Reddit is introducing a new feature called chat channels for subreddits, which the company believes will offer a more engaging and interactive experience for users. This feature will serve as a permanent space in the subreddit, with mods having full control over its operation. The new feature is currently being tested by 25 subreddits, involving less than 100,000 users.
According to the company, the previous chat launches were not done in the best way, and the new approach focuses on small communities and mod tools to provide a better experience. Chat channels will allow mods to block responses, pin messages, and chat in private channels. They will also have control over who is allowed in the channel, ranging from open participation to only trusted members.
Reddit is planning to build chat channels with additional updates, including features like automod rules, slow mode, and custom channel roles, based on testing results.
The chat channels announcement was accompanied by two other updates from Reddit. The company has rolled out a new subreddit header that shrinks the space between the header and posts, making the search bar into one button and displaying tabs like “menu” and “about” by clicking anywhere across the header. These updates have led to increased community subscriptions and actions in tests. Reddit also announced that May 9th will be the official shutdown date for its Predictions polling game. Users will no longer be able to create or join an active tournament, and old tournaments will become inaccessible.
As of now, chat channels are still in the pilot program stage, with only 25 subreddits testing them out, totaling less than 100,000 users. However, mods interested in trying out the new feature can add their subreddit to the participation waiting list. Reddit claims that it is building a better community experience, and this new feature is just one of the many steps it is taking towards this goal.
