Reddit has confirmed that it is testing a feature that prompts mobile users who repeatedly log out to download the Reddit app to continue using the platform. Affected users see a pop-up message stating “Get the app to continue using Reddit” When they visit reddit.com on a mobile browser. This pop-up cannot be dismissed.
“We recently began running a test for a small subset of frequently logged-out mobile users that prompts them to download an app after visiting the site,” a Reddit spokesperson told Ars Technica.
The testing is being started in phases. Some mobile users can still access reddit.com normally, while others are seeing a blocking prompt.
What does Reddit say the log-out mobile app prompt is for?
Reddit explains that the switch from a mobile website to an app will enhance the user experience through better search, personalized feeds, and better visibility of updates from subscribed communities. The company has not disclosed what user behavior triggers the signal, how the group of “persistently logged-out mobile users” is defined, or how long the test will last.
Testing is limited to logged-out users on mobile devices. Logged-in users and desktop users will not be affected at this time.
How users are reacting to Reddit’s new mobile app test
This change has received significant criticism on Reddit, particularly in communities like r/enshittification and Some users have said that they would stop using Reddit altogether if the app became the only option for mobile access.
Others have raised unrelated issues, such as the platform’s auto-refresh feature, which can cause posts to disappear before users have a chance to view them, as well as reports of duplicate posts appearing in the feed after being upvoted.
Why does Reddit have business reasons to push mobile users to its app?
Reddit has 121 million daily active users But since going public, questions are being raised as to how it earns money. The platform relies heavily on advertising revenue, and its app environment collects more direct user tracking and engagement data than the mobile web.
The test follows a broader industry trend where platforms like X and Instagram have gradually limited functionality on their mobile websites to encourage users to switch to native apps.
Reddit has not confirmed whether this prompt will be shown to logged-in users or if it will become permanent based on testing results.
