In a joint announcement on Thursday, OpenAI and Reddit revealed that OpenAI will use content from Reddit to train its AI models. Reddit, known for its diverse and active discussions, stated that this partnership would not only enhance OpenAI’s large language model (LLM) but also improve user experience on Reddit.
Reddit and OpenAI Partnership Details
According to Reddit, this collaboration will enable the platform to introduce new AI-powered features for its users and moderators. OpenAI, on the other hand, will benefit from better understanding and showcasing Reddit content, particularly on trending topics.
“This partnership will also enable Reddit to bring new AI-powered features to redditors and mods,” Reddit explained, while OpenAI will “better understand and showcase Reddit content, especially on recent topics.”
Following the announcement, Reddit’s stock (RDDT) experienced a significant spike, climbing more than 14% in after-hours trading. Reddit shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on March 21.
Key Figures and Statements
OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, a Reddit shareholder, and OpenAI’s COO Brad Lightcap, who spearheaded the agreement, highlighted the potential benefits of this collaboration. The deal was also approved by OpenAI’s independent board of directors.
Steve Huffman, Reddit co-founder and CEO, emphasized the value of Reddit as a repository of authentic, relevant, and timely human conversations. He stated, “Including it in ChatGPT upholds our belief in a connected internet, helps people find more of what they’re looking for, and helps new audiences find community on Reddit.”
OpenAI plans to use Reddit’s Data API to integrate content into ChatGPT and other products. The partnership will also make OpenAI a Reddit advertising partner, opening new avenues for both companies.
“We are thrilled to partner with Reddit to enhance ChatGPT with uniquely timely and relevant information, and to explore the possibilities to enrich the Reddit experience with AI-powered features,” Lightcap commented.
Broader AI Industry Context
This partnership announcement coincides with a week of significant AI-related developments. OpenAI recently released updates to ChatGPT, including the faster GPT-4o model. Meanwhile, Google introduced several new AI features under its Gemini brand during its annual Google I/O event.
Previous Deals and Regulatory Scrutiny
Reddit’s collaboration with OpenAI follows a similar deal with Google in February, granting Google access to Reddit’s extensive content library. This deal led to an investigation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as disclosed by Reddit.
“The FTC’s staff is conducting a non-public inquiry focused on our sale, licensing, or sharing of user-generated content with third parties to train AI models,” Reddit stated. “We do not believe that we have engaged in any unfair or deceptive trade practice.”
Public Reaction and Criticism
The news of the OpenAI and Reddit partnership received mixed reactions on social media. Critics expressed concerns about potential biases in AI models trained on Reddit content.
Trustswap CEO Jeff Kirdeikis tweeted, “The hivemind of Reddit are a bunch of basement-dwelling, unemployed socialists. If you thought [OpenAI] was biased before…”
Technology educator Paul Couvert added, “Glad to know that search is coming with a Reddit filter.”
Writer and entrepreneur Che Rodney remarked, “Misinformation and bias galore. This is a disaster waiting to happen.”
As OpenAI and Reddit move forward with their partnership, the integration of Reddit content into AI models promises to bring both opportunities and challenges. The collaboration aims to leverage Reddit’s vast discussion archives to enhance AI capabilities while potentially introducing new AI-driven features to Reddit’s platform.
