Reddit is making some mobile web readers log in or use the app instead

You may encounter a problem if you try to browse Reddit posts without logging in on your phone. Some Reddit users have reported seeing a new pop-up when visiting the website on mobile that prompts you to download the app to continue reading.

The social media platform said it is testing on a “small subset” of users who frequent the site on mobile browsers while logged out.

Many Reddit users have A claim has been shared They encountered a message that said: “Get the app to continue using Reddit.” I was unable to replicate this message after deleting the Reddit app from my phone and wandering to the web version. Those who encounter the prompt while using a web browser on their mobile devices may be able to sign in to continue without installing the app.

A Reddit spokesperson told CNET that the company is testing to see if users find the app more satisfying than a mobile browser.

“These users are already familiar with Reddit, and we have seen that the experience is much better for them in the app,” according to a statement from Reddit. “The app provides a more personalized experience, and users can more easily find communities that match their interests.”

Redditors who noticed the change expressed frustration at having to be directed to an app just to browse something that was otherwise visible as a website in a web browser. “This is a website” One user said. “I don’t want to use an app to view your website.” Others suggested possible solutions, such as offering the site as a desktop site.

Encountering a prompt to log in or download an app is not uncommon when using social media platforms. LinkedIn limits my anonymous spying, so I turned to screen recording to share TikToks with some friends who avoided the app.

During last week’s quarterly earnings call, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said that users who are logged in spend more time on the platform than users who are logged out, due to personalization.

“Seeing more users in the app, more users logging in, and more users getting personalization faster leads to increased engagement, and therefore monetization,” Hoffman said. Transcript of the call. “Again, all roads lead to essentially the same strategy: helping users find content relevant to them and coming back to the app more often.”