Massive changes already took effect on Reddit with the loss of the third-party apps that pulled out after the company priced its API, and now, it is testing a feature that would label accounts. This new Reddit "Official" labels are now under testing by the company, and it is meant to identify the legitimate account of its owner for better guidance on followers.
Reddit Tests 'Official' Labels on the App, Like Twitter's Verification
(Photo : Reddit )
Reddit announced via a post on r/Reddit that it is now testing a feature called "Official" labels for accounts, and basically, it is a way to verify a user to who they claim they are on the platform. While Redditors have the most bizarre usernames on the platform and would sometimes be anonymous, there are still copycats or those who make similar accounts.
The platform is best known for being an online forum for like-minded individuals in subreddits, so it is only understandable to get advice or information from trusted or "Official" sources.
As per the company's announcement, the test only consists of a small number of Redditors now.
Read Also: Reddit's Original Icon Now Locked Behind Paywall; iOS App Icon Sparks Debate Online
Changelog: "Official" labels, notification checks, and a peer-to-peer helper program
by u/BrineOfTheTimes in reddit
Will Reddit Also Put This Under a Subscription?
"This label is designed to help mods and users quickly identify these organizations, and allows them to trust that these users are who they say they are (versus impersonators). The label is a visual indicator of an authenticated profile, and it does not unlock any special privileges or protections," said Reddit.
With very limited information in the present, it remains unknown if it would be a thing on the platform, and the more important question is when once it is available, would it be under a subscription. For now, there are no hints regarding asking Redditors for money for this feature.
Social Media Verification
Different social media platforms had verification in the past, and the only thing needed to get this coveted checkmark is to apply for it and wait. However, Elon Musk changed this when he promised no more waits for the verification, justifying its addition to Twitter Blue that asked users for $8 to $11 per month, depending on their platform.
It is also a different fee for brands or organizations to get verified, as Twitter, a.k.a. X, is charging $1,000 per month for these types of accounts in the platform.
To top it all off, Meta also joined this subscription-based verification earlier this year, unlike before where it charged nothing from its users, to get the checkmark for Facebook and Instagram.
Social media verification is a massive deal because it lets the general public, brands, and companies know that this person is who they claim they are, especially with the power to be whomever online. Reddit is also following in their footsteps in adding the "Official" labels, but it remains unknown if it would be under a paywall to get as it is still under testing.
Related Article: Reddit Tries to Repair Relationships with Moderators After Changes by Scaling Outreach Efforts and Offering 'Feedback Sessions'
