Reddit is testing a new feature that converts text posts into audio and video content to create a modernized Reddit video experience.
The experiment uses artificial intelligence voices to read text posts and comments aloud. This test is currently limited to select English-language posts on the platform’s iOS and Android applications.
According to a report by The Verge, the system adapts text threads into short videos with highlighted text. For example, an eight-year-old post in the r/boardgames community with 101 responses was converted into a three-minute video. Users can toggle between reading the text or playing the video using a slider at the top of the post.
The Reddit Video Experience
The new format aims to offer a different way to consume discussions while performing other tasks. Consequently, users can listen to discussions while exercising or running errands. The company stated that this Reddit video experience will not replace the original text-only posts. Both the original text and the comments will remain fully accessible for standard interaction.
The company announced its plans for narrated videos during its second-quarter earnings call in July. Chief Executive Officer Steve Huffman stated that people were already consuming this type of content on other platforms. He noted that popular stories from the platform are frequently shared on TikTok and Meta’s Reels using text-to-speech features.
Background and User Choice
The platform has previously experimented with various video formats, including native video hosting and feed styles. Recently, the company added support for video in comments, which now represents more than 10% of video posts. This current test helps the company understand how these formats can be useful. Specifically, the platform wants to see if the format feels authentic to its community.
Technical Implementation
The automated system highlights the text on the screen as the artificial voice reads it. However, the automated translation of text to speech could introduce minor issues such as mispronunciations. Underneath the generated video, a label indicates that the content is a real conversation voiced by artificial intelligence. This label ensures transparency for users who interact with the new format.
Future Platform Outlook
The company continues to explore new ways to connect users through digital media. This experiment represents a step toward a more interactive Reddit video experience. Meanwhile, the test remains limited to select communities to gather initial feedback. The platform will evaluate user resonance before deciding whether to scale the feature globally.
