Reddit, the popular social media platform known for its user-generated content, plans to introduce paywalls for some subreddits in 2025. CEO Steve Huffman revealed this new feature during a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, describing it as a “work in progress.”
According to Huffman, the company is currently developing a system that will allow certain subreddits to create content accessible only to paid members. “It’s a work in progress right now so that one’s coming,” he said. “We’re working on it as we speak.”
While the specifics of the paywall feature, such as pricing and criteria for eligible subreddits, have not been disclosed, Huffman confirmed that it is being planned as a “key feature” for rollout in 2025. Introducing paid subreddits is expected to create premium spaces where creators can monetize their content. Huffman assured users that the existing free version of Reddit will continue to thrive, stating, “I think the existing altruistic, free version of Reddit will continue to exist and grow and thrive just as it has.
Introducing paywalls for select subreddits
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.”
This move comes as Reddit explores new ways to diversify its revenue streams following its public listing in March 2023. The company has previously experimented with monetization through services like Reddit Premium, which offers an ad-free experience and access to a single premium subreddit.
In addition to the paywall feature, Huffman discussed other potential avenues for monetization during the AMA, such as enabling users to conduct financial transactions within Reddit without relying on third-party services. However, he acknowledged that creating marketplaces on the platform might still be some way off. Reddit’s decision to introduce paywalls for some of its content marks a significant shift for the platform, which has been free to access since its inception nearly 20 years ago.
As the company navigates the challenges and opportunities of being a public entity, it remains to be seen how users will respond to this new feature and how it will impact the platform’s future growth and engagement.
