Reddit Blocks Mobile Website Access to Push App Downloads
Original: Why Reddit blocked my daily visit to its mobile website
Why This Matters
Shows major platforms increasingly forcing users away from open web to control user experience
Reddit is testing blocking logged-out mobile users from accessing its website, forcing them to download the app instead. The company says this affects frequent users who would have a better experience in the app.
Reddit has begun testing a system that blocks frequent logged-out mobile users from accessing its mobile website, displaying an overlay that says 'Get the app to keep using Reddit' with no option to bypass or close it. According to a Reddit spokesperson, the test targets users who are already familiar with Reddit and aims to provide them with a better app experience featuring improved search and personalized feeds. Users can still access the mobile site by clearing browser cookies or logging in, though the overlay doesn't mention these alternatives. The move follows similar strategies by platforms like X and Instagram to drive app adoption. User reactions have been largely negative, with complaints posted across multiple subreddits including r/bugs and r/enshittification.