CSS-Tricks is back as an independent site in 2026
Popular front-end web development site CSS-Tricks returns to independent ownership in 2026 under new management, featuring new courses and community memberships.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- CSS-Tricks returns as an independent website in 2026.
- DigitalOcean originally acquired the site in 2022 from founder Chris Coyier.
- New leadership plans to build a community, launch courses, and bring back the newsletter.
- Monetization will rely on community memberships, Discord perks, and targeted ads.
Popular web development resource CSS-Tricks has announced major news for 2026: the website is once again an independent publication. This follows its acquisition by DigitalOcean in 2022 from Chris Coyier, who originally founded the site back in 2007 and ran it up until that purchase.
Entering this new era in 2026, the site is managed by a small team focused on day-to-day operations. The primary goal is to foster a genuine, inclusive community welcoming everyone regardless of where they are in their front-end learning journey, alongside planned improvements to the overall site experience.
Regarding sustainability and funding, the new leadership notes that advertising will return to keep the site running. Unlike the pre-DigitalOcean days, the site will approach ads through traditional display packages, sponsored posts, and newsletter sponsorships, alongside new revenue streams like a beginner HTML/CSS course currently in development.
"The best thing I can possibly do is help folks develop a voice and give them a stage to use it. It’s about community and culture building. Publisher. That’s more my jam."
Geoff
Publishing schedules will continue, though article frequency may drop to one or two pieces per week as things ramp up. Guest article submissions are also returning, though an existing backlog through the end of the year means new submissions will experience a waiting period before review.
The return of CSS-Tricks to independent ownership highlights the ongoing evolution of indie tech publishers. By diversifying revenue streams—combining community memberships, educational courses, traditional sponsorships, and reader engagement—independent sites can build resilience away from heavy reliance on corporate acquisitions or programmatic ad networks.
Readers wishing to support the platform can join the new Discord community membership program, check out the shop, purchase advertising packages, or support simply by sharing articles, reading through RSS feeds, and subscribing to the upcoming bi-weekly newsletter.
Source: CSS-Tricks
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