Native video hosting launches

On August 17, 2017, Reddit launched its own native video platform, allowing users to upload videos directly to the site instead of relying on third-party hosts such as YouTube, Gfycat, or Imgur. The feature rolled out across the majority of Reddit's safe-for-work communities and worked on desktop, iOS, and Android. On mobile, users could select pre-recorded clips or record directly in the app, trim videos and GIFs, and post them inline so they played without leaving Reddit.

Native video was a strategic priority that the company had explicitly cited when raising $200 million earlier in 2017, reflecting a broader industry race toward in-platform video and the advertising revenue it could unlock. By owning the hosting pipeline, Reddit gained more control over the viewing experience, data, and monetization, and reduced its dependence on outside services that could change terms or disappear. The investment in video would continue for years, culminating in moves like the 2020 acquisition of the short-form app Dubsmash to bolster Reddit's video-creation tools.