Automattic, the company responsible for WordPress, has made the decision to migrate Tumblr's backend to the WordPress infrastructure. In 2019, Verizon sold Tumblr to Automattic for less than $3 million.
There was a significant decline from Tumblr's earlier days when Yahoo acquired it in 2013 for a staggering $1.1 billion.
After the acquisition, Tumblr has faced numerous challenges, one of which was a significant decline in its user base following Verizon's decision to prohibit adult content.
Matt Mullenweg, the CEO of Automattic, has openly discussed his future vision for Tumblr. He envisions it seamlessly integrating with WordPress as a valuable addition.
There are no plans for Automattic to alter the platform's content policies. They will continue to adhere to the guidelines established by Verizon regarding the content that can be published.
Now, Automattic is placing a strong emphasis on the technical aspects. The backend of Tumblr is being migrated to WordPress. Rest assured, Tumblr is not undergoing a transformation into WordPress.
The platform's appearance and user interface will remain unchanged. This update aims to enhance the performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance of Tumblr by leveraging the powerful and flexible WordPress platform.
The migration is a significant undertaking, requiring the transfer of a massive number of blogs. According to Automattic, this particular technical migration is considered to be one of the most difficult ones ever undertaken. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of optimism regarding the advantages this transition will bring.
The objective is to streamline the process of implementing new features and updates on both platforms. Tumblr has encountered financial challenges, experiencing substantial losses even after Automattic assumed control. As a result, Mullenweg has made changes to the Tumblr team in order to enhance operations and streamline efficiency.
With the transition from Tumblr to WordPress, Automattic is seeking a new beginning, striving to establish a stronger base for Tumblr and ensure its continued relevance in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
There is no specific timeline for the completion of the migration, but Automattic is fully dedicated to ensuring its success and revitalising Tumblr.