Reddit is a social media platform and forum-style website where content is socially curated and promoted by site members through voting. The site name is a play on the words "I read it."
The platform serves as a network of niche communities where users can engage with others who share similar interests, hobbies and passions. Unlike other social media platforms that use a follower-based approach, Reddit resembles a collection of traditional forums. This unique structure lets users find and connect with communities built around shared interests to foster deeper engagement within these specific niches.
Reddit is also commonly referred to as "the front page of the internet."
What are subreddits and how do they work?
The Reddit site is composed of hundreds of subcommunities, known as subreddits or subs. Each subreddit posts on a sidebar its own rules set by admins. Subreddits also have specific topics, such as technology, politics or music.
Reddit's homepage, or the front page, is composed of the most popular posts from each default subreddit. The default list is predetermined and includes subreddits such as "pics," "funny," "videos," "news" and "gaming."
Reddit site members, also known as redditors, submit content that other members vote on. The goal is to send well-regarded content to the top of the site's front page. Content is voted on via upvotes and downvotes -- arrows on which users click to the left of a post. The more upvotes a post gets, the more popular it becomes, and the higher up it appears on its respective subreddit or the front page.
Subreddits are typically managed by moderators, also known as mods. To access a subreddit via the address bar, simply type "reddit.com/r/subreddit name."
What is Reddit used for?
Reddit serves a variety of purposes for its users, including the following:
- Content discovery and creation. As a content aggregator, Reddit facilitates the discovery and discussion of a wide spectrum of topics. Users are empowered to share their perspectives, opinions and ideas on diverse topics, ranging from contemporary events to highly specialized interests.
- Latest news and trends. Reddit helps users stay updated on the latest news and trends and its forum-style structure facilitates real-time discussions and insights on ongoing events.
- Community engagement. Reddit fosters a sense of community among its users. Through subreddits, individuals can connect with others who share similar interests, participate in discussions and seek advice or support on specific topics.
- Entertainment. Reddit serves as a major source of entertainment. Users flock to this social platform to enjoy a diverse range of content, including memes, humorous anecdotes and creative works. The sheer variety of subreddits ensures that users with interests ranging from humor and art to gaming can easily find content that appeals to them.
How to use Reddit
Reddit can be accessed through its official website and mobile app, although there are several alternative apps and websites that offer a great user experience. Upon arriving on the site's front page, users will notice a list of posts -- a collection of text posts, link posts, images and videos. For users who are logged out of a Reddit account, the front page is composed of the site's default subreddits -- a list of about 50 topics including music, videos, news and GIFs. After creating an account, users are automatically subscribed to the list of default subreddits. Users can unsubscribe to any of the default subreddits they don't wish to view, and they can subscribe to additional subreddits to get a personalized front page of content that interests them.
Users can also comment on posts after creating an account. Commenting is one of Reddit's core features, and it's the primary way for users to interact with each other, besides private messaging. Comments, such as posts, can be voted on by users and are ranked accordingly. The comment with the highest number of votes sits at the top of the comment section and is referred to as the top comment.
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to use Reddit:
- Create an account. Once users sign up for a free account on Reddit, they can participate in discussions, post and share content, and customize their experience.
- Explore subreddits. Subreddits are dedicated to specific topics and users can browse popular subreddits or search for ones that match their interests. To subscribe to a subreddit, users simply click the Join button on its page. This adds the subreddit to their homepage feed, letting them see posts from that community.
- Engage with content. Once subscribed to subreddits, users can start engaging with the content. They can upvote or downvote posts and comments based on whether they find them helpful or interesting. This voting system helps surface the best content within each subreddit.
- Post content. If someone has something to share, they can create their own post. They should choose the appropriate subreddit, click on Create Post and follow the prompts to add a title and content.
- Comment and participate. Users can engage in discussions by commenting on posts. They can ask questions, share their thoughts or provide additional information.
- Follow the rules. Each subreddit has its own set of rules and guidelines. Users should familiarize themselves with these to ensure their posts and comments are appropriate and well-received.
- Use the search function. If a user is looking for specific topics or discussions, they can use the search bar at the top of the page to help them find relevant subreddits or posts quickly.
- Stay respectful and safe. Users should remember to be respectful to other users and follow Reddit's community guidelines. They should also avoid sharing personal information and be mindful of the tone of their comments.
What are the pros and cons of using Reddit?
Reddit offers both advantages and disadvantages for its users, depending on how it's used and the context in which it's engaged.
