Reddit Tests AI-Generated Audio and Video for Posts

Reddit is testing a new feature that uses artificial intelligence to transform text posts and comments into narrated audio and short-form videos, beginning a limited experiment with select English-language communities. The test, which started on Monday, August 17, on the web, expanded to Reddit's iOS and Android applications on Tuesday, August 18.

The feature allows users to choose between reading a post in its traditional text format or playing an AI-generated audio and video version. When the option is available, a toggle lets users switch between "Read" and "Play." Selecting "Play" produces a TikTok-style portrait video where an AI-generated voice narrates the post and top comments, displaying the text on screen with a karaoke-style effect. A note below the video identifies it as a "Real conversation voiced by AI." The original text post and all comments remain fully accessible and interactive.

The initiative reflects an existing trend where popular Reddit stories are already being narrated and shared on other social platforms. "There is an emerging content type elsewhere on the internet of, basically, podcasts where people read Reddit content," Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said...