The Vergecast Exclusive: Matt Mullenweg and Automattic bought Tumblr. What’s next?
Aug 14, 2019
Matt Mullenweg, CEO of Automattic and champion of the open web, shares exciting insights after acquiring Tumblr for $3 million. He discusses plans to revitalize the platform, focusing on community engagement and respecting user privacy. Mullenweg highlights the challenges of content moderation while balancing creative freedom and monetization. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining Tumblr’s unique culture and aims to nurture a thriving ecosystem for internet creators inspired by the concept of '1,000 true fans.'
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mullenweg's Tumblr History
- Matt Mullenweg has been a Tumblr user since its start and was disappointed when it sold to Yahoo.
- He's relieved that Automattic acquired Tumblr, believing it's the best home for the platform.
Verizon's Sale Priority
- Verizon prioritized finding the right home for Tumblr over maximizing profit in the sale.
- Other bidders planned to dismantle Tumblr, unlike Automattic's intention to retain the team.
Tumblr's Enduring Popularity
- Tumblr remains popular, especially among niche communities, despite its corporate struggles.
- It's a favorite platform for Taylor Swift and other notable figures like Frank Ocean and Bruce Sterling.