Reddit Tests a New Audio and Video Experience

Reddit is testing a new way for users to experience its popular posts through audio and video. The company wants to see if people would rather listen to or watch Reddit stories instead of only reading them.

The new feature, sometimes called “video Reddit,” will allow users to listen to posts while doing other activities, such as exercising, walking, or doing household tasks. Reddit will initially test the feature in selected communities to learn which types of content users prefer and whether the idea could eventually be expanded across the platform.

Reddit announced the plan in July. CEO Steve Huffman explained that people were already consuming Reddit stories on other platforms, including TikTok and Instagram Reels. These platforms often turn popular Reddit posts into videos. The posts may be read aloud by a person or converted into speech using artificial intelligence. The videos sometimes show the original text on the screen while someone reads it. Other videos use unrelated background footage, such as video games or cooking.

Reddit believes this type of content is becoming increasingly popular because it is similar to a podcast. Instead of sitting down and reading a long post, users can listen to the story while doing something else.

However, Reddit says the new feature is still an early experiment. The company wants to understand whether users find audio and video versions useful and whether they can be created in a way that still feels authentic to Reddit. Users will be able to choose between reading and playing a post when the new formats are available.

At first, the test will only include selected posts written in English. It will also be available through Reddit's iOS and Android apps.

Importantly, the new formats will not replace traditional Reddit posts. Users will still be able to read the original text and interact with comments in the usual way. Instead, Reddit is offering another option for people who prefer to consume content through audio or video.

This is not Reddit's first attempt to expand into video. The company has experimented with video for several years, including its own video-hosting system and a TikTok-style video feed. More recently, Reddit introduced videos in comments. According to the company, videos in comments now make up more than 10% of all video posts on the platform.

The new experiment shows that Reddit is trying to adapt to changing user habits. Many people now prefer short videos, podcasts, and other forms of content that can be consumed while they are doing something else. If the experiment is successful, Reddit could become a more important part of this growing trend.

Vocabulary

1. experience — a particular way of using or interacting with a product or service

Example: Reddit is creating a new video experience for its users.

Question: What makes a good experience on a social media platform?

2. viral — spreading very quickly and becoming extremely popular online

Example: The Reddit story became viral after thousands of people shared it.

Question: Why do some posts become viral while others do not?

3. resonate with — to connect strongly with people's interests or feelings

Example: Reddit wants to discover which types of videos resonate with its users.

Question: What types of social media content resonate with you?

4. narrate — to tell a story by speaking about what is happening

Example: A creator narrated the Reddit story while showing images on the screen.

Question: Would you rather read a story or listen to someone narrate it?

5. text-to-speech — technology that changes written words into spoken language

Example: The video uses text-to-speech to read the Reddit post aloud.

Question: What are some advantages and disadvantages of text-to-speech technology?

6. engaging — interesting or entertaining enough to keep someone's attention

Example: The company wants to create a more engaging way to experience Reddit posts.

Question: What makes a social media post engaging?

7. experiment — a test designed to discover whether something works

Example: Reddit is running an experiment with audio and video posts.

Question: What should a company learn from an experiment like this?

8. authentic — real, natural, and not artificial or fake

Example: Reddit wants the new videos to feel authentic to the platform.

Question: Why is authenticity important on social media?

9. accessible — available for people to use

Example: The new feature will be accessible through Reddit's mobile apps.

Question: What makes an online service accessible?

10. consume content — to watch, read, listen to, or otherwise use media

Example: Young people increasingly consume content through short videos.

Question: How do you usually consume online content?

Worksheet

Part 1 — Comprehension

Answer the questions in complete sentences.

1. What new feature is Reddit testing?

2. Why does Reddit want to test audio and video versions of its posts?

3. How are Reddit stories already being used on platforms such as TikTok?

4. What is text-to-speech technology?

5. Why does Reddit compare the new format to podcasts?

6. Who will be able to participate in the initial test?

7. Will the new audio and video formats replace traditional Reddit posts? Explain.

8. What other video features has Reddit introduced in the past?

9. What percentage of Reddit's video posts are now videos in comments?

10. What larger change in online media is Reddit responding to?

Part 2 — Vocabulary in Context

Complete each sentence using the correct word.

viral | resonate with | narrate | engaging | experiment | authentic | accessible | consume content

1. The company is conducting an __________ to see whether users prefer audio or video.

2. The video became __________ after millions of people watched it.

3. The actor will __________ the story while the images appear on screen.

4. Reddit wants the new feature to feel __________ rather than artificial.

5. Short videos are often more __________ than long written articles for some users.

6. The new feature will be __________ through the Reddit mobile app.

7. People __________ in many different ways, including reading, watching videos, and listening to podcasts.

8. Reddit wants to find out which types of stories __________ its users.

Part 3 — Discussion Questions

1. Would you prefer to read, watch, or listen to a Reddit story? Why?

2. Why do you think short videos have become so popular?

3. Do you think listening to social media content while exercising or driving is useful? Why or why not?

4. Do you think AI-generated voices can feel authentic?

5. What makes a video or social media post engaging?

6. Why might someone prefer listening to a Reddit story instead of reading it?

7. Do you think Reddit should become more like TikTok? Why or why not?

Part 4 — Critical Thinking

1. Is this a good business decision?

Reddit is experimenting with audio and video because people are already consuming Reddit content on other platforms.

Do you think Reddit should copy successful features from TikTok and Instagram, or should it focus on being different? Explain your opinion.

2. Authenticity vs. convenience

AI can quickly turn a written Reddit post into a narrated video. This is convenient, but it could also make content feel less personal.

Which is more important: convenience or authenticity? Can a piece of AI-generated content be both?

3. The future of reading

Imagine that Reddit's experiment is extremely successful. In five years, most Reddit posts might be available as text, audio, and video.

How could this change the way people use Reddit? What could be the advantages and disadvantages?

4. Social media competition

TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit are increasingly offering similar types of content.

Why are social media companies becoming more similar to one another? Do you think this is good for users?