Mailchimp recently declared that it will be closing down TinyLetter, a beloved service that allowed individuals to effortlessly write and distribute visually appealing email newsletters. The shutdown of TinyLetter is scheduled to take place on February 29th, 2024, as stated in the notification displayed upon logging into the TinyLetter account. Additional context about the decision was shared through a screenshot of a message allegedly sent by Mailchimp and circulated on X (previously known as Twitter).
According to the message attributed to Mailchimp, the rationale behind shutting down TinyLetter stems from a transformation in the company’s business priorities since its acquisition of TinyLetter in 2011. The statement emphasized Mailchimp’s concentrated efforts in developing tools to cater to marketers and support the growth of small businesses. Simultaneously, the needs of the TinyLetter community have also changed, with some users migrating to Mailchimp to scale and monetize their newsletters, while others have sought alternative services designed specifically for writers. Consequently, Mailchimp made the decision to discontinue TinyLetter and focus exclusively on its core product.
Mailchimp has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the closure of TinyLetter. In 2018, the company had to address concerns that it would introduce changes to the platform, but at the time, Mailchimp’s previous CEO, Ben Chestnut, disclosed the long-term plan to integrate TinyLetter into Mailchimp. However, specifics about this integration were not revealed.
Current TinyLetter users logging into their accounts will encounter a notification from Mailchimp instructing them to export their data before the impending shutdown. Additionally, they are encouraged to explore Mailchimp as a potential alternative. Nevertheless, transitioning to Mailchimp may not be an ideal option for everyone. While TinyLetter permits users to send emails to up to 5,000 subscribers for free, Mailchimp’s free tier only allows for 1,000 “monthly email sends,” as outlined on Mailchimp’s pricing page. Depending on the size of the subscriber list, users may find Mailchimp’s limitations less suitable for their needs.
A Bitter Farewell to TinyLetter
The demise of TinyLetter evokes a sense of sadness among its dedicated users. Although it has been years since many individuals have composed a TinyLetter email, they fondly recall how the service simplified the process of writing and publishing pristine newsletters. The closure of TinyLetter marks the end of an era, leaving its loyal patrons nostalgic and lamenting its loss. Farewell, TinyLetter.
A Follow-Up Acquisition
The shutdown of TinyLetter follows Intuit’s acquisition of Mailchimp, which was successfully concluded in 2021. This acquisition has raised curiosity about the impact it may have on Mailchimp’s future developments and services, including the potential integration of TinyLetter’s features into the Mailchimp platform.
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