platforms to bring together audiences and discussions that are already occurring around their content.
The launch of social websites marks a significant expansion of Flipboard's Surf app, which allows users to explore the open social web. These social websites are powered by Surf feeds, providing a seamless experience for users.
Flipboard has already collaborated with various publishers and creators who have launched their own social websites. Notable partners include The Verge, WIRED, Rolling Stone, 404 Media, and The Oregonian, where readers can engage with journalists, podcasts, and videos in one centralized location. Additionally, creator David Rushing has developed All Net, a dedicated social website for NBA enthusiasts that aggregates basketball discussions, league updates, and real-time game commentary.
To create a Surf feed, users simply visit surf.social, sign up, and select the "+ Create Feed" option from the sidebar. They can then follow prompts to add sources, designate a community hashtag, and apply filters for a personalized experience.
Once the feed is established, users have the option to assign a custom domain, transforming it into a social website that can be shared widely. Flipboard emphasizes that these websites are intended to extend beyond the Surf app, allowing for broader sharing across the web.
"By merging content and conversations from various social platforms, Surf social websites serve as go-to destinations for staying updated on topics of interest," Flipboard elaborates. "This is merely the beginning; further customization tools--such as personalized headers, color schemes, and enhanced feed management features--are forthcoming."
