Photo credit: TechCrunch
Today, Reddit announced updates to its platform, including testing a TikTok-like feature that separates text and video content into individual feeds. The two split-view feeds, dubbed Read and Watch, allow users to switch from browsing text-based posts to videos based on their mood.
The new feeds are currently being tested but will be fully rolled out in the coming weeks, a Reddit spokesperson told TechCrunch. As part of the test, both the Read and Watch feeds will feature posts users have subscribed to as well as recommendations, at least for now, the spokesperson added.
The update is an attempt to simplify the discovery experience for Reddit users and let them choose the feed they actually want to see (or read).
“By focusing on Reddit’s core principles, new and existing users coming to Reddit will be greeted with better experiences and options to discover new and interesting content and communities in uncluttered spaces,” said Pali Bhat, Reddit’s chief product officer , in an official statement.
Photo credit: Reddit
Reddit wrote in its official blog post today that it also plans to release updates to its video player so users can “easily join conversations while they’re watching.” The company launched its native video platform in 2017.
Other updates coming soon to Reddit include a reorganized user interface to reduce clutter, as well as chat upgrades, storefront improvements, and more. The most recent feature launched was a new search feature that allows users to find comments within a post across desktop, iOS, and Android devices.
In recent years, Reddit has incorporated videos into its platform in many ways to try and compete with TikTok. In 2020, the company acquired a TikTok-like short-form video platform, Dubsmash, to integrate its video-making tools with Reddit. In August 2021, Reddit introduced a TikTok-style video feed on its iOS app.
The company confirmed last year that it was exploring the idea of bringing more user-generated video content to its online discussion forums, as well as a feature that would allow users to react to other videos.
Many companies have videofied their apps, including Amazon, SoundCloud, and Spotify, discovered while testing vertical video feeds. Instagram and YouTube have also introduced TikTok-style features, “Reels” and “Shorts,” respectively. Snapchat introduced its “Spotlight” feature in 2020.
Updated 3/7/23 at 1:35 PM ET with responses from a Reddit speaker.
