The implementation of a paywall system stands as the latest innovative feature that Reddit CEO Huffman has been focusing on, which will necessitate payment for users to access certain content. Over the years, Reddit has offered a subscription service known as Reddit Gold, providing subscribers with an ad-free browsing experience among other perks. Furthermore, Reddit introduced the Contributor Program in the past, enabling users to earn money through popular posts.
During an earnings call in August, Huffman publicly discussed the forthcoming paywall feature for the first time. He mentioned Reddit’s plans to create a new kind of subreddit that would offer “exclusive content or private areas” accessible only to paying subscribers. This initiative was reported by Ars Technica, a technology news outlet.
Huffman reassured investors that the traditional free version of Reddit, driven by altruistic principles, will continue to thrive. However, the introduction of the paywall will open up opportunities for new use cases and the development of novel subreddit concepts.
Eric Lagatta is a news writer covering breaking and trending stories for USA TODAY. For inquiries, contact him at elagatta@gannett.com.
This piece was originally published on USA TODAY: Reddit paywall? CEO hints at introduction of paid content by 2025
