Leaving Instagram and Tumblr: Why I Walked Away (And Don't Miss Them One Bit)

Let's Get Real for a Minute...

I used to think I had to be on every platform to be successful.

Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook, Threads, Mayve even LinkedIn if I was feeling chaotic. And for a while, I really tried. I created carousels, posted stories, reblogged aesthetic mood boards, and curated everything to a T. But over time, the pressure didn't inspire me anymore- it drained me. So, I walked away from the platforms that no longer served me. Namely: Instagram and Tumblr.

Leaving Instagram and Tumblr (And Never Looking Back)

Let's be blunt: Meta just isn't my vibe.

The algorithm chances constantly. My post barely reached anyone unless I played a game of reels roulette. And even when they did get traction? It never felt cozy. It felt performative. It felt forced. Like I had to show up perfectly aesthetic feed and "on-brand" captions even when I was exhausted or uninspired.

The mental weight of posting, checking metrics, and keeping up with the rends I didn't care about became too much. Instagram stopped being fun. It stopped being me. And once I realized that? I have myself permission to leave.

Why Tumblr Lost Its Spark Too

Tumblr was my cozy corner for a long time. It's where I reblogged pixel art and journal spreads and dreamy screenshots of my favorite things. But after starting my blog- my actual blog, on a site that's fully mine. Tumblr didn't feel necessary anymore.

It felt like a leftover habit.

Sure, it had its nostalgic charm. But it also felt scattered and messy in a way I no longer wanted to show up in. On Tumblr, my voice felt buried under a sea of reblogs. ON my blog? My voice leads.

Tumblr didn't give me ownership it gave me distraction. And when I stepped into my blog with intention and vision, letting go of Tumblr felt.... peaceful.

The Truth Avout Burnout (And Why It Hit So Hard)

Trying to "be everywhere" is romanticized in creators circles.

"Post daily!"

"Batch your content!"

"Repurpose it for 6 platforms and call it a day!"

But no one talks about how exhausting that really is! Especially when those platforms don't feel aligned with your energy. I was creating just to post, not because I had something to say. And that's when I knew I was creating for the algorithm...not for my audience. Not even for me.

That realization hit hard.

So, I stopped. I left the platforms that made me feel like I had to constantly chase attention and started focusing on the ones that bring me joy.

What I'm Doing Instead (And Why It Feels So Damn Good)

Since letting go of Instagram and Tumblr, I've created so much more freely.

I now spend my time on platforms that I actually love!

My blog: where my voice lives without restrictions.

Pinterest: a calm, inspiring visual space that drives actual traffic

TikTok: where I can show up authentically, goofy, or deep, without a "grid"

Twitch: where the vibe is real-time, chill, and community- centered

The difference is night and day/

No more posting just to stay relevant. No more forcing myself to show up when I'm burnt out. No more tweaking captions for Meta's mystery machine. Just cozy, creative freedom. And I'm not looking back.

A Note to Anyone Feeling This Too

If you've been feeling that pull that "maybe I don't want to be on this platform anymore" let this, be your sign.

You don't have to be everywhere.

You don't have to stay somewhere that doesn't feel good.

You are allowed to outgrow platforms.

You are allowed to leave.

And you are definitely allowed to create on your own terms.

Instagram and Tumblr had their place in my story. But now? I'm writing a new chapter/ One that feels softer, slower, and more intentional. One where I create from joy- not form pressure. And best of all? One where I won my space, my story, and my peace.

If you're craving that too, I hope this post reminds you: you're not alone. And it's okay to choose cozy over chaos.