diff --git a/bookwyrm/activitypub/base_activity.py b/bookwyrm/activitypub/base_activity.py
index d20e7e94..52b1b1f2 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/activitypub/base_activity.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/activitypub/base_activity.py
@@ -275,6 +275,8 @@ def resolve_remote_id(
 ):
     """take a remote_id and return an instance, creating if necessary"""
     if model:  # a bonus check we can do if we already know the model
+        if isinstance(model, str):
+            model = apps.get_model(f"bookwyrm.{model}", require_ready=True)
         result = model.find_existing_by_remote_id(remote_id)
         if result and not refresh:
             return result if not get_activity else result.to_activity_dataclass()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/fields.py b/bookwyrm/models/fields.py
index 6ed5aa5e..8f4fd28e 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/fields.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/fields.py
@@ -224,8 +224,14 @@ class PrivacyField(ActivitypubFieldMixin, models.CharField):
         original = getattr(instance, self.name)
         to = data.to
         cc = data.cc
+
+        # we need to figure out who this is to get their followers link
+        user = activitypub.resolve_remote_id(self.attributedTo, model="User")
+
         if to == [self.public]:
             setattr(instance, self.name, "public")
+        elif to == [user.followers_url]:
+            setattr(instance, self.name, "followers")
         elif cc == []:
             setattr(instance, self.name, "direct")
         elif self.public in cc: