The disclosure includes a system and method for discovering content in a topical community. The system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions when executed cause the system to: receive data indicating a first engagement action associated with a content item, the first engagement action performed by a first user; determine a topic associated with the content item; determine a topical reputation score related to the topic for the first user based on one or more second engagement actions performed by one or more second users associated with the content item; determine that the topical reputation score satisfies a reputation threshold; unlock the topic for the first user responsive to the determination that the topical reputation score satisfies the reputation threshold and provide the first user an ability to curate other content items associated with the unlocked topic.