Understanding Sideblogs on Tumblr: Your Guide to Tumblr’s Quirky Side
So you’ve tumbled down the rabbit hole of Tumblr and found yourself questioning, “What’s the deal with these sideblogs?” Well, gather around, fellow Tumblrites! It’s time to dig into the beautiful, chaotic world of sideblogs on Tumblr. Think of sideblogs as the quirky sidekicks in your web of creativity – they’re fun, they have personalities, and sometimes they steal the show.
What Are Sideblogs Anyway?
First off, let’s clarify what a sideblog is. Just when you thought your primary blog was the next big thing since sliced bread, Tumblr tossed in a delightful feature called sideblogs. These secondary gems are basically blogs attached to your main account but run independently. They’re your free-for-all space, free from the pressure of maintaining your main blog’s aesthetic.
You know how you have that one friend who is a total weirdo but you love them anyway? That’s your sideblog. It can be anything from your collection of cat memes, a love letter to your favorite TV show, or even a secret diary of your deepest thoughts (but like, don’t put that last one out for everyone to read, okay?).
How Many Can You Have?
Here’s the kicker – Tumblr lets you create up to ten secondary blogs per day! Yes, you heard that right! Ten! In a single day! Who knew procrastination could be so productive? Just imagine the possibilities: one for your fandom obsession, another for political rants, one for your photography skills… within a week, you could have a veritable empire of sideblogs.
The Playful Limitations of Sideblogs
Now, before you go on a blog-making spree, let’s talk about the restrictions. As exciting as sideblogs are, they come with a few limitations that can feel like a wet blanket on your creative bonfire.
- Social Features? Nope! Sideblogs can’t like posts, follow other blogs, or send asks/submissions. That means while you can create your little domain of content, you’re pretty much a wallflower at the Tumblr party. You can post your heart out, but don’t expect high-school-style followers or like-fests on your sideblog.
- No Customization While your main blog can be decked out in fairy lights and unicorns, your sideblog doesn’t have the same luxury. You’ll find that customization options are a bit more limited. This is both a blessing and a curse – you don’t have to stress over the aesthetics, but your sideblog might end up looking as bland as a one-layer cake.
- Privacy Options If sharing your life story to your nearest 100 followers feels daunting, make sure to check the privacy settings on your sideblog. You can keep it private so that only you or your close friends can see it. After all, everyone doesn’t need to know what you think about the latest season of your favorite show!
How to Create a Sideblog
Creating a sideblog can feel like opening a new chapter in your Tumblr saga. It’s simple and straightforward!
- Log into your Main Blog: Start by logging into your primary Tumblr account. You can’t build a kingdom without a castle, right?
- Select the ‘Account’ Icon: That little icon in the corner is calling out to you. Click it and dare to dream of the blogs you’ll create.
- Click on ‘Create a New Blog’: This is where you unleash your imagination! An option should pop up for creating a new blog.
- Choose a Name and URL: Pick something that resonates with the vibe you want. It could be funny, serious, or just a random word you thought sounded cool.
- Decide on Your Blog’s Theme: Once you’ve picked a name, get ready to slather some personality on your sideblog. You can select various themes from Tumblr’s library!
- Hit ‘Create’ and Voila!: Press the ‘Create’ button and watch as your sideblog comes to life. It’s like giving birth to a digital baby, but without the nine-month wait.
What to Post on Your Sideblog
The trickiest question remains: What should you post on your sideblog? It boils down to a simple formula: whatever makes you happy. But let’s break it down with a few spicy examples:
- Fanart and Fandom: Are you obsessed with a show, book, or even a video game? Your sideblog can be a homage to that fandom! Reblog fanart, post your own fan edits, or even create a diary of your character’s adventures. Those fandom feels need to be unleashed somewhere!
- Aesthetic Blogs: Do you live and breathe aesthetic photography or art? Start a moodboard sideblog! Collect pics that resonate with your vibe, colors, quotes – make it as pastel or dark as your soul desires!
- Creative Writing: Have you penned a story or poetry? Share your short stories or drabbles! Who knows, you could inspire other aspiring writers and build a community around your literary genius.
- Personal Thoughts: While you are free to express yourself on your main blog, the sideblog can be your private diary of sorts. Just be cautious about vulnerability – remember, the internet is about as private as a village square!
- Humor & Memes: Create a sideblog dedicated solely to memes! With the state of the world, we all could use a healthy dose of laughter delivered straight to our feeds, and who better to curate it than you?
Engaging with Your Sideblog Community
While sideblogs don’t come equipped with all the glitz and glam of main blogs, you can still engage with your blog through reblogging, commenting on posts, and sharing the joy, albeit in a more limited capacity. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
- Reblogs Matter!: Even though you can’t follow active users, you can still interact with them by reblogging their content! This is like giving a thumbs-up to your favorite creators and connecting through shared interests.
- Share the Love: Tag your sideblog posts with relevant hashtags. When others search those tags, they might just stumble upon your treasure trove of posts!
- Utilize Available Features: Lean into what sideblogs can do. Engage your existing followers to check out your sideblog; sometimes, it’s the adventure your main blog didn’t know it needed!
Sideblogs: The Quirky But Sometimes Confusing Sidekicks
All in all, Tumblr’s sideblogs are an incredible yet quirky aspect of the platform that invites you to expand your digital horizons. They have their quirky charm and limitations, and they can be a brilliant canvas for your myriad interests and passions.
It’s essential to remember that the primary goal is to enjoy your content creation. Sideblogs allow you the freedom to experiment without the heavy expectations some people might apply to their main accounts. They can become a thriving hotbed of activity!
Final Thoughts – Go Wild with Your Sideblogs!
Don’t overthink it! Just dive into the chaotic abyss of creativity Tumblr offers you. Think of sideblogs as your creative playground, where you can post and share without self-imposed pressure.
Whether you want to express yourself through fandoms, humor, aesthetics, or personal ramblings, sideblogs give you that flexibility. Those whimsical little corners of the web might just become the very landscape that houses your creative spirit.
So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your inner Tumblr revolutionary, create that sideblog, and let the world see your wild, unapologetic you! The internet is your oyster – go on, open it, and see what shines!