Reddit is initiating tests for a new feature that introduces audio and video experiences reminiscent of TikTok’s popular format. This development aims to provide users with the option to listen to Reddit posts in the background while engaging in other activities.
The concept was first mentioned during Reddit’s second-quarter earnings call in July, where CEO Steve Huffman highlighted the trend of Reddit content being consumed in audio formats on other platforms. He noted the emergence of podcast-like content where Reddit posts are read aloud, suggesting that a spoken version of Reddit could offer an engaging experience.
In this initial testing phase, Reddit will focus on select English-language posts within its iOS and Android apps. Users will have the choice to either read or play a post when the feature is available. Importantly, the original text-based posts and their comment sections will remain accessible, ensuring that traditional engagement methods are preserved.
Reddit envisions this feature catering to users who prefer listening to content while multitasking, such as during workouts or errands. Additionally, the combination of video and audio aims to bring written conversations to life, offering a dynamic alternative to static text.
This isn’t Reddit’s first foray into video content. The platform previously introduced native video hosting and experimented with a TikTok-style video feed. More recently, Reddit launched support for video in comments, which now accounts for over 10% of video posts on the site.
By integrating audio and video features, Reddit is aligning itself with current social media trends that emphasize multimedia content. This move could attract a broader audience and enhance user engagement by offering diverse content consumption options.
