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Civitai's new currency divide: the blue buzz controversy

Civitai's New Currency Divide | Blue Buzz Controversy Escalates

By

Sara Lopez

Oct 13, 2025, 09:49 PM

Edited By

Sofia Zhang

Updated

Oct 14, 2025, 12:29 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A graphic showing two currency icons, Blue Buzz and Yellow Buzz, with a barrier in between, illustrating the divide in features for NSFW content on Civitai.

A growing backlash is erupting among Civitai users due to the platform's controversial currency update. The transition from Blue Buzz to the paid Yellow Buzz currency has left many creators unable to produce NSFW content, igniting frustration and disappointment across user boards.

Impact of the Update on Creators

With the recent changes, Blue Buzz now lacks function for NSFW content unless users pay for Yellow Buzz. This update has been portrayed as a safety measure by Civitai, yet many users see it as a blatant paywall. As one user stated, "Itโ€™s honestly hilarious how fast theyโ€™re alienating their own creators.โ€ Creative individuals who invested time and effort to build the platformโ€™s vibrant community now find themselves at a crossroads.

Community Reactions Spark Debate

Feedback from users indicates an increasing divide. The sentiment is clear: many feel shortchanged by the new model. Comments reveal widespread disbelief:

  • "Whatโ€™s even the point of posting if my Blue Buzz is useless?"

  • "Is not an NSFW author problem only, even SFW users canโ€™t use blue buzz if the posts arenโ€™t Ned Flanders Approved level of SFW."

The concerns extend beyond NSFW creators; even those producing safe content face limitations. Some users struggle to adapt to filtering requirements, which only further complicates their engagement on the platform.

"This seems more like a paywall in disguise than a legitimate safety measure," expressed one disappointed commenter, highlighting the widespread sentiment around this contentious update.

Key Observations

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Blue Buzz now ineffective for NSFW posts, impacting free creators.

  • โš ๏ธ Yellow Buzz necessitates payment, creating a clear rift among the user base.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Users criticize the update as an unnecessary regulation tactic, potentially driving talent to alternative platforms.

Future of Civitaiโ€™s Community

As the discontent simmers, the question remains: will Civitai's changes harm user retention and creativity? Experts estimate a potential 60% drop in active participation from creators if Blue Buzz remains ineffective for NSFW content. While some may transition to Yellow Buzz, others are already eyeing different platforms offering more favorable terms.

Regulation's Role in Community Dynamics

The scenario unfolding mirrors past social media dilemmas. Just as Facebook faced backlash over monetization that alienated content creators, Civitaiโ€™s decision could reshape its community in drastic ways. The future may see creators adapting to these challenges, hoping for renewed collaboration rather than retreating.

Interestingly, many anticipate innovations might flourish from the adversity brought on by such regulatory changes. Only time will tell how Civitai navigates this difficult transition and whether it can mend the divides created within its community.