Reddit Blackout
Definition
A coordinated protest action in which subreddit moderators temporarily set their communities to private or restricted to draw attention to a platform issue. The most notable blackout occurred in June 2023, when thousands of subreddits went private to protest Reddit's API pricing changes.
Context
The June 2023 blackout involved over 8,000 subreddits going private or restricted, including major communities representing tens of millions of combined subscribers. It remains one of the largest platform protests in social media history. The immediate trigger was Reddit's announcement of API pricing changes that would shut down popular third-party apps. Reddit ultimately maintained its pricing changes, and most subreddits eventually reopened.
Relevance to Reddit
The 2023 Reddit Blackout is important context for understanding Reddit's current relationship with its moderator community and the political dynamics that shape community governance. Moderators retain significant power over their communities and will organize collectively when they perceive Reddit's actions as threatening community health or autonomy.
