Tumblr iOS app users may start seeing fewer search results and recommended posts due to App Store guidelines

Tumblr announced this week that people accessing the microblogging and social network site through its iOS app might start finding fewer results or even be unable to open some blogs. The company said it was forced to apply these changes to avoid being removed from the App Store.

In a blog post published this week, Tumblr said it has to adjust the amount of potentially explicit or sensitive content that can be viewed through the iOS app to follow Apple’s guidelines. Users can still search the app as usual, but certain keywords might lead to fewer results or, in some cases, no results at all.

The company added that if a blog is flagged as having mature or sensitive content, users might not be able to open the post on the Tumblr iOS app. If the changes result in zero search results or prohibited blog access, users will start seeing a new message (see photo above) telling them that the content is “hidden” because it might be suggestive or explicit.

Tumblr iOS app users are also advised to expect changes in the Dashboard. With the stricter filter system in place, the company said some users might find fewer posts under the “Stuff for You” and “Following” sections.

“We want to make sure Tumblr is available everywhere you would like to access it,” Tumblr said. “In order for us to remain in Apple’s App Store and for our Tumblr iOS app to be available, we needed to make changes that would help us be more compliant with their policies around sensitive content.” Tumblr, meanwhile, told users that these changes would only affect the iOS app. Browsing and searching posts through the Android app and web browsers (desktop and mobile) should still offer a familiar experience.

The App Store Review Guidelines mention six types of “Objectionable Content” that could get an app removed, including “overtly sexual or pornographic material.” Apple uses Webster’s Dictionary’s definition of these terms, saying they can be any content that can “stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings.” That makes the range of in-app content that could fall under this category quite extensive. And on Tumblr, that definition could apply to certain photos, GIFs, and even fan-fiction posts.