As technology has advanced and the internet continues to dominate our lives, so too has social media. Like Apple’s famous trademark line “there’s an app for that,” there is also a social media app for virtually everything under the rainbow, including NSFW content. That’s where NewTumbl comes in.
NewTumbl was created at the start of 2019 in response to Tumblr’s adult content ban. Like its namesake, NewTumbl was a blogging platform and virtual home for people from all walks of life to express themselves in the manner they see fit. Or as NewTumbl put it, “We offer asylum to all those who feel persecuted simply for wanting to exercise your freedom of speech.”
The platform carved out a special corner of the internet for its users, and although it was massively popular with those who used it, its popularity never reached the heights Tumblr achieved when it allowed NSFW content to run rampant. Perhaps its inability to compete with similar forums is the reason it ultimately closed its doors. Then again, regulating NSFW content in the 21st-century social media era, in general, is no easy feat.
Did NewTumbl shut down for good?
On June 7, 2023, NewTumbl informed its Twitter followers that the NSFW blogging platform was indeed shutting down, although it didn’t use those exact words. “It’s been a blast,” the post read. “Thanks for your patronage. We hope you enjoyed your time at NewTumbl.”
The unexpected announcement came with no warning, no heads up, no indication that things had gone south. Although some have speculated this is just an error and the site is undergoing maintenance, the specific language used is a clear indication this goes beyond just internal repair. As expected, the news didn’t sit well with users, especially those who were now losing contacts and e-friends as a result.
NewTumblr has not addressed the closure beyond its singular Twitter post, but it’s safe to say this mom-and-pop social media shop has officially closed its doors.