Reddit has introduced a new feature that lets users post videos directly in comments. This change offers a fresh way to engage with posts and conversations on the platform.
Both Engadget and Mashable confirmed the update, which means users no longer need to share links to external videos or describe content in text. Instead, Reddit users can now upload and embed a video clip right within a comment thread. It’s similar to replying to a text with a short video, but this takes place within Reddit’s discussion boards, known as “subreddits.”
What’s Actually Changing
Previously, Reddit comments were mainly limited to text, images, and GIFs. Video content was restricted to top-level posts only. If someone wanted to reply with a video, they had to host it elsewhere and share a link. That link would redirect users outside of Reddit.
Now, videos can appear directly in the comment section. Users can record or upload a clip and attach it to their reply just like they would add an image. The video plays inline, allowing everyone to stay within the thread without having to navigate away.
Why Reddit Is Doing This
Reddit has been focusing on video more in recent years, aiming to keep up with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, where short-form video dominates online communication. Adding video in comments aligns perfectly with that strategy. It helps maintain user activity on Reddit rather than sending them off to YouTube or Imgur to view references.
This move also reflects Reddit’s status as a publicly traded company. Reddit went public in March 2024 with the ticker RDDT. For investors, growing engagement metrics—like how much time users spend on the platform and their interaction frequency—are crucial. Expanding content types in more areas generally leads to more time spent on the app.
| Reddit At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| Ticker | RDDT |
| Stock Price | $166.73 (+0.47%) |
| CEO | Steve Huffman |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, CA |
| Sector | Social Media |
What This Means
For many Reddit users, this update enhances the commenting experience. While posting a video in comments was possible in theory, it was cumbersome in reality. You had to upload to YouTube or another platform, copy the link, paste it in, and hope the recipient would click through. Now it feels more like responding in a group chat.
The practical applications are evident. If someone asks how to fix a bike gear, instead of typing out three paragraphs, you can simply post a 20-second clip. In a cooking thread, someone might reply with a video showing off the finished dish. Gaming subreddits could fill up with highlight clips embedded within discussions.
However, there’s a potential downside. Comment sections on larger subreddits can already feel overwhelming. Adding videos could make threads messier, slow down loading times on mobile, or increase the risk of spam and harassment. How Reddit manages video comments at scale will be very important.
Community Reactions
“Finally. Trying to show someone something in a comment has been a broken experience for years. A link to a YouTube video nobody clicks is not a reply.”
“This is going to absolutely destroy comment sections. Half my favorite subreddits already struggle with moderation. Now they have to deal with video spam too? Mods are going to quit in bulk.”
The reactions are mixed. Power users who appreciate Reddit’s conversation-first approach are wary, while casual users in entertainment and hobby communities seem excited about the changes.
How Reddit Video Comments Compare to Competitors
YouTube has tested limited video replies in the past, but it never became a standard feature. Instagram and TikTok support video in comments, and Discord has allowed video attachments in messages for years. Reddit is now joining this trend a bit later than many of its direct competitors.
Sources
What To Watch
- Moderation tools: Reddit hasn’t detailed the tools that subreddit moderators will have to manage video comments. Whether moderators can completely disable the feature in their communities remains an open question that Reddit will need to address soon.
- Mobile rollout: Availability of video comments across iOS, Android, and desktop might not be the same at launch. Keep an eye on update notes in Reddit’s app store listings over the next few weeks.
- Advertiser response: Reddit sells ads that appear in feeds. User-generated video content can affect how advertisers position their placements. If video comments gain traction, expect Reddit to announce new ad products in the coming quarters.
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
