Tired of Reading Reddit Threads? Soon, You Could Just Watch Them

Reddit is experimenting with a major change to how users consume content on the platform. The company is testing new AI-powered audio and video formats that can transform traditional text-based Reddit posts into content users can either listen to or watch.

The experiment is currently limited to a small selection of popular, highly searched posts across certain communities. Reddit isn't replacing the original threads, though. Existing posts and comments will remain unchanged, with the audio and video versions providing users with an alternative way to consume the same discussions.

Reddit Tests AI-Generated Audio and Video Posts

Reddit's experimental feature uses artificial intelligence to create voice narrations based on existing posts and their replies. Instead of scrolling through lengthy discussions, users could listen to an AI-generated version or watch the conversation presented as a short video.

In one example, an eight-year-old thread discussing board game recommendations was reportedly transformed into a roughly three-minute video. Synthetic voices narrated the original question and selected responses from the discussion, while subtitles displayed the spoken content on screen.

The format should look familiar to anyone who regularly uses short-video platforms. Third-party creators have been turning Reddit stories and discussions into narrated videos for years, with some attracting millions of views across other social media platforms.

Reddit now appears interested in bringing that experience directly to its own app.

Reddit Wants Users to Listen to Threads, Not Just Read Them

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has previously acknowledged the popularity of podcasts and other audio content built around Reddit discussions. Bringing similar functionality directly to the platform could help Reddit retain users who would otherwise consume its content elsewhere.

The feature could be particularly useful for people who discover Reddit through search engines. Instead of reading through a long thread to find an answer or recommendation, visitors could quickly listen to or watch a condensed version of the discussion.

Importantly, the company isn't abandoning its traditional text-focused format. The original posts and comments will continue to be available alongside the experimental multimedia options.

Reddit Continues Its Push Into Video

The latest experiment is part of Reddit's broader push towards more visual and interactive content. The platform introduced video comments in select communities in June, allowing users to respond to discussions using videos that open in a full-screen media player.

AI-generated audio and video could take that strategy a step further by repackaging Reddit's enormous archive of community discussions for audiences accustomed to consuming content through short-form video and audio.

The approach could also help Reddit make older posts more discoverable and accessible without changing the underlying discussions. However, the feature remains in limited testing, and it is unclear when, or if, Reddit plans to roll it out more broadly.

Source