Pros of using Reddit
- User-friendly interface. Known for its intuitive design, Reddit is easy to navigate, making it accessible to users of all experience levels and even those who are new to the platform.
- Diverse communities. With thousands of subreddits covering virtually every topic imaginable, users can easily find communities that align with their interests on the Reddit platform.
- Anonymity. The anonymity feature of Reddit lets users participate without revealing their identities. This fosters a more open and honest environment, especially when users are discussing sensitive topics.
- Real-time information. Reddit serves as a hub for real-time discussions and updates on current events, making it a valuable resource for staying informed about news and trends.
- Voting system. Reddit's upvote and downvote system curates content by surfacing the most relevant and high-quality posts, making it easier for users to find valuable and highly relevant information.
- Education and knowledge. With numerous subreddits dedicated to learning and sharing knowledge, Reddit serves as an effective platform for acquiring and distributing educational content and knowledge.
Cons of using Reddit
- Moderation issues. Inconsistent moderation in some subreddits can lead to issues such as harassment or inappropriate content, potentially creating a negative experience for users.
- Misinformation. The open nature of the Reddit platform can contribute to the spread of misinformation, particularly within subreddits dedicated to controversial topics.
- Echo chambers. The upvote/downvote system can lead to echo chambers, where only popular opinions are given priority, potentially stifling diverse viewpoints and healthy debate.
- Privacy concerns. While Reddit enables anonymity, privacy and security concerns persist on the platform due to the collection of data on user behavior.
- Time consuming and addictive. Reddit's endless scroll feature and the pursuit of social validation through upvotes can create an addictive cycle, potentially leading to excessive time spent on the platform and neglecting other aspects of life.
- Exposure to negative content. Due to its vast and diverse content library, Reddit can expose users to a wide range of material, including potentially controversial or distressing content. Although users have the option to filter certain topics, it's possible to end up encountering negative or harmful content.
Reddit company information
Steve Huffman, Alexis Ohanian and Aaron Swartz started Reddit in 2005, and Condé Nast Publications acquired the site in October 2006. Reddit split from Condé Nast in 2011 and now operates under Advance Publications.
The following is an overview of Reddit:
- Headquarters. Reddit, Inc. is based in San Francisco, Calif.
- Employees. The company has approximately 3,693 employees according to RocketReach.
- Revenue. Reddit generated around $1.12 billion in revenue in 2024 according to Stock Analysis.
- Community focus. The platform hosts over 138,000 communities according to Mainstreethost.
- Reddit users. According to Social Champ, there are more than 5 billion registered users.
- Active subreddits. Reddit has approximately 140,000 active subreddits at any given time according to Social Champ.
Site statistics and user demographics
Reddit is a widely used platform with significant user engagement and diverse demographics. The following are some key statistics and insights into its user base:
- Popularity. According to rankings published by Foundation Marketing, Reddit is now the sixth most popular website in the U.S.
- Total number of downloads. According to Social Champ, there were over 5 million global mobile app downloads in 2024.
- Daily active users. Reddit company-published data boasts approximately 73.1 million daily active users worldwide.
- Age group. According to Exploding Topics, 44% of Reddit users are in the 18-to-29 age group.
- Gender breakdown. According to Social Champ, approximately 36.4% of Reddit users are women, indicating a growing female presence on the platform.
How much does it cost to use Reddit?
Reddit use is primarily free, enabling users to create accounts, browse content and participate in discussions without any charges. However, the optional paid subscription service called Reddit Premium is $49.99 annually and $5.99 monthly. The subscription offers users several exclusive features, including an ad-free browsing experience, access to the members-only lounge and a monthly allowance of Reddit Coins to spend on awards for other users.
While Reddit remains free for individual users, in April 2023, the company updated its Data API terms, restricting free use of its platform's data for commercial purposes.
Notable controversies
Since its inception, Reddit has been the subject of many controversies, some great enough to make the news. The following are some of the most notable controversies:
- Boston Marathon bombing. Following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, Reddit users, acting as online detectives, wrongly identified Sunil Tripathi, a missing college student, as a suspect. This led to widespread harassment and scrutiny of Tripathi and his family, ultimately contributing to his tragic suicide.
- Spread of misinformation. The decentralized nature of the platform and the lack of rigorous fact-checking mechanisms can contribute to the rapid dissemination of false information. Reddit has been criticized for its role in the spread of misinformation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, claims circulated on the Reddit platform regarding harmful ingredients in vaccines, such as microchips or 5G technology.
