WordPress.com has officially reinstated its Freshly Pressed feature, a human-curated discovery tool for blog content. The platform announced the return of the service, which was originally launched in 2009 and paused several years ago, citing a renewed need for editorial selection over algorithmic feeds.
The feature highlights standout posts from across the WordPress.com network and the Jetpack-connected ecosystem within the platform’s Reader. Selection is based on editorial merit rather than engagement metrics, focusing on well-crafted and original writing.
Background and Platform Integration
Freshly Pressed was first introduced by WordPress.com as a method to surface high-quality content from its vast network of bloggers. After being inactive for a period, the decision to revive it aligns with ongoing discussions about content discovery in digital media. The service is integrated directly into the WordPress.com Reader’s Discover section.
Users can access the curated posts through several channels. These include a dedicated Freshly Pressed webpage, the main Discover section of the WordPress.com Reader, and via a dedicated RSS feed. Support within the Jetpack mobile application for iOS and Android is planned for a forthcoming update.
Selection Criteria and Impact
According to the announcement, there is no formal application process for inclusion in Freshly Pressed. All blogs hosted on WordPress.com or using the Jetpack plugin on self-hosted WordPress sites are automatically eligible for consideration. The editorial team looks for posts that tell compelling stories, share unique perspectives, and demonstrate care in writing and presentation.
Featured creators typically see an increase in site traffic and subscriber numbers, as the feature places their work in front of an audience actively seeking new content within the Reader environment. Authors are notified when their post is selected.
Context and Industry Trends
The return of Freshly Pressed occurs as many social media and content platforms increasingly rely on algorithmic systems to rank and recommend content. These algorithms often prioritize metrics like clicks and shares. WordPress.com’s move re-emphasizes a human-driven model of curation, which it describes as a “slower, more deliberate kind of discovery.”
The service aims to connect readers with diverse content, ranging from personal travel blogs and hobbyist tutorials to poetry and analysis, based on qualitative assessment.
Future Developments
The next planned development is the integration of Freshly Pressed into the Jetpack mobile app, expected in the application’s next release. The platform has indicated it will continue to operate the feature as a permanent fixture for discovery, suggesting a long-term commitment to this method of content promotion. Ongoing editorial operations will determine the frequency and volume of featured posts.
Source: WordPress.com Blog
