It looks like OP posted an AMP link. These should load faster, but AMP is controversial because of concerns over privacy and the Open Web.

Maybe check out the canonical page instead: https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/21/tumblr-ios-revenue-increased-125-since-launching-its-parody-of-paid-verification/

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Hey guys. I just launched a new verification badge thing on my personal website. It doesn't get you anything but it's a great way to make fun of Elon Musk! Only $5.99! Buy now to own the [insert group you don't like here]!

And they don't have to worry about advertiser's abandoning the platform because they hardly have any.

May not be for me but it’s cute and has the snark appeal for the increasingly niche, self-cultivating culture the site has built for itself. You can stack the verification badges, make them into a rainbow gradient, etc. Some users have spent hundreds of dollars just buying an inordinate amount of badges just to make their posts a little more irritating to look at. It’s all kind of funny and charming.

hehe we monetized it as a prank

This is all leading to digital id.

It's nothing new for Tumblr. They sell all kinds of useless meme stuff. It's right on par with their user base.

It's kinda surprising it's only a 125% increase.

I only ever knew Tumblr as a site where people spammed stolen pron images. I have no idea what it is now. What is it for?

Before this they were selling crabs that ran around your timeline.