• News
    • Tech News
    • AI
  • Gadgets
    • Apple
    • iPhone
  • Gaming
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
  • Science
    • News
    • Space
  • Streaming
    • Netflix
  • Vehicles
    • Car News
  • Social Media
    • WhatsApp
    • YouTube
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
TikTok
Snapchat
WhatsApp
Submit Your Content
Reddit CEO confirms plans to introduce paywalls later this year

Home> News> Tech News

Published 16:13 18 Feb 2025 GMT

Reddit CEO confirms plans to introduce paywalls later this year

There's already a vocal backlash as some say 'RIP Reddit'

Tom Chapman

Tom Chapman

Chances are that if you get something for free, it's too good to be true.

Now, Reddit is set to make sweeping changes that could lock some major features behind a paywall. Like when Elon Musk realized he could make a pretty penny out of rebranding Twitter as X and charging people to be verified, Reddit is poised to charge us for the privilege.

Founded back in 2005 as a social news aggregation, content rating, and forum social network, Reddit has largely been free for all.

While it's true that Reddit Premium (formerly Reddit Gold) allows you to pay to remove ads, gift coins to others, and access exclusive subreddits, it's not a big deal if you decide not to commit to its $5.99-a-month price tag.

Advert

Now, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has confirmed that paywalled features are on the way in 2025.

Steve Huffman has confirmed some major changes to Reddit (FREDERIC J. BROWN / Contributor / Getty)
Steve Huffman has confirmed some major changes to Reddit (FREDERIC J. BROWN / Contributor / Getty)

Speaking in a video Q&A session, Huffman said: "It’s a work in progress right now, so that one’s coming ... We're working on it as we speak." Either way, these "new, key features" are coming before the end of 2025.

Huffman has previously discussed the idea of paywalls but confirmed it won't apply to subreddits that are already popular. Instead, they'll only apply to new subreddits.

Advert

The paywalled subreddits are thought to turn them into premium spaces where Redditors can monetize their content.

He's also outlined new AI features that will hopefully summarize search results, while he's discussed the idea of a Reddit marketplace to try and diversify the platform's revenue streams.

Expanding on a potential Reddit marketplace, there are hopes of allowing financial transactions without having to head to third-party apps like PayPal or Venmo.

Still, he warned that marketplaces "might be a little ways off."

Advert

Huffman added: "I think the existing altruistic, free version of Reddit will continue to exist and grow and thrive just the way it has. But now we will unlock the door for new use cases, new types of subreddits that can be built that may have exclusive content or private areas—things of that nature."

In the aftermath of Reddit becoming a public company in March 2023, its finances are now under a microscope.




Advert

In terms of other revenue avenues, Reddit is using a practice known as 'social listening' to share data with market research firms and the like. Notably, there was the $60 million licensing deal that was announced in conjunction with Google in 2024.

It's clear that the decision is going to be a divisive one, and like when numerous subreddits went dark after Reddit started charging for API access, there's sure to be a local backlash.

Responding to the news, one critic wrote: "Reddit to start charging for certain subreddits. RIP."

Another added, "No one is going to pay for Reddit. This will just cause a mass exodus and cause users to flee to other things.," while a third concluded, "Reddit saw how much engagement it gets from chaos and said 'you should have to pay for this' - whack move."

Featured Image Credit: SOPA Images / Contributor / Getty
Reddit
Social Media
Elon Musk
Twitter

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

8 hours ago
9 hours ago
  • Spencer Platt / Staff /Getty
    8 hours ago

    Judge drops two charges against Luigi Mangione

    The alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson still faces a hefty sentencing

    News
  • Amber Jones Robinson / Facebook
    9 hours ago

    Tyler Robinson's grandmother makes shocking admission as her grandson awaits trial for killing Charlie Kirk

    She has finally spoken out

    News
  • peepo via Getty
    9 hours ago

    Woman sends thousands of dollars to 'stranded astronaut' who was 'suffocating in space'

    Romance scams have reached a whole new level

    News
  • Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
    9 hours ago

    Politicians 'condemn' Elon Musk over 'dangerous' remarks made in UK protest

    The far right rally, led by right wing activist Tommy Robinson, took place on the streets of London on Saturday

    News
  • Elon Musk fires back at former employee who exposed Tesla billionaire's three 'groundrules' in every meeting
  • ChatGPT boss says 'dead internet theory' might actually be happening
  • CEO of X announces departure in shocking statement
  • Savage email Elon Musk sent to Twitter CEO before he bought it for $44,000,000,000