Tumblr reverses its ban on nudity after four years
'Nudity and other kinds of adult material are generally welcome' on Tumblr now after the platform banned adult content in 2018
➡️ The Shortcut Skinny: Tumblr shows some flesh
🫢 Tumblr has backtracked on its nudity ban that was introduced in 2018
👀 The platform will now allow nudity, mature subject matter, and sexual themes
🙅♂️ However, explicit images and videos are still banned
🔑 Tumblr is now owned by WordPress.com owner Automattic, which bought the platform from Verizon
Tumblr is changing its stance on nudity after previously banning all adult content in 2018 – however, sexually explicit images are still strictly off-limits.
Tumblr updated its community guidelines on November 1 and has U-turned on the controversial decision introduced by Tumblr’s previous owners, Verizon, which even banned “female-presenting nipples”.
The company has since been bought by WordPress.com owner Automattic, and the policy changes bring Tumblr more in line with the popular CMS platform.
The new Tumblr guidelines state: “We now welcome a broader range of expression, creativity, and art on Tumblr, including content depicting the human form (yes, that includes the naked human form).
“So, even if your creations contain nudity, mature subject matter, or sexual themes, you can now share them on Tumblr using the appropriate Community Label so that everyone remains in control of the types of content they see on their dash.”
Tumblr’s community guidelines reiterate that the platform does not allow “hate, spam, violent threats, or anything illegal, and visual depictions of sexually explicit acts remain off-limits on Tumblr”.
Tumblr’s ban on adult content came after its app disappeared from the Apple App Store. The abundance of porn on Tumblr also led to the site being banned in Indonesia, which ultimately led to companies distancing themselves from the platform.
Unfortunately, Tumblr decided to use an automated system to combat the swathes of adult-orientated content residing on the platform, which saw posts being flagged for bizarre and unsubstantiated reasons.
The move to allow adult content back on Tumblr might be too little too late for some, but those who have stuck by the platform will no doubt be pleased to see the platform return to its more open, community-driven focus. Just remember the next time you’re browsing Tumblr in the office that it’s now NSFW (not safe for work) once again.
Will all the turmoil currently taking place on Twitter thanks to Elon Musk’s takeover – who has now said it will cost $8 a month to stay verified – Tumblr could see a mini resurgence. I’ve never used the platform personally, but competition in the social media space is always a good thing.