How to Install Tumblr TV: The Best Alternative to TikTok in the USA for iPhone & Android

 Imagine a world without the TikTok platform, where the short videos we’ve grown accustomed to daily suddenly disappear. This scenario could become a reality in America amid repeated threats to ban the app. However, as opportunities fade, new ones often emerge. Enter the new platform, Tumblr TV, which is attempting to steal the spotlight and position itself as a potential alternative.

How to Install Tumblr TV The Best Alternative to TikTok in the USA for iPhone & Android

Tumblr, renowned as a haven for creatives and visual content enthusiasts, has decided to take a significant leap forward by transforming its legacy with GIFs into a video-centric platform. But will it succeed in attracting TikTok's massive audience? Can it deliver a comparable experience?

How to Install Tumblr TV on iphone / android ?

As of now, Tumblr TV is not available for download on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. However, you can access it directly through your browser on both Android and iPhone devices by following these steps:

On an Android Device:

1. Open Your Browser:

   - Launch your preferred internet browser (e.g., Google Chrome or Firefox).

2. Visit the Official Website:

   - Go to the official Tumblr TV website by entering its URL in the address bar. (Make sure to type the correct address if a specific link is provided).

3. Browse Content:

   - Once you’ve reached the site, you can start exploring the content available on Tumblr TV directly through your browser.

   - You’ll be able to watch videos and interact with the available content, just as you would with other online apps.

4. Add the Site to Your Home Screen (Optional) :

   - If you’d like to make it easier to access the site in the future, you can add a shortcut to your home screen:

     - Tap the menu button (three dots in the top-right corner of the browser).

     - Select 'Add to Home Screen'.

     - A shortcut will be created on your home screen for quick access to the site.

How to Install Tumblr TV on iphone  android

On an iPhone:

1. Open Your Browser:

   - Launch Safari or any other browser on your iPhone.

2. Visit the Official Website:

   - Go to the Tumblr TV website by entering its URL in the address bar.

3. Browse Content:

   - Once you’ve accessed the site, you can interact with the content as if you were using the app.

4. Add the Site to Your Home Screen (Optional):

   - To add the site to your home screen:

     - Tap the share button (the square with an upward arrow).

     - Select 'Add to Home Screen' from the options.

     - A shortcut to the site will appear on your home screen for quick access.

By following these steps, you can use Tumblr TV on your Android or iPhone device without needing to install the app from the store.

What is Tumblr TV?

Tumblr TV isn’t an entirely new platform. It was first launched nearly a decade ago as an experimental feature to explore GIFs. Over time, Tumblr decided to evolve this feature to fully support video content. On Tuesday, the company announced that the platform has officially transitioned from its beta phase in Tumblr Labs to being available to all users.


According to a report by TechCrunch, the Tumblr TV tab will be prominently displayed for new users, while existing users can enable or disable it through the app settings. This development comes at a time when the short video market is undergoing significant shifts, especially amid the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S.

Why is Everyone Betting on Tumblr TV Now?

The timing of the platform’s launch is closely tied to the void left by TikTok’s temporary ban. On the day of the ban, January 19, Tumblr saw a 35% increase in app downloads on iOS devices and a 70% surge in new users joining the platform’s communities.

Tumblr TV Now

Among these communities, groups like "TikTok Refugees" and "TikTok Repository" emerged, providing users with a space to share or back up their videos. This spike in activity reflects users’ interest in seeking new alternatives, something Tumblr aims to capitalize on.

Can Tumblr Compete with TikTok?

Despite the similarity in design, featuring a vertical scroll for video display, the new platform still falls short of delivering an experience comparable to TikTok. One of the main challenges Tumblr TV faces is the lack of high-quality original content. Currently, Tumblr TV heavily relies on GIFs and videos not specifically designed for vertical screens, making it less appealing to both creators and users. However, Tumblr is betting on attracting TikTok users who are searching for alternative platforms amid the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future. Will it succeed in achieving this goal?

Potential Challenges

Given the challenges Tumblr TV faces, the platform needs significant improvements in content quality and user experience if it hopes to compete with TikTok. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of high-quality original content. Currently, Tumblr TV relies heavily on GIFs and videos not optimized for vertical screens, making it less attractive to creators and users alike.

Additionally, the user experience still needs refinement. While the platform offers a simple browsing experience, it lacks the advanced features that make TikTok appealing, such as smart recommendation algorithms and powerful editing tools.

Opportunities for Tumblr TV

Despite the challenges, the opportunities are vast. With the growing number of users seeking alternatives amid repeated threats of a TikTok ban, Tumblr TV could become the go-to choice for many. Tumblr also boasts a loyal user base that it can rely on to build an active community around Tumblr TV. If the platform can improve content quality and user experience, it could emerge as a strong competitor in the short video market.

The Big Question

Ultimately, the question remains: Can Tumblr TV become the new alternative for short video enthusiasts? The answer depends on the platform’s ability to evolve and deliver a more engaging experience for users and creators. For now, the new platform shows promise, but it still has a long way to go to fill the void left by TikTok.


If you’re a TikTok user searching for an alternative, Tumblr TV might be worth a try. However, keep in mind that the platform is still in development and may need more time to reach a competitive level. That said, the opportunity is there, and it could be the platform you’ve been looking for.

You might also like: Top Free TikTok Alternatives: Best Apps Like TikTok to Try Now

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