Reddit Tests AI-Generated Videos That Read Text Posts Aloud
Reddit is experimenting with a new feature that uses artificial intelligence to convert text posts into video and audio. This move aims to capitalize on the popularity of videos that read Reddit posts aloud, which have become increasingly common on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
The test, currently restricted to manually selected English-language posts in designated subreddits, will roll out from Monday in web browsers before expanding to iOS and Android devices on Tuesday. While this feature is still in its early stages, it’s clear that Reddit wants to explore the potential of AI-generated content to make the platform more accessible and immersive.
A Reddit spokesperson confirmed the test, stating that the experiment uses AI to create new audio and video formats, including multi-voice text-to-speech, captions, and visual templates. This technology has the potential to bring real human conversations to life in a way that’s both engaging and informative.
It’s worth noting that users won’t be forced to watch their favorite subreddits in video form; the original text posts and comments will still be available in their usual format. A toggle above each post with this feature enabled will allow users to switch between ‘Read’ and ‘Play.’ When switched to ‘Play,’ a TikTok-style portrait-oriented video will appear, featuring an AI-generated voice reading out both the post and select comments.
The text will be displayed on screen, lighting up words like a karaoke video, while a note below the video indicates that it’s a ‘Real conversation voiced by AI.’ This new feature was previously mentioned during Reddit’s Q2 earnings call in July, where CEO Steve Huffman noted the increasing popularity of videos and podcasts featuring people reading Reddit posts aloud.
Huffman observed that such clips are now common on video platforms like TikTok and YouTube, but Reddit itself remains primarily text-based. The company wants to change this by using AI to cut out the middleman and create a more immersive experience for users. As Huffman put it during the earnings call, ‘we’re working on… just a video Reddit experience, so letting users not just watch video on Reddit, but listen to posts, background listen to posts.’
This new focus on video content is reflected in Reddit’s Q2 shareholder letter, which stated that the company is working toward ‘reimagining how users and communities connect, share, and consume content through a modernized video experience.’ The launch of video comments in June was an early step in this direction, allowing users to record and upload short clips in response to posts.
Reddit’s increased focus on AI-powered features also includes the expansion of its moderation tools. Earlier this month, the company began testing these tools with all new subreddits, marking a significant shift toward using artificial intelligence to streamline content management and improve user experience.