Okay, important post incoming!
Long story short: the other day, a tumblr glitch was spotted. After messing around a bit, here's what we know about the glitch:
- It only affects mobile Tumblr, not the desktop site
- It only affects posts on the dashboard. By viewing a post any other way (in a blog, via tag search, and so on) the glitch can be avoided
- It specifically affects posts with a video and at least one photo / GIF
- The exception is if the video is linked from YouTube (in which case, the glitch won't happen)
So what is the glitch?
Basically, assume you click on a picture or GIF to take a closer look at it. If the above criteria are met, Tumblr won't show you that picture / GIF. Instead, it will either:
- Show you a blank space where the image / GIF would be. (This seems to only be the case for relatively new posts, such as ones that are a few hours old.)
- Show you a completely different image / GIF, very likely from a different user. (This is where things can get potentially dangerous, between jump-scares and flashing GIF risks).
I don't usually ask for reblogs, but I think it would be helpful for this news to be spread around, so that other Tumblr users and @staff can be aware of this glitch. I'm not sure how long it's been around for, but definitely for at least a couple of days.
Additionally, there's a few variables that haven't been tested yet, such as:
- Does this glitch still happen if you link a video from a non-youtube site? Or does it have to be a video that the user uploads?
- Does this happen if one of the components (video or picture / GIF) is in a reblog instead of the main post?
So if anyone happens to have the answer to these questions, or any other useful observations about this glitch, it would be wonderful if you could add it to this post! That way, other users can find out as well.
