Reddit to sunset RSS feeds and restrict public API access

The decision marks a shift away from the open web protocols that once defined Reddit’s accessibility. While the company frames the removal of RSS as a security necessity to curb automated traffic, it aligns with a broader strategy to monetize user-generated content for AI training. This revenue stream, classified as "other revenue" in recent financial filings, grew 24% year-over-year to $43 million in the second quarter, highlighting the increasing value Reddit places on its internal data.

For moderators, the transition away from RSS requires a migration to the Discord Relay Devvit app, though the company acknowledges no direct equivalent exists for non-community-focused feeds. Community leaders have already voiced concerns that these changes will make managing forums significantly more difficult. Beyond RSS, the platform is tightening access to "Old Reddit" by restricting the text-heavy interface to logged-in moderators and active users from the last 90 days. Developers relying on the public API have until January 12, 2027, to register their tools, after which any unauthorized access will be severed.