Reddit is experimenting with audio and video versions of posts to make text content more interactive. The test, a limited experiment, affects a sample of posts across select communities. Users can listen to posts or watch them as shortform videos, which link back to original text. An example includes an eight-year-old post in r/boardgames converted into a three-minute video using AI-generated voices. The feature aims to determine if users find such formats helpful. Reddit also introduced video comments in June, allowing videos in threads. CEO Steve Huffman mentioned the move during an earnings call, noting similar podcast trends. The experiment appears on apps and the website, with updates as of August 17, 2026.

The initiative aligns with Reddit’s broader goal to attract new users and retain casual lurkers. The audio/video options coexist with unchanged text posts. Reddit’s approach mirrors other platforms blending multimedia into social interactions. Early tests suggest potential for engaging content delivery, though scalability remains untested.

The company has not disclosed how it selects posts for the experiment. However, highlighting searchable threads could drive adoption. The video comments feature, allowing full-screen playback, shows Reddit’s push toward dynamic content. These tests reflect a strategic shift toward multimedia, balancing innovation with user familiarity.

Reddit’s CEO emphasized the experiment’s exploratory nature. He framed it as a response to internet trends where Reddit content is adapted into audio formats. While the three-minute video example demonstrates technical feasibility, long-term user reception is uncertain. The feature’s success may depend on balancing brevity with comprehensive information.