Reddit is giving users a new way to respond in threads with video comments. The feature is rolling out to all users starting today, allowing people to record or upload a video directly inside the comment box in supported communities.

At first, the obvious reaction may be wondering why Reddit needs video replies when GIFs already exist. The meme potential is definitely there, but video comments could be far more useful in communities where people are asking for real help, feedback, or demonstrations.

Video replies could make advice easier to follow

Think of DIY subreddits where users explain how to fix a loose hinge, repair a cable, or assemble something awkward. A short video response could show the exact movement or step far better than a long written comment. The same applies to cooking communities, where someone can demonstrate a texture, chopping method, or recipe hack instead of trying to describe it in words.

Makeup, skincare, fitness, sports, gaming, and tech support threads could also benefit from replies that show the solution more clearly. Someone could share a new makeup technique, demonstrate soccer footwork, explain a workout form correction, or walk another user through a device setting without turning the comment into a long instruction manual.

How Reddit video comments will work

In eligible communities, users will now see a video icon next to the existing image and GIF options in the comment box. From there, they can record a new video or upload one as a reply. Reddit says video comments will also be available on user profiles.

The company says videos will not autoplay and will follow a user’s audio settings, which should help avoid unexpected playback in busy comment sections. Video comments will also go through Reddit’s safety systems before appearing publicly.

For now, the feature is limited to public, safe-for-work communities where it has been enabled. That should give moderators and Reddit some control over how the format is used.

Reddit has launched video comments for all users. The feature lets any Redditor upload or record a short-form video reply directly in the comments of any post. It rolls out across all public, safe-for-work communities starting Thursday.

A video icon now appears alongside the existing image and GIF options in the comment box. Users can either upload an existing video or record one in place. Videos do not autoplay. Reddit’s safety systems check video comments before they are posted.

“We are continually evolving Reddit to deliver a more immersive and authentic human experience,” said Chief Product Officer Maria Angelidou-Smith. “The ability to reply with video gives users more creative ways to engage in communities they love.”

The feature has been in limited testing. Reddit pointed to a video AMA with Mel C from the Spice Girls, conducted two months ago, as an example of the intended use case. Celebrity and expert AMAs are a natural fit: a host can record personalised video responses to individual questions in the thread.

Reddit’s user base has traditionally favoured anonymity and text-based discussion. There is no requirement that a posted video show the user’s face. In practice, video comments are likely to become another meme format, with users replying to posts with reaction clips rather than showing themselves on camera.

Subreddit moderators can disable the feature for their communities. Only public, SFW subreddits are eligible. Private and NSFW communities are excluded.

The launch reflects Reddit’s broader push to become a more visual platform as it competes for engagement with TikTok and YouTube. Reddit’s share price has risen sharply since its 2024 IPO, driven in part by its role as a training data source for AI models. Adding video to comments increases time on platform and creates more content, both of which support ad revenue and the data licensing deals that have become a growing part of its business.