In 2007, David Carp launched Tumblr that slowly became one of the most popular microblogging and social networking platforms on the internet. The nature of the platform made it easy for users to write their thoughts and share interesting posts with others.
As the platform grew, it attracted more users. The freedom to express ideas also led to the creation of not-safe-for-work content. The platform has moderation, but its leniency somewhat encouraged users not to worry about sharing explicit sexuality.
This freedom ultimately led to problematic content, such as underage pornography. It did not take too long for Apple to remove Tumblr from their app store. And following Apple, other companies implemented identical policies and cut ties with Tumblr.
To save its face, the platform decided to ban any content that features nudity. Unsurprisingly, the content ban caused many users to abandon the platform. These days, Tumblr user numbers are a mere fraction when compared to what they were during the platform’s peak.
Of course, the majority that was interested in NSFW content departed and found alternatives, and that should not come as a surprise. After all, there were new platforms emerging before Tumblr’s downfall.
If you are interested in finding out what these alternatives are, consider the list below. Also, keep in mind that not all sites allow NSFW content.
Ghost
Ghost promotes itself as a platform that happens to be a great Tumblr alternative. In fact, the platform is openly capitalizing on Tumblr’s NSFW content ban and attracting users who want to create and share all kinds of content, including explicit content.
The platform is free and open-source, which makes it even more attractive for bloggers who have some coding experience. And even if you lack the experience, you can still take advantage of Ghost’s rich editor and post content with ease.
Youllo
Youllo is a relatively new platform that claims to be the new adult social microblogging network. In other words, the website is targeting demographics that are particularly interested in creating NSFW content.
You can even import your old Tumblr blog and not lose prior content. Youllo is certainly one of the go-to options for Tumblr refugees.
Mastodon
According to Mastodon’s website, there are about 4.5 million users currently using the platform. After joining the platform, its similarities with Tumblr are one of the first things you will notice. Users can share content, reblog it, and leave comments.
The overall feel is more modern when compared to Tumblr. Mastodon has no ads and encourages users to use their keyboard to maximize the UI.
If there are any downsides to Mastodon, it is the fact that some people might find using the platform a bit confusing at first. However, even this should not be too much of an issue after spending time on the site and familiarizing yourself with it.
Reddit might not necessarily come to mind when thinking about Tumblr alternatives, but the platform is still worth a shout.
After all, there are quite a few subreddits dedicated to NSFW content that you can discover. Moreover, most of these communities encourage original content. If you have something interesting to share, do not hesitate and do it. Accepted posts get upvotes so that other members of communities can see them.
Keep in mind, though, that finding NSFW-related content subreddits might take a while because the platform no longer shows explicit posts on their front page.
Dreamwidth
Home to creative minds, Dreamwidth invites people to share their writing, arts, and other content. Finding like-minded people should not be a problem either as there are large communities that will welcome newcomers.
The platform lets users filter content they do not wish to see, so the newsfeed is not spammed with irrelevant posts. In addition, there is an emphasis on user privacy and security, which incentivizes even more people who are looking for a diversity-centric blogging platform.
WordPress
When we talk about Tumblr, we mean a blogging platform that provides the freedom to express one’s thoughts. Therefore, WordPress should also come into the conversation.
Users have two options to choose from—a free blog built directly on the WP and an open-source content management system that you will need to combine with separate hosting and a domain name.
WP offers a plethora of plugins and themes that give users the freedom to customize the blog to their liking.
Sharesome
Just like the name suggests, the platform allows users to share explicit content. When you join, you can pick content categories that you are interested in. The platform then offers tailor-made content that users can consume. Given the content nature of the platform, Sharesome guarantees its user privacy and anonymity.
Newgrounds
Newgrounds has been around for more than 20 years now. What started as a platform to play browser video games slowly turned into a community-focused site that attracts various content creators.
After Tumblr’s problems, Newgrounds has been putting more effort into attracting Tumblr users to their platform.
If you are looking for an old-school design blogging and communication platform that accepts everyone and does not punish content creators, then Newgrounds is definitely worth checking.
Pillowfort
Pillowfort is one of the best Tumblr alternatives. After you open the platform’s website, you should notice a serene feeling that it gives off.
It is a platform where both content creators and fans can join communities, participate in conversations, share their own and other works, and enjoy spending time in a safe environment.
Some noticeable Pillowfort features include:
- Content control and privacy
- Blacklisting
- Blocking
- Threaded comments
- Greenlight for NSFW content
Since Pillowfort is primarily backed up by its users, there is a small five-dollar fee to join. The site is still in development, so joining the platform by paying the fee will do more than just provide opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the blogging platform. You will also get the chance to support Pillowfort’s development.
Medium
Medium was founded by an ex-CEO of Twitter. It did not take too long for the platform to rise and become one of the most popular places for people to express their thoughts.
One thing that stands out the most with Medium is its quality control. The platform seems to emphasize the content connection with the reader rather than attracting the highest possible visitor number it can.
Bloggers can use Medium’s text editor to share links, include tags, and set visibility to further enrich their content.
With that said, Medium is pretty strict when it comes to certain content types. While the platform allows erotic writing and non-graphic erotic images, gratuitously graphic media and media that is disturbing in other ways is prohibited. In other words, there are limitations to adult content, which can be off-putting for some Tumblr refugees.