Are you curious about Reddit Gold and how it works? Whether you’re new to Reddit or a seasoned user, understanding this virtual currency can enhance your experience. Reddit Gold is more than just a way to acknowledge great content—it’s a key element of Reddit’s culture and recognition system.
This guide breaks down Reddit Gold, its use, and how it connects with features like the Let’s dive in and explore everything about Reddit Gold!
What is Reddit Gold?
Reddit Gold is Reddit’s reward system designed to recognize and encourage high-quality content on the platform. Users can purchase Gold and use it to gift awards to posts or comments they find meaningful.
Replacing the old Reddit Coins system, Reddit Gold focuses on simplifying user experience while offering tangible value. Additionally, it is tied to the Contributor Program, allowing content creators to convert earned rewards into real money.`
What Happened to Reddit Coins? How Does It Compare to Reddit Gold?
Reddit Coins were discontinued in September 2023 due to several reasons:
- Complexity: The system included over 50 types of awards, overwhelming users.
- Legal and Regulatory Issues: Coins faced challenges complying with regulations across different regions.
- Streamlined User Experience: The new system focuses on being user-friendly and effective for rewarding content.
Comparing Reddit Coins and Reddit Gold
| Criteria | Reddit Coins | Reddit Gold |
|---|---|---|
| How to Purchase | Users buy Coins, then exchange them for awards. | Users buy Gold directly and use it for awards. |
| Number of Awards | Over 50 award types (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum). | Simplified and streamlined award system. |
| Monetization | No earning potential. | Linked to Contributor Program for earning money. |
| Complexity | Complicated and hard to use. | Simple and intuitive. |
| Refund/Transfer | Coins couldn’t be refunded. | Gold is non-refundable and non-transferable. |
Community Reactions
- Negative: Some users missed the charm of Coins, particularly those left with unused Coins after the transition.
- Positive: The new system is more straightforward and supports content creators through monetization.
How Does Reddit Gold Work?
Gold is used to purchase rewards that are awarded to posts or comments as a form of recognition. Each reward comes with a specific Gold cost, which is shown below the options. These rewards are intended to highlight quality content and increase its visibility within the community.
Important Rules
- Non-Refundable: Gold purchases are final and cannot be refunded.
- Non-Transferable: Gold cannot be transferred between accounts.
- Cross-Platform Usage: Purchased Gold can be used on Reddit’s website and mobile app.
Benefits of Reddit Gold
For Users
- Content Recognition: A meaningful way to appreciate standout posts and comments.
- Community Engagement: Awards encourage active and positive participation in discussions.
For Creators
- Monetary Rewards: Earned Gold and karma can be converted into cash through the Contributor Program.
- Enhanced Visibility: Awarded posts or comments gain more attention and recognition from the community.
For Reddit
- Revenue Generation: Gold purchases contribute to Reddit’s operational costs and growth.
- Content Quality Improvement: The reward system motivates users to create better content.
How to Get Reddit Gold
1. Purchasing Reddit Gold
Reddit no longer uses the Coins system for awards. Instead, You can buy Reddit Gold on various platforms with different payment methods:
- Desktop: Accessible via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or WeChat Pay.
- Mobile: Available through the Reddit app on iOS and Android via in-app purchases.
Pricing and Purchase Options for Reddit Gold
Reddit offers gold in varying amounts with distinct pricing for web and mobile:
| Gold Pack | Price (Mobile) | Price (Web) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Gold | $1.99 | $1.79 |
| 200 Gold | $3.99 | $3.59 |
| 300 Gold | $5.99 | $5.39 |
| 500 Gold | $9.99 | $8.99 |
| 1,000 Gold | $19.99 | $17.99 |
| 2,500 Gold | $49.99 | $44.99 |
Gold prices are slightly higher on mobile platforms because app stores (Apple and Google) charge transaction fees. To cover these fees, Reddit adjusts pricing for mobile purchases.
2. Earn Gold
Earned Gold is awarded when your posts or comments receive awards from other users:
- Role of Earned Gold: While it cannot be used directly, it contributes to eligibility for the Contributor Program.
- How It Works: The more Gold your content receives, the more potential for monetary rewards.
3. Joining the Reddit Contributor Program
The Reddit Contributor Program rewards users for high-quality contributions. If your posts or comments frequently receive Gold awards and high karma, you may qualify to earn money or Coins through this program.
To be eligible for the program, individuals must possess a specific amount of karma and exhibit an adequate level of activity on the platform, with received awards, including gold, also contributing to their eligibility.
Currently, the program is only available in the U.S., but Reddit plans to expand it globally.
Conclusion
Reddit Gold represents a significant improvement in Reddit’s reward system, simplifying the user experience while providing real value to content creators. With its connection to the Contributor Program, Reddit Gold allows users to support quality content and creators to earn rewards for their contributions.
If you want to recognize great content or monetize your Reddit activity, Reddit Gold is a valuable tool to enhance your experience on the platform.
FAQ
Earned gold functions similarly to karma; it represents your contributions and the recognition you’ve garnered on Reddit. Unlike currency, it cannot be spent, transferred, or redeemed directly.
However, accumulating a significant amount of earned gold and karma may qualify you for payouts via the Contributor Program. Earned gold serves as one of the criteria that determine your eligibility and potential payouts. Essentially, the more gold you accumulate, the greater your potential payout.
- Earned Gold: Like karma,Gold you receive when others give awards to your posts or comments. It reflects appreciation but cannot be spent, transferred, or redeemed.
- Gold Balance: Purchased Gold that can be used to give awards on Reddit. It appears as your Gold balance and is used for transactions. You can hold a maximum balance of 10,000 gold.
No. The only way to receive Gold without purchasing it is through earned Gold, which is awarded by other users.
No, Reddit Gold is exclusively for giving awards. It cannot be used to pay other users or exchange for money.
Earned Gold remains active for users who log in at least once a year. Accounts inactive for 12 months forfeit their earned Gold.
While the golden upvote was simple, it didn’t have the excitement and flair of the previous awards. To improve the overall experience, Reddit implemented several changes:
- Reintroduction of Awards: All previous golden upvotes have been transformed into awards, and they will remain visible on the content where they were originally awarded.
- Gold Balance: Users can now keep a gold balance, enabling them to give multiple awards with just one purchase.
- Cost Efficiency: Gold is now more budget-friendly. For the price of one golden upvote, users can acquire 100 gold to distribute among various awards.
- Contributor Program: The program continues to allow eligible users to earn money based on the gold and karma they accumulate. The payout calculation has been revised to align with the updated gold pricing, with previous gold earnings multiplied by 100 to guarantee consistent cash payouts.
If you do not log in for 12 months, any Earned Gold in your account will be forfeited. Spendable Gold (your purchased Gold balance) remains unaffected.
