Reddit CEO hints that subreddit paywalls are on the way (2024)

Home>Tech

All free things must come to an end.

ByCecily Mauran on

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Flipboard

Reddit CEO hints that subreddit paywalls are on the way (1)

Reddit might charge to access some subreddits in the near future.Credit: Photo by Jakub Porzycki / NurPhoto / Getty Images

Some subreddits might be paywalled as part of Reddit's revenue-boosting strategy since going public earlier this year.

In its second earnings call as a public company on Tuesday, CEO Steve Huffman teased this and other changes for Reddit.

SEE ALSO:

Reddit's traffic is way up – but why? It's Google.

Inside Reddit's new money-making strategy

The platform has stayed notably consistent over the years and hasn't been monetized into oblivion like other social media sites. However, all that may change now that the company has shareholders to satisfy.

"I think the existing, altruistic, free version of Reddit will continue to exist and grow and thrive just the way it has," Huffman said per Engadget. "But now we will unlock the door for new use cases, new types of subreddits that can be built that may have exclusive content or private areas, things of that nature."

Mashable Light Speed

Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?

Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.

By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thanks for signing up!

In the months leading up to Reddit's IPO, and continuing since then, the site has aggressively pursued new revenue sources. The most controversial change was Huffman's decision to hike up its API fees, which many third-party apps couldn't afford. More recently, Reddit signed a deal with Google, which allows the search engine giant to train its models on Reddit posts. Reddit also blocked other search engines from crawling the site unless they pay for access and recently signed a licensing deal with OpenAI, meaning user posts and comments are used to train ChatGPT.

In addition to monetizing user data and paywalling certain subreddits, Reddit plans to explore AI-generated search capabilities.

"Later this year, we will begin testing new search result pages powered by AI to summarize and recommend content, helping users dive deeper into products, shows, games and discover new communities on Reddit," said Huffman who said AI-generated search could eventually generate ad revenue.

Reddit's Q2 earnings reported a 54 percent increase in sales from the previous year and narrowed its net losses from 41 million to 10 million. So things are looking better for shareholders — just not for Redditors.

TopicsSocial MediaReddit

Reddit CEO hints that subreddit paywalls are on the way (4)

Cecily Mauran

Cecily is a tech reporter at Mashable who covers AI, Apple, and emerging tech trends. Before getting her master's degree at Columbia Journalism School, she spent several years working with startups and social impact businesses for Unreasonable Group and B Lab. Before that, she co-founded a startup consulting business for emerging entrepreneurial hubs in South America, Europe, and Asia. You can find her on Twitter at @cecily_mauran.

Recommended For You

Reddit's traffic is way up – but why? It's Google.

Google keeps prioritizing Reddit posts in search results.

By Matt Binder

Reddit wants Microsoft to pay up if its search engine wants to crawl the platform

No data for your AI models unless you cough it up, Microsoft.

By Matt Binder

Reddit is cracking down on AI bots

Reddit will lean on the "basic social contract of the web" for help.

By Elizabeth de Luna

Reddit no longer showing in search results – unless it's Google search

Bing, DuckDuckGo, and other search engines can no longer crawl Reddit.

By Matt Binder

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was fired for 'outright lying,' says former board member

Helen Toner also revealed the board found out ChatGPT had been released via social media.

By Amanda Yeo

Trending on Mashable

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 21

Everything you need to solve 'Connections' #437.

By Mashable Team

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 21

Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #1159.

By Mashable Team

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 21

Stuck on any of the clues? We have the answers you need.

By Mashable Team

New image shows the North Star is changing. And it has spots.

Polaris is a wild ball of gas.

By Mark Kaufman

Gamescom 2024: Every game and series announced and shown at this year's event, so far

Lots of sequels and some cool new stuff as well.

By Alex Perry and Chance Townsend

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.

Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!

  • TECH
  • SCIENCE
  • LIFE
  • SOCIAL GOOD
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • BEST PRODUCTS
  • DEALS

©2005–2024 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. All Rights Reserved.

Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission.

Reddit CEO hints that subreddit paywalls are on the way (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Frankie Dare

Last Updated:

Views: 5371

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Frankie Dare

Birthday: 2000-01-27

Address: Suite 313 45115 Caridad Freeway, Port Barabaraville, MS 66713

Phone: +3769542039359

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Baton twirling, Stand-up comedy, Leather crafting, Rugby, tabletop games, Jigsaw puzzles, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.