Reddit’s trying out another user engagement option, with ChatChannels being added to selected subreddits, which will allow community members to strike up real-time, topical chats. Doesn’t it sound oddly familiar?

Feeling Chatty

Honestly speaking, Reddit launched virtually the exact same thing back in 2018, with Chat Rooms that also enabled users to engage in real-time, back-and-forth discussions with other members. It might have had limited success for some time after the initial launch, but Reddit Chat Rooms were shut down in 2020 due to lack of use.

So, is there any difference with this new version? Will this variation fare any better? Reddit says that it’s using the learnings from its past chat experiences to improve this new option.

“That means building with mods in mind (tooling, management, etc.) from the ground up. Mods even get a dedicated mod-only channel to talk mod-things among fellow mods.”

Meanwhile, Reddit also says that Chat Channels will be dedicated spaces, rather than one-off posts.

“This is your place for general discussion, a place to share random quips and reactions that you otherwise wouldn’t have in a post.”

Though really, for the most part, it does sound like it’s pretty much the same. And when you also consider that Reddit also tried out audio chats, as another means to encourage greater participation, before retiring the same last month. It seems like Reddit’s really just trying to shoehorn another engagement option in the app, despite past usage stats suggesting that its audience probably doesn’t want it.

The Wrap

Hey, Reddit has to try something out, right? According to research, more than 98% of Reddit users never post or comment, and just come to the app to browse the latest trending posts. That’s a key concern, and as Reddit works to make its platform more inviting for ad partners, it would be ideal if it could also underline the broader value and reliance on the app among more and more users.

This is why it’s trying out chat once again, which might work. At most, it’s at least worth an experiment. Reddit says that it’ll launch the feature with 25 volunteer communities before slowly expanding to more subreddits over time.

Sources

https://bit.ly/3LMvuYM