Tumblr to Join the Fediverse: What You Need to Know

Tumblr's Integration with the Fediverse: An Update

Since 2022, Tumblr has indicated its intention to connect with the fediverse – the decentralized social web. This network is powered by the ActivityPub protocol, also utilized by platforms like Mastodon, Threads, and Flipboard.

Transition to WordPress Infrastructure

The blogging platform, owned by Automattic, is now detailing the timeline and methodology for this integration. The connection to the open social web will be achieved through Tumblr’s planned transition to the WordPress infrastructure.

Automattic has confirmed to TechCrunch that upon completion of the migration, all Tumblr users will have the ability to federate their blogs using ActivityPub. This functionality is currently available to users of WordPress.com.

Potential for Expanded Integrations

This migration may also facilitate other integrations with the open web. Tumblr users could potentially gain access to custom plugins and themes.

Rationale Behind the Move

Last year, Automattic announced the relocation of its 500 million blogs to WordPress. This move aims to streamline the development of tools and features applicable to both services.

Furthermore, it will allow Tumblr to benefit from the open-source advancements within the WordPress.org community.

Maintaining User Experience

Despite ongoing changes within the WordPress community, utilizing WordPress as Tumblr’s backend will improve efficiency. The user interface and overall experience familiar to Tumblr’s user base will remain unchanged.

Migration Timeline

Automattic has not provided a specific timeframe for the migration's completion, citing its considerable scale. However, a company representative described the progress made thus far as “exciting.”

Fediverse Integration Confirmed

Users have been inquiring about the status of the open social web integrations. Tumblr previously stated these integrations were still under development in 2023.

In a recent Q&A session on Tumblr’s Work In Progress blog, Tumblr affirmed that integration with the fediverse was a primary driver of the migration. Support for existing ActivityPub plugins within WordPress will be included, enabling post synchronization and participation in the broader open social web.