Ghost
Self-HostedOpen-source professional publishing platform for creators
Overview
Ghost is a modern, open-source blogging and publishing platform designed for content creators. It offers a distraction-free Markdown editor, membership/subscription tools for monetization, SEO optimization, and customizable themes. Deployable via Docker, self-hosted servers, or managed Ghost Pro hosting, it supports multi-author workflows, analytics, and integrations with Mailchimp/Zapier. Built on Node.js, it’s lightweight and fast—ideal for personal blogs or professional publications seeking control over content and data.
Key Features
- Distraction-free Markdown editor
- Membership & subscription monetization
- SEO optimization tools
- Customizable theme system
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Ghost hard to install?
Ghost is easy to install via Docker or one-click hosting providers. Self-hosting requires basic Node.js/Nginx knowledge, but official docs have step-by-step guides. Ghost Pro offers managed hosting with zero setup.
? Is Ghost a good alternative to Medium?
Yes—Ghost lets you own your content/data and monetize via subscriptions without Medium’s cuts. It’s better for building a branded presence instead of relying on a third-party platform.
? Is Ghost completely free?
The core Ghost software is open-source (MIT license) and free to self-host. Ghost Pro (managed hosting) has paid plans, and some premium themes/plugins may cost extra—self-hosted users only pay for server costs.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Full control over content and data (self-hosted)
- ⊕ Built-in monetization without third-party revenue share
- ⊕ Clean, intuitive interface for creators
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic server knowledge for self-hosting
- ⊖ Limited plugin ecosystem compared to WordPress
- ⊖ Managed hosting (Ghost Pro) can be costly for large audiences