diff --git a/utils/markdown.py b/utils/markdown.py
index bc3511e..8cbb62a 100644
--- a/utils/markdown.py
+++ b/utils/markdown.py
@@ -107,6 +107,13 @@ def parse_forum_markdown(text):
 
     text = re.sub(r'\[([^\]]+)\]\(([^)]+)\)', safe_link, text)
 
+    # Auto-link bare URLs (must come after [text](url) so already-linked URLs aren't doubled)
+    text = re.sub(
+        r'(?<!["\'>=/])(?<!\()https?://[^\s<\)]+',
+        lambda m: f'<a href="{m.group(0)}" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="forum-link">{m.group(0)}</a>',
+        text
+    )
+
     # @mentions - highlight them
     text = re.sub(
         r'@([\w.\-]+)',