Ghost is a modern, decoupled publishing platform built on a Node.js stack, featuring a RESTful JSON API that separates content management (Admin API) from content delivery (Content API). It uses Bookshelf.js ORM supporting SQLite for development and MySQL for production, with flexible storage adapters. Content is stored in a standardized JSON-based MobileDoc format allowing rich media extensions. Ghost offers SDKs for seamless API integration, role-based authentication, and customizable frontends via Handlebars.js or headless CMS setups, optimized for performance and scalability in professional publishing environments.
Ghost was built as a simpler, modern alternative to complex content-management systems. It runs on a clean Node.js foundation and delivers a fast, uncluttered publishing experience. Users get a streamlined editor for writing content, tools for scheduling posts, and built-in support for newsletters and member-only content.
With Ghost you can publish public posts or reserve content for members (free or paid). It also handles payments via a payment gateway (typically Stripe) so creators get full revenue without middle-man fees.
For those who don’t want to manage hosting, there is a managed hosting option (officially maintained) that takes care of updates, performance, email delivery, and scaling as your audience grows.
Ghost is a good fit both for solo bloggers and for more serious publications or independent media businesses whether you want simple blog posts, newsletters, subscription-based content, or mix.
Transparent, open-source codebase and self-hosting flexibility
All-in-one tools for publishing, newsletters, and memberships without relying on third-party plugins
Strong SEO and performance optimization capabilities
Custom theming and developer-friendly architecture
Includes built-in SEO, analytics, and social sharing features that streamline optimization without extra plugins
Open-source platform with an active developer community enables easy customization, integrations, and flexible self-hosting
Offers native memberships and subscription billing integrated with Stripe, enabling secure, customizable premium content monetization and audience growth
Requires more technical setup and management compared to hosted, no-code platforms
Limited built-in page builder or WYSIWYG design flexibility
Advanced customizations often require developer involvement
steeper learning curve for non-technical users unfamiliar with Markdown and headless CMS concepts
Customizing Ghost themes often requires HTML, CSS, and Handlebars coding, making it challenging for casual users without coding skills.
All-in-one AI marketing tool for teams to write, design, collaborate, and publish—all without switching tools.
