Reddit Blocks Mobile Website, Forces Users to Download App
Original: Reddit Starts Blocking Mobile Website, Pushing Users to App Instead
Why This Matters
Shows platform prioritizing monetization over user choice as Reddit pushes app adoption for better ad tracking
Reddit began blocking mobile website visitors with undismissable popup requiring app download. Company describes it as test for frequent logged-out mobile users, claiming better app experience while users complain on subreddits about being blocked from anonymous browsing.
Reddit started showing undismissable popups to mobile website visitors stating "get the app to keep using Reddit." A Reddit spokesperson told Ars Technica this is "a test for a small subset of frequent logged-out mobile users" and "the experience is much better for them in the app." Users voiced displeasure on r/bugs and r/help subreddits, with one asking "Are my days of anonymously browsing over?" The move follows Reddit's struggle to monetize since going public two years ago, relying primarily on advertising revenue. The company wants users in its mobile app where it can consistently track activity. Previous controversial moves included ending ad personalization opt-outs in 2023 and charging developers for API access, leading to popular Reddit client shutdowns including Apollo.