Tumblr offers users a new way to blog. The application is designed to enhance the way people “tumblelog”. Tumblelogging is a type of blogging that utilizes short, posts that contain a combination of media. Tumblr allows users to share anything they find on the web, including images, text, quotes, videos, music, links and more. The user can log on through a web browser or access their Tumblr account via email or mobile phone.
Just like other social networking style websites, the user can build a customized profile that matches their personality or design preferences. Tumblr provides users with access to the Theme Garden, which is a collection of themes that are available for free or purchase.
The website currently includes more than 9,382,500,000 posts and over 27,155,000 blogs.
The Tumblr team is based in New York City and includes founder David Karp, Director Bijan Sabet and Director of Mobile Buzz Andersen. The application was conceived and developed by Karp and lead developer Marco Arment in 2007. Shortly after, the application saw tens of thousands of bloggers switch to its platform.
Although the site has seen a great deal of success, it also experienced occasional difficulties. In September 2011, Tumblr raised $85 million from Greylock Partners, Insight Venture Partners, Sequoia Capital, Richard Branson and others.
Tumblr gives users an easy way to share almost any kind of content using short updates. The application is very easy to use and doesn’t limit users to text and links only. The user can include a photograph, video or audio clip, which gives Tumblr an appealing edge compared to other similar social applications.
A newcomer to Tumblr will spend very little time learning the site. This is because the application is very user friendly and offers a clean design that doesn’t get in the user’s way of exploring profiles and creating their own. The standard Tumblr profile includes avatar images alongside the author’s posts, which appear in the order that they are made down the page.
The user can also search for tags and see a list of profile contributors. Profile owners can also add additional content, such as a short bio, links to other social networking profiles and contact details. Each profile allows a visitor to gather the information included at a glance with minimal effort.
Just like other social networking websites, Tumblr introduces a new visitor to its registration form right away. A newcomer is greeted by the short registration form, which is shown near the center of the homepage. The form asks for an email address, password and desired Tumblr URL. After clicking the green “Start Posting” button below the form, the user must enter a Captcha code to prove that they are human before continuing. After doing so, the user is directed to their new profile dashboard where they can begin customizing their account and adding Tumblr posts.
All visitors are given the opportunity to create a free Tumblr account. The site does not charge a fee or require the purchase of a subscription for doing so. The user can post as often as they like and can explore other profiles or edit their own. Serious users may wish to visit the Theme Garden which includes premium themes that can be purchased. The cost for a premium theme ranges anywhere from under $20 to around $50. Users are not required to purchase a theme to maintain a Tumblr account.
Tumblr is ideal for anyone who loves social networking and sharing various types of media. The application offers a high level of customization that allows the user to create an original looking profile they can share with others. Tumblr supports the sharing of all kinds of media, including videos, audio clips, images and links.