Reddit Starts Testing Video And Audio Versions Of Viral Posts

Reddit is testing a new feature that converts selected text-based discussions into audio and video formats as the platform explores new ways to increase engagement with its content.

According to a TechCrunch report, the limited trial is being rolled out across select communities and includes both audio and video versions of posts. The experiment will help Reddit understand which formats users prefer and whether narrated content could eventually be expanded across the platform.

Users included in the test can choose between reading a post or playing its audio or video version, where available. The original post, comments and existing interaction features will remain accessible.

Reddit Looks to Bring Narrated Content In-House

The experiment comes after Reddit CEO Steve Huffman highlighted the popularity of narrated Reddit stories on other platforms during the company’s second-quarter earnings call in July.

Reddit discussions are frequently repurposed on platforms such as TikTok and Meta’s Reels, where posts are turned into narrated videos using text-to-speech tools or creator voiceovers, often accompanied by on-screen text or unrelated visuals.

Huffman indicated that the growing popularity of spoken Reddit content could signal an opportunity for users to consume discussions directly on the platform.

With the latest test, Reddit is exploring whether this behaviour can be brought into its own ecosystem while preserving the original discussion experience.

Audio Aimed at On-the-Go Consumption

Reddit said audio versions could help users consume discussions when they are unable to actively look at their screens, such as while exercising, walking or doing routine tasks.

The initial test is limited to selected English-language posts and will begin on the web before expanding to Reddit’s iOS and Android apps.

The audio and video formats will supplement rather than replace Reddit’s traditional text-based experience, allowing users to continue reading posts and engaging with comments.

Reddit’s Push Into Video

The test builds on Reddit’s broader efforts to expand beyond its text-first roots. The platform introduced native video hosting several years ago and later experimented with a short-form video feed inspired by TikTok.

More recently, Reddit introduced video in comments, which the company has said accounts for more than 10% of video posts on the platform.