Tumblr Tests Semi-Private Groups 'Communities' — Here's Everything You Need to Know

Tumblr Labs has introduced a new experimental feature called "Communities." These communities offer users a dedicated space to connect around shared interests, creating semi-private spaces with their own moderators, rules, and privacy settings.

This move seems to depart from the traditional Tumblr format, introducing a structure similar to other platforms like Reddit's subreddits or X's Communities.

"We're calling it 'Communities,' a new dedicated space on Tumblr for people to share and discuss all the content they love. Communities can cover topics like your favorite show, artist, movie, video game, your school, your board game group, friend group, big or small, whatever you want," Tumblr said in a statement.

"Each Community has their own semi-private safer space away from the regular dashboard where you can interact with other Tumblr users who share the same interests and passions as you," it added.

Experimental Communities of Tumblr

In the statement, Tumblr Labs expressed their excitement about the new feature, emphasizing the goal of creating safer spaces for users to interact with like-minded individuals.

Each community will have its own unique feed, separate from Tumblr's algorithmic "For You" and chronological "Following" feeds, allowing members to engage in discussions within the community without interference from the broader platform.

The announcement highlights the flexible nature of these communities, which can cover a wide range of topics, from favorite shows and artists to schools and friend groups. The emphasis is on providing a space for users to share and discuss content they love in a more organized and focused manner.

Tumblr's statement also hints at a collaborative approach to the feature's development, as they plan to gather user feedback to refine the concept. The initial release is considered a prototype, and user input will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Communities on Tumblr.

"Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be reaching out to people across Tumblr, and the internet at large, to try our prototype. Based on the feedback we get, we'll iterate on the idea to see what resonates best with all of you on Tumblr," the company said.

Changes in Automattic

However, the introduction of this experimental feature comes amid reports of changes within the company. A leaked internal memo in November from parent company Automattic suggested that Tumblr might undergo staffing adjustments.

The memo, acknowledging dissatisfaction with the platform's performance, stated that most of Tumblr's workforce would be reassigned to other projects in Automattic.

In a Tumblr blog post, Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg confirmed the memo's authenticity. The decision to reassign staff is reportedly part of a broader strategy, and it comes at a time when Tumblr is facing financial challenges. The leaked memo underscores the need for strategic decisions to successfully navigate the platform's future.