Tumblr rolls out instant messaging for iOS, Android and web

11 Nov 2015

Tumblr, the blogging site that constantly appears in a weird way on web for no apparent reason, is rolling out an instant messaging service to go along with its regular offering.

Simply called Messaging, Tumblr is gradually releasing the service, after users asked for such a tool to add to their blogging wants.

“Real, threaded, instant messaging,” is how the company describes the new service, which is included in the latest Android and iOS apps, and on the web.

“This is a big launch, and it’s going to take a few weeks to get it out to everyone (we need to make sure our servers can handle the weight of your discourse). If you don’t have it now, you’ll have it soon.”

Tumblr Messaging gifs

Most blogs will support messaging, with your Tumblr account acting as your profile name when you send comments.

Interestingly, users can limit incoming messages to include just those Tumblr users you actually follow and, as with most social media services, blocked means blocked!

So how do you know if you have the messaging capabilities? Well, if this smiley balloon gif is hanging on your screen in Tumblr, then fire away.

Tumblr Messaging gif

Tumblr image via Roman Pyshchyk / Shutterstock

Gordon Hunt was a journalist with Silicon Republic

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