Tumblr has officially shut down its "Tips" feature, ending an initiative designed to enable creators to receive one-time payments directly from their followers. It means that you can no longer use Tumblr's tipping feature.
As of June 1, the tipping icon has been removed from all posts and blogs that had the feature enabled. Creators have been notified that they have until June 15 to withdraw any funds accumulated through tipping.
The tipping feature’s discontinuation is primarily due to its lack of widespread use. As stated in a company post last month, "Tipping hasn’t seen the usage we’d hoped for." This move is part of a broader strategy that Tumblr initiated last year, aiming to phase out underperforming features.
In addressing the small group of users who did actively use the tipping function, Tumblr stated, "While this will affect a very small number of you, we know that those of you who do tip do so with great admiration for your Tumblr peers, and we’re sorry to be taking this away from you."
The shutdown of the tipping feature is part of a larger series of changes and controversies that have marked Tumblr’s journey in 2024.
In February 2024, Tumblr’s CEO, Matt Mullenweg, faced significant backlash after accidentally revealing the name of a private account during a dispute over the banning of a transgender user's account. This incident underscored ongoing challenges Tumblr faces in balancing content moderation, user safety, and privacy.
On May 28, 2024, Tumblr launches its “Communities” feature in open beta. This feature offers semi-private spaces for users to connect on various topics, reflecting a focus shift under Automattic. Over 5,800 communities await approval, aiming to enhance social networking beyond blogging.
Tumblr has been collaborating with AI companies such as OpenAI and MidJourney. This partnership, aimed at advancing AI capabilities using Tumblr's public data, has also drawn criticism over concerns about data usage without explicit consent.
The shutdown of the tipping feature signals a period of reflection and strategic realignment for Tumblr. The platform continues to emphasize its commitment to finding new ways to support its creator community while ensuring operational efficiency and user satisfaction.
Despite discontinuing Tips and the earlier Post+ subscription feature, Tumblr still offers a Supporter badge, available for $2.99 per month or $29.99 annually. This badge gets progressively "shinier" over time, marking ongoing support from users.
"We are committed to supporting our creators and are actively exploring new and innovative ways to do so. The trust and satisfaction of our community remain our highest priority, and we look forward to sharing our next steps in the near future," Tumblr hinted at future plans for new monetization strategies.
The discontinuation of Tumblr’s tipping feature marks a significant chapter in a tumultuous year for the platform. As Tumblr reassesses its monetization strategies and navigates the complex landscape of modern social media, its next steps will be closely watched by its dedicated user community and the broader industry.
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