- r/Jailbait. In 2011, the r/Jailbait subreddit, dedicated to sharing suggestive or revealing photos of underage girls, sparked widespread outrage and led to its closure. This incident highlighted the potential for exploitation and the challenges of moderating content on the platform.
- Application programming interface (API) controversy. In 2023, Reddit faced backlash over changes to its API policies, which led to the removal of entire moderation teams from some subreddits. This action was taken due to violations of Reddit's Content Policy and Moderator Code of Conduct, sparking debates about the platform's governance and the role of moderators.
- Russian influence. Over the years, Reddit has raised concerns about foreign interference and the potential for online manipulation and cyberattacks. Investigations revealed that Russian-sponsored troll accounts and bots had infiltrated prominent subreddits, aiming to manipulate public opinion and sow discord. In 2018, The Daily Beast obtained leaked documents from the Internet Research Agency, a private company that conducted influence operations on behalf of the Russian government between 2013 and 2018. These documents detailed the agency's efforts to manipulate public opinion on Reddit.
Is it safe to use Reddit?
Reddit can be a safe platform if used with caution. The following are some safety tips that Reddit users should consider:
- Be selective about subreddits. Users should choose subreddits that align with their interests and avoid those known for negativity or toxicity.
- Utilize filtering options. Users can block specific subreddits, keywords or types of content using Reddit's filtering options.
- Protect privacy. Users should avoid sharing personal information online and use a unique and strong password for their Reddit account. Enabling two-factor authentication for added security is also advisable.
- Be mindful of time. Users should set limits on their daily Reddit usage and take regular breaks to avoid excessive screen time.
- Report inappropriate content. If users encounter harmful or illegal content, they should report it to Reddit using the appropriate tools.
- Be critical of information. Users should be mindful of the potential for misinformation and critically evaluate information before sharing or believing it.
Who are Reddit's competitors?
Reddit faces competition from various platforms that focus on online communities, social interaction, discussion and user-generated content.
Reddit's main competitors include the following:
- Quora. This question-and-answer platform lets users ask questions and receive answers from the community. Quora focuses more on knowledge sharing and expertise, making it a different but relevant competitor.
- Discord. While primarily a communication platform for gamers, Discord has evolved to host various communities and discussions, making it a competitor in terms of community engagement.
- 4chan/8chan. These are anonymous imageboards with a focus on discussion boards and forums. They're known for their unique culture and sometimes controversial content.
- Stack Exchange. This is a network of question-and-answer sites focused on specific topics. These sites typically attract users seeking expert knowledge and in-depth discussions.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and YouTube aren't direct competitors in the same niche, but they offer functionalities that overlap with Reddit, such as community building and content sharing. This makes them relevant competitors, although with distinct focuses and user experiences.
Popular acronyms
Many acronyms are unique to Reddit. They are commonly found in post titles, subreddit rules and comments. The following is a breakdown of some of the most commonly used acronyms on the site.
- ELI5 (Explain Like I'm 5). This acronym is used when redditors want something explained to them in simple terms, as if they were a five-year-old asking for the answer to a question. A popular subreddit, "r/explainlikeimfive," exists for this purpose.
- TL; DR or TLDR (Too Long; Didn't Read). In some longer posts or comments, redditors might place a TL;DR or TLDR at the end of their text for the purpose of shortening what they wrote if other redditors don't want to take the time to read the entire post.
- NSFW (Not Safe For Work). When redditors make a post or comment that has explicit content, it is marked with NSFW to let other redditors know not to view the content at work or any place where explicit material would be unsuitable.
- TIL (Today I Learned). This is used mainly in the form of TIL posts when redditors want to share something new they learned.
- OP (Original Poster). OP is the redditor who created the initial post.
- AMA (Ask Me Anything). AMA is a popular acronym used on Reddit's r/IAmA subreddit, where redditors can post AMA threads. This is another name for a Q&A thread, where redditors answer questions about their life and, usually, their occupation. President Barack Obama made headlines when he participated in an AMA on Aug. 29, 2012. He was the first sitting president to do so.
- IIRC (If I Recall Correctly). This acronym is used when someone is unsure about the accuracy of their statement.
- IMO (In My Opinion). This is a common acronym used in most subreddits.
- CMV (Change My View). This is a subreddit where users discuss topics with opposing viewpoints, aiming to change each other's perspectives.
While Reddit remains primarily free for individual users, in 2023, the company began charging enterprise developers for access to its API. Learn more about the Reddit API charges and what they entail.