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In these dark times – you might be seeking out the best Reddit alternatives to get your daily internet fix.
Reddit is an online forum composed of thousands of different ‘Subreddits’. Each different ‘sub’ is focused on a different topic, and is usually hyper-fixated on that topic to the nth degree. The site has a slight cult reputation due to the detail and obsession that each subreddit has for its ‘thing’. However, recent events with their API changes may suggest people are looking for alternatives that won’t act so vindictively to third-party applications.
Tech
Here is our selection of the few alternatives we’d be willing to recommend:
Best Reddit alternatives
Here are some of the best alternative sites like Reddit. We can’t promise that each one will have the same dense user base as Reddit, though many have the same features. Alongside that, there could be some that are even more useful, so you’re just going to have to find out.
Lemmy
Lemmy recently saw a huge uptick in interest following on from the Reddit API changes. The platform functions very similarly to Reddit, with communities tailored to specific niches and discussions. It’s a ‘self-hosted social link aggregation and discussion platform’, though it offers an added layer of security as it’s not run by a single company.
Discord
If you play games then chances are you’ve heard of Discord. While you’re probably familiar using Discord for voice chat and in-game comms, it’s also a great place for game-related discussion. Unlike some of our other recommendations, Discord has the advantage of having a very large user base. Also like Reddit, Discord is organised into channels for specific topics. You’ll be able to discuss your favourite games and any wild fan theories you can think of.
Hacker News
Hacker News has a remarkably old school interface but shares a few key similarities with Reddit. Users can post links that can be voted on and commented on. Its main differences include its specific focus on tech and news that is deemed “deeply interesting”, according to the welcome page of Hacker News. You won’t find funny or silly posts, but rather thoughtful discussions about cybersecurity. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but it could be well suited to some.
Hive
Hive is another community-oriented forum that shares a similar user interface to Reddit. While the user base is significantly smaller, Reddit fans will find its upvotes and downvotes system similar, plus its version of subreddits called “communities”. The site differs from Reddit in that it’s built on blockchain, meaning you can earn a bit of cryptocurrency by being active on the site. However, if this isn’t your thing, then you can simply use the site for the community aspect.
Slashdot
In the words of Slashdot, the purpose of the site is to provide “News for nerds”. It offers a community site for the latest technology news from thousands of sources. There’s a discussion and commenting element too to share your views. It relies on member moderation and the topics range from entertainment, to the latest tech to Open Source. It’s easy to browse new posts and the UI includes highlights of the most discussed posts on the platform.
Final word
The existence of Reddit as we know it could be on the line, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what could be the next best thing. With a planned boycott of Reddit set for June 12th to protest Reddit’s decision to increase the cost of API prices, it will be interesting to see if any of these community platforms dramatically grow in popularity.
