Reddit is an American social network that allows users to share and discuss all types of content on the internet. Founded in 2005, Reddit has more than 430 million unique visitors per month worldwide , making it the 7th most popular site globally. But what about Reddit in France? How does this site, which claims to be “the first page of the Internet” work? What are the advantages and disadvantages of Reddit for French Internet users? This is what we will see in this article.
What is Reddit?
Reddit is a website that is made up of thousands of communities called “subreddits”. Each subreddit is dedicated to a specific topic, such as politics, sports, humor, music, video games, etc. Users can subscribe to subreddits that interest them, and thus personalize their home page with the most popular or recent content from these subreddits. Users can also submit links, images, videos, texts or questions to subreddits of their choice, and other users can comment or rate them positively or negatively. Highly rated content appears at the top of the page, while less popular content is relegated to the bottom or hidden.
Reddit stands out from other social networks by its voting system, which allows users to bring out the most relevant or original content, but also by its culture of debate and humor, often tinged with irony and sarcasm. Reddit is also known for its viral phenomena, such as “Ask Me Anything” (AMA), where famous or anonymous personalities answer users' questions, or “memes”, these humorous images that spread across the internet.
Reddit in France: a market to conquer
If Reddit is very popular in the United States, where it represents the 3rd most visited site2, it is still little known in France, where it ranks 36th3. According to a study carried out by Médiamétrie in 2020, Reddit had around 3 million unique visitors per month in France, or less than 10% of the French internet user population. However, Reddit has significant potential to attract the French public, who are fond of varied content and lively discussions on the internet.
To attract more French users, Reddit launched a French version of its site in August 2021, with an interface and content adapted to the French language and culture. Reddit has also partnered with Le Figaro, the leading French national daily, to offer exclusive articles and AMAs with journalists or personalities from the political, cultural or sporting world. Reddit hopes to make itself known to the general French public and strengthen its credibility as a source of information and entertainment.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Reddit in France?
Reddit in France has several advantages for French Internet users:
- Reddit offers an unparalleled diversity and wealth of content on the internet. Whatever your interests, passions or hobbies, you're sure to find subreddits that suit you. You will be able to discover information, opinions, advice or anecdotes on every possible subject imaginable.
- Reddit allows you to participate in lively and constructive discussions with people around the world. You will be able to exchange your points of view, debate, learn or have fun with users who share your interests or who bring you a different perspective. You will also be able to ask questions or seek help from experts or enthusiasts on topics that interest you.
- Reddit promotes user creativity and originality. On Reddit, you can express your talent or humor by creating original content, such as memes, stories, poems, songs, drawings, etc. You will also be able to participate in challenges, contests or games offered by subreddits or by users.
Reddit in France also has some disadvantages for French Internet users:
- Reddit can be intimidating or confusing for new users. The site indeed has its own codes, its own rules and its own jargon, which can be difficult to understand at first. You also need to know how to sort relevant content from useless or misleading content, and be wary of trolls, those users who seek to provoke or harm others.
- Reddit can be time-consuming or addictive. The site has so much content and subreddits that it's easy to get lost or linger for hours. You must therefore know how to manage your time and your Reddit consumption, and not neglect your other activities or your obligations.
- Reddit can be a source of conflict or controversy. As the site is based on freedom of expression and debate, it can sometimes give rise to heated exchanges or controversies on sensitive subjects, such as politics, religion, sex, etc. You must therefore know how to respect the opinions of others, avoid insults or personal attacks, and not take things too seriously.
