Reddit Tests In-App Article Reading with Comments
Reddit Introduces In-App Article Reading Feature
Reddit has begun testing a new in-app article reading feature, enabling users to access linked content without leaving the platform. The experimental functionality displays articles within Reddit's interface while showing community comments below - creating a unified experience for consumption and discussion.
Addressing Publisher Needs Amid Platform Shifts
The rollout comes as news publishers face declining traffic from traditional social platforms. With AI-driven content aggregation changing distribution models, Reddit aims to position itself as an alternative channel for publisher-reader engagement.
Courtney Geesey-Dorr, Reddit spokesperson, explained: "We've designed this with publisher paywalls in mind. Some users may encounter subscription prompts, while partners can choose to share unlocked content or offer Reddit-specific access."
Advanced Analytics for Publishers
The platform provides participating publishers with:
- Subreddit tracking showing where stories gain traction
- Performance metrics including upvotes and click-through rates
- Comparison tools similar to Meta's discontinued CrowdTangle service
Streamlined Content Distribution
Reddit Pro subscribers gain additional capabilities:
- RSS feed integration for automatic article sharing across communities
- Tools to optimize posting schedules based on community activity patterns
- Detailed audience demographic breakdowns
The feature builds on Reddit Pro's existing infrastructure launched last year specifically for professional content creators and news organizations.
Potential Impact on Digital News Ecosystem
The move could:
- Reduce bounce rates by keeping users engaged within Reddit's ecosystem
- Provide publishers with valuable first-party data about their audiences
- Create new monetization opportunities through sponsored discussions
- Offer an alternative to algorithm-driven news distribution models
The test currently involves select publishers across technology, politics, and entertainment verticals.
Key Points:
- 📱 In-app reading: Articles display natively with integrated comment sections
- 📈 Publisher tools: Advanced analytics track content performance across subreddits
- 🔄 Automated sharing: RSS integration simplifies multi-community distribution