Tumblr, the popular blogging site and social platform owned by Automattic, has financially backed Tapestry, a newly launched app designed to organize feeds from across the open web. The grant will be used to build a native macOS version of the app, which debuted on the App Store earlier this month.

Tapestry, initially launched as a Kickstarter project in January 2024, successfully raised over $177,000 via crowdfunding. The app allows users to aggregate and organize feeds from various sources, including RSS, Mastodon, Bluesky, YouTube, podcasts, Reddit, Tumblr, Micro.blog, and GO Comics, into personalized feeds.

The app's design, courtesy of The Iconfactory, renowned for their work on Twitterific, aims to give users more control over the information they receive. This aligns with the growing trend of the open social web, where users can curate their online experience, free from the constraints of tech giants' algorithms.

Tapestry's approach is distinct from other social media platforms, as it focuses on the wider web, built on open protocols, rather than a single social network. This sets it apart from competitors like Surf, Feeeed, and Reeder, which are also vying for dominance in this space.

The financial backing from Tumblr is significant, given the platform's own transition to the open social web. Following its 2019 acquisition by Automattic, Tumblr is being integrated with WordPress, which will plug it into the fediverse, powered by ActivityPub. This move will enable Tumblr to tap into the open social web, further solidifying its commitment to user control and customization.

In addition to the grant, Iconfactory has introduced a sponsorship program within Tapestry, allowing advertisers to reach the app's user base. This feature is designed with small, independent creators in mind, offering an alternative to traditional internet ads.

The sponsorship program's goal is to promote exciting indie apps, blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels that inform and entertain. This aligns with Tapestry's broader mission to empower users to take control of their online experience.

While Tumblr and Iconfactory have not disclosed the specifics of the grant, the partnership marks an important milestone in the evolution of the open social web. As users increasingly seek more control over their online experiences, Tapestry's innovative approach is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of social media.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as we await comments from Tumblr and Iconfactory on the financial grant.