diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/activitypub_mixin.py b/bookwyrm/models/activitypub_mixin.py
index 719debff6..c6ba249c5 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/activitypub_mixin.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/activitypub_mixin.py
@@ -359,6 +359,10 @@ class CollectionItemMixin(ActivitypubMixin):
 
     activity_serializer = activitypub.CollectionItem
 
+    def broadcast(self, activity, sender, software="bookwyrm"):
+        """ only send book collection updates to other bookwyrm instances """
+        super().broadcast(activity, sender, software=software)
+
     @property
     def privacy(self):
         """ inherit the privacy of the list, or direct if pending """
@@ -371,6 +375,9 @@ class CollectionItemMixin(ActivitypubMixin):
     def recipients(self):
         """ the owner of the list is a direct recipient """
         collection_field = getattr(self, self.collection_field)
+        if collection_field.user.local:
+            # don't broadcast to yourself
+            return []
         return [collection_field.user]
 
     def save(self, *args, broadcast=True, **kwargs):
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/models/test_list.py b/bookwyrm/tests/models/test_list.py
index 48f918a04..d99e54656 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/models/test_list.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/models/test_list.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ class List(TestCase):
 
         self.assertTrue(item.approved)
         self.assertEqual(item.privacy, "unlisted")
-        self.assertEqual(item.recipients, [self.local_user])
+        self.assertEqual(item.recipients, [])
 
     def test_list_item_pending(self, _):
         """ a list entry """
@@ -71,4 +71,4 @@ class List(TestCase):
         self.assertFalse(item.approved)
         self.assertEqual(item.book_list.privacy, "public")
         self.assertEqual(item.privacy, "direct")
-        self.assertEqual(item.recipients, [self.local_user])
+        self.assertEqual(item.recipients, [])