Tumblr has officially killed “Tips,” an optional feature that allowed creators to receive one-time payments from their followers.
Starting today, the tip icon will automatically disappear from all posts and blogs where this feature is enabled. Creators who use this feature should note that June 15th is the last day to withdraw money received in tips.
The reason for ending the feature is simple. Because it didn't gain traction. “Tipping has not seen the usage we had hoped for,” according to a post the company made last month. Moreover, Tumblr's plan was to wind down underperforming operations after last year's revamp.
“While this will impact a very small number of you, we know that those of you who carry out Tips do so with great respect for your fellow Tumblr colleagues, and we are sorry to have this job taken away from you,” the company added. Yes.
In 2022, Tumblr introduced Tips as a complementary feature to Post+, a subscription service that allows creators to monetize their content. However, Post+ was discontinued last year due to user backlash. Users seem to be tired of trying to make money on their favorite platform, so it's no surprise that the platform's attempts to use Tips haven't been successful.
As for other monetization features, Tumblr still has supporter badges. This badge costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year and can be displayed on your blog like any other badge. The company explained on its website that the supporter badge will appear “shinier” over time and that users will continue to support the platform.
