A top forum software provider, NodeBB, is joining the fediverse, a decentralized social web that includes platforms like Mastodon and PeerTube. This move marks an important step for forum operators to connect with each other in a decentralized way.
NodeBB’s co-founder Julian Lam had the idea to connect forums together, but initially considered it as a centralized service. However, he discovered ActivityPub, a protocol that enables decentralized social networking, and decided to go down this path instead.
Funding from the NLNet Foundation allowed NodeBB to implement ActivityPub more quickly, providing financial stability for experimentation and participation in developer circles. This funding also enabled NodeBB to make the option to federate with other platforms, like Mastodon, a native feature rather than an add-on.
As of version 4 of NodeBB, the platform now supports federated connections, both automatically for new forums and as an option for existing customers. This change will allow users to interact with each other across different platforms, including Mastodon.
NodeBB’s adoption of ActivityPub reflects the growing trend among users to move away from centralized social media apps. Despite not tracking user numbers due to privacy concerns, NodeBB’s download counts suggest a dedicated community. The platform currently powers popular forums like Opera and Moz, and is now expanding its reach in the fediverse.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/21/forum-software-nodebb-joins-the-fediverse