Reddit Protests Continue as Thousands of Subreddits Remain Dark Over API Fees
A massive user-led blackout keeps thousands of Reddit communities offline in opposition to expensive new API pricing that forces third-party apps to shut down. While some subreddits slowly reopen, many others vow to stay dark or restrict posts indefinitely.
Thousands of Reddit communities remain offline as a massive user-led protest continues against the platform's new API pricing structure. The blackout initially starts as a two-day event but extends indefinitely for many subreddits due to widespread anger over the changes. At the center of this controversy is a new fee that charges developers 24 cents for every 1,000 API calls, a cost that effectively forces popular third-party apps to shut down.
The financial impact of this new pricing model devastates third-party developers, with Apollo for Reddit creator Christian Selig estimating his fees would reach $20 million. As a result, most third-party applications cease functioning when the new policy takes effect. Comments from Reddit's CEO during a Friday AMA session only add fuel to the fire, prompting numerous subreddits to commit to staying dark until the company completely reverses its decision.
While Reddit implements strict measures to force communities back online, user resentment lingers heavily across the platform. Major subreddits like r/pics, r/gifs, and r/aww express their continued dissent by exclusively allowing posts about comedian John Oliver, while other communities shift to restricted mode to prevent any new posts. It remains unclear whether users will eventually adopt Reddit's official apps or choose to abandon the site entirely.