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Reddit signals upcoming changes to old.reddit.com

Created at 5 Aug · 8:11 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Reddit is planning significant changes to its old.reddit.com platform, with a spokesperson stating that the company will work with affected communities and developers. This follows previous comments about the long-term availability of the site and recent controversial API changes.

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Key Numbers

2023year Reddit began charging for API access

Who's Involved

Reddit
social media platform implementing changes
Steve Huffman
Reddit CEO who previously promised support for old.reddit.com
Advance Publications
largest shareholder in Reddit
Reddit signals upcoming changes to old.reddit.com

↳ Why This Matters

These changes signal a potential shift away from legacy platforms and a move towards greater control over data access, impacting third-party applications and potentially the user experience for those who prefer the older interface.

Key facts

  • Reddit is planning unspecified "changes" for its old.reddit.com platform.
  • The company stated it will work with moderators and developers dependent on its systems.
  • Reddit previously indicated that old.reddit.com might not be supported indefinitely.
  • Reddit began charging for API access in 2023, citing the need to stop generative AI companies from training large language models.
  • Reddit is now restricting new API access requests and requiring third-party apps to migrate to its Developer Platform.

Reddit is signaling upcoming changes to its legacy platform, old.reddit.com, a move that could impact long-time users and developers. While a specific timeline has not been provided, the company stated it will collaborate with moderators and communities that rely on its systems.

This announcement follows earlier remarks from Reddit employees suggesting that the old interface might not be supported indefinitely. These comments align with CEO Steve Huffman's past assurances to maintain support for the site as long as it has a user base.

The platform has recently implemented controversial changes to its API access, beginning in 2023. The initial stated purpose was to prevent generative AI companies from using Reddit's data for free to train large language models. Reddit is now further restricting new API access requests and mandating that third-party applications transition to its Developer Platform.

Reddit's blog indicated a vision for a future where all "good, trusted automation" operates within an ecosystem that allows for consistent policy enforcement and support. Developers seeking to create or maintain third-party Reddit mobile applications will need to formally request API access. However, Reddit has not yet specified a date by which all applications must be on the new Developer Platform.

Advance Publications, the parent company of Condé Nast, is identified as Reddit's largest shareholder.

Frequently asked questions

Old.reddit.com is the legacy interface for the social media platform Reddit, which many users prefer for its simpler design and functionality compared to the newer interface.

Reddit began charging for API access in 2023, primarily to prevent generative AI companies from using its data to train large language models without compensation. The company is now moving towards a centralized Developer Platform for all third-party applications.

Users and developers who rely on old.reddit.com, as well as third-party Reddit applications that utilize the API, are directly affected by these upcoming changes.

What Happens Next

01Reddit will provide updates to moderators and developers.
02Reddit will continue to restrict new API access requests.
03Third-party apps will be required to move to Reddit's Developer Platform.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Reddit plans to implement changes to old.reddit.com.
Reddit will work with moderators and developers dependent on its systems.
Reddit previously stated old.reddit.com might not be around forever.
Reddit began charging for API access in 2023 to prevent free LLM training.
Reddit is restricting new API access requests and requiring third-party apps to use its Developer Platform.
Reddit aims for all trusted automation to run within its ecosystem.
Developers must request API access for third-party apps.
Reddit has not set a date for when all apps must move to the Developer Platform.

Sources

T1
Reddit signals ominous upcoming “changes” for old.reddit.comvar abtest_2166313 = new ABTest(2166313, 'impression');Ars Technica

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