Old Reddit: A Nostalgic Look at the Classic Reddit Interface
By
Zayan Malik
2 weeks ago
The internet is constantly evolving, and so are the websites that define it. Reddit, often dubbed “the front page of the internet,” is no exception. While Reddit has undergone numerous updates over the years, many users continue to prefer Old Reddit, the original, text-heavy version of the site that predates the more modern, media-rich redesign introduced in 2018.
This article dives into what makes Old Reddit so special, why some users still cling to it, and how you can access it today if you’re longing for a bit of internet nostalgia.
Table of Contents:
What Is Old Reddit?
Why Do Users Still Prefer Old Reddit?
Key Features
How to Access
Old Reddit vs. New Reddit: What’s the Difference?
The Community Response to Reddit’s Redesign
Is Old Reddit Going Away?
Final Thoughts
1. What Is Old Reddit?
Refers to the version of Reddit that existed before its major redesign in 2018. This version of the site is characterized by its minimalistic design, with a focus on text and basic user interaction, rather than the more modern features like inline images, videos, and expanded comment threads found in the new Reddit.
Was built around simplicity. It focused heavily on content such as text-based posts and user comments, which allowed for fast browsing, even on slower internet connections. The site was easy to navigate, and users appreciated the lack of distractions compared to the more visually intense websites they visited.
2. Why Do Users Still Prefer?
Despite the introduction of new features and a more visually appealing interface, a significant portion of Reddit’s user base continues to prefer. Here are some of the key reasons why:
Faster Load Times
Old Reddit is much lighter in terms of data load, which makes it significantly faster than the new version. For users with slower internet connections or those who value speed over aesthetics, Old Reddit remains the preferred choice.
No Distractions
The minimalistic design prioritizes the content—posts and comments—over everything else. There are fewer images, advertisements, and auto-playing videos, allowing users to focus solely on reading and engaging with the content.
Nostalgia
For longtime Reddit users, is a throwback to the platform’s roots. The new design represents a departure from the Reddit many users first fell in love with. Sticking with Old Reddit allows these users to hold onto that feeling of nostalgia and familiarity.
Customizable User Experience
Allows users to customize their browsing experience with various third-party tools and extensions, such as Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES), which doesn’t work as seamlessly with the new design.
3. Key Features of Old Reddit
While may appear outdated by modern web design standards, it retains several key features that make it beloved by its users:
Text-Based Layout
Old Reddit’s interface is focused primarily on text. Posts are displayed as simple links or text submissions, with minimal images or media, which makes the experience more straightforward and content-centric.
Classic Subreddit Browsing
Subreddits are the heart of Reddit, they appear as simple, easy-to-navigate forums. Users can quickly browse and participate in discussions without being distracted by flashy media or updated UI elements.
Legacy Tools and Add-Ons
Tools like RES (Reddit Enhancement Suite) offer a wide range of features that enhance Old Reddit’s functionality, including better comment navigation, post filtering, and enhanced subreddit moderation tools.
4. How to Access Old Reddit
Although Reddit introduced its new design in 2018, is still accessible to those who prefer the classic interface. Here are a few ways you can continue using Old Reddit:
Direct URL Access
The simplest way to access by visiting the URL old.reddit.com. This will take you directly to the classic version of the site. You can also bookmark this URL to make it easier to access in the future.
User Settings
Logged-in users can set Old Reddit as their default experience. To do this:
Go to your user settings.
Scroll down to “Opt out of the redesign” and toggle this option on.
This ensures that whenever you log in, Reddit will display the old interface rather than the new one.
Browser Extensions
There are also browser extensions available that automatically redirect you to Old Reddit whenever you visit the site. Extensions like Reddit Redirect for Chrome or Firefox can help make sure you’re always directed to the classic version of Reddit.
5. Old Reddit vs. New Reddit: What’s the Difference?
When comparing Old Reddit and New Reddit, the most noticeable difference is the visual design. However, the changes go beyond just aesthetics:
New Reddit:
Visual Focus: The new design emphasizes images, videos, and other media, offering a more modern, polished look.
Expanded Comments: Comments are displayed with more space, making discussions easier to follow for some users, but cluttering the screen for others.
Infinite Scroll: New Reddit introduced infinite scrolling, allowing users to browse without needing to click through pages.
Profile Pages: The updated version of Reddit includes enhanced user profiles that showcase a user’s posts, comments, and achievements.
Old Reddit:
Text-Centric: simpler, with an emphasis on text and basic hyperlinks.
Paginated Browsing: Instead of infinite scrolling, Old Reddit uses paginated browsing, which many users prefer for its simplicity.
No Frills Design: Old Reddit is stark, basic, and to the point, which appeals to users who don’t need a visually intense experience.
6. The Community Response to Reddit’s Redesign
When Reddit unveiled its major redesign in 2018, reactions were mixed. While some users appreciated the modern features and sleek interface, others were concerned that the new design strayed too far from Reddit’s original charm. Many felt that the new layout was trying too hard to compete with other social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter.
The strongest pushback came from the power users who were most familiar with Old Reddit’s functionality and those who participated in Reddit’s more technical or discussion-heavy subreddits. These users worried that the new design’s focus on visuals would overshadow Reddit’s unique strengths as a forum for rich text-based discussion.
7. Is Old Reddit Going Away?
For now, Reddit has made no indication that will be removed. Reddit’s administrators have repeatedly stated that Old Reddit will remain an option for users who prefer it. However, as web technology continues to advance, Old Reddit may eventually face challenges in terms of browser compatibility and future Reddit features.
Nonetheless, the fact that Reddit has continued to support Old Reddit alongside its redesigned counterpart speaks to the loyalty and dedication of the user base that prefers the classic version of the site.
While many websites push users to adapt to new interfaces and technologies, Reddit continues to support its classic version, recognizing the value it brings to its long-time users. Stands as a testament to the platform’s origins and continues to offer a simple, distraction-free way to engage with content.
For those who appreciate minimalism, speed, and the nostalgic feel of early internet forums, remains an indispensable part of their online experience. Whether or not Reddit eventually phases it out, for now, Old Reddit is here to stay, offering a slice of internet history for those who still prefer the old ways.
