Reddit will switch to a 'logged-in only experience'

Reddit is set to transition to a platform that requires users to be logged in, according to CEO Steve Huffman. This move is part of a rapid rollout, with testing beginning shortly in international markets before a global implementation. The shift comes as Reddit lost an estimated one million search engine referrals per week in October, largely due to artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. Google's AI summaries, for instance, now often provide answers to queries that previously required users to click on Reddit threads.

Huffman emphasized that while Reddit's revenue is now over 80% from users who log in and use the app, the company aims to turn Reddit into a daily habit. This strategy involves developing algorithmic feeds, enhancing the app's design and performance, implementing AI-powered moderation tools, and introducing new features such as interactive games and AI-generated visual podcasts. The latter refers to a feature that could turn text posts into video content using generative AI.

The decision also aims to protect Reddit's extensive collection of user-generated content, which is a key asset. Reddit currently collaborates with OpenAI and Google for AI training purposes, though Huffman did not disclose details about these ongoing arrangements. During the Q&A session, Huffman stated that Reddit is actively discussing its future in relation to these AI partnerships, with decisions being made based on what is strategically and economically best for the platform.

Despite reporting a 53% year-over-year revenue growth in the third quarter of 2026 and a 16% increase in weekly active users, Reddit's stock price fell due to an expectation that the next quarter's results would be lower than anticipated.