Reddit Tests AI-Generated Videos That Turn Text Posts Into Audio

Reddit has launched an experiment that transforms text-based posts into video content featuring AI-generated voices reading discussions aloud. The feature, which began rolling out on iOS and Android this week, represents the platform's effort to make forum content more accessible through audio and video formats.

The AI-generated videos display synchronized text highlighting as synthetic voices read through original posts and selected comments. Users can toggle between traditional text view and the new video format using a "Read" or "Play" slider at the top of posts. A label identifies the content as a "Real conversation voiced by AI."

Reddit is manually curating which posts receive the video treatment, starting with select existing threads before expanding the experiment over time. An eight-year-old post in the r/boardgames community asking for road trip game recommendations now features a three-minute AI-narrated video reading responses, rather than requiring users to scroll through 101 text comments.

Why it matters

This experiment reflects Reddit's recognition that its traditional text-heavy format may not align with how many users now consume content. The platform is responding to an existing ecosystem where creators already generate millions of views by producing videos of AI voices reading Reddit threads. By building this capability natively, Reddit can retain users who might otherwise consume its content on YouTube or TikTok, while potentially introducing accessibility benefits for users who prefer audio formats.

Strategic shift toward multimedia

CEO Steve Huffman previewed the feature during a recent earnings call, describing it as a way to let users listen to posts in the background. In a shareholder letter, Reddit stated it was "reimagining how users and communities connect, share, and consume content through a modernized video experience."

The company acknowledged that AI-narrated Reddit content has become an "emerging content type" with dedicated channels attracting substantial audiences. Huffman noted that audio versions of Reddit discussions "can be really engaging as well."

Implementation details and concerns

The experiment is currently live on Reddit's web platform with mobile rollout underway. Spokesperson Rosa Kim described it as "an early, limited experiment to understand whether people find these formats useful and how we can deliver them in a way that feels authentic to Reddit."

The AI voice approach could introduce challenges including mispronunciations or incorrect comment selection that might misrepresent community discussions. The feature may simplify Reddit consumption for users unfamiliar with forum interfaces, though it remains to be seen whether the platform's core user base embraces the format.

Reddit previously introduced video replies earlier this year as part of its broader push into multimedia content formats.

These details were first reported by The Verge.