Reddit CEO Steve Huffman on rescuing the social network from the brink (with Reid Hoffman)

Steve Huffman, co-founder and CEO of Reddit, joins host Reid Hoffman to share scale lessons from building one of the internet’s most influential platforms. It took nearly two decades for Reddit to reach its IPO, persevering through ownership changes, swings in popular sentiment, and shifts in the site’s identity. Steve guides Reddit with a deep belief in the power of online communities, and he dives into how he tackles challenges – like AI and misinformation – while staying true to Reddit’s values.

Synthetic voiceover of Reid Hoffman used in this episode was produced by Respeecher with full consent and permission.

Chapters:
00:00 Watching Reddit “eat itself”
01:46 The evolution of Reddit’s content policies
03:43 How Reddit incentives healthy interactions
07:29 Measuring success with both data and intuition
11:21 Resisting the urge of controlling users
14:40 The opportunities & threats of generative AI
19:06 Reddit’s origin story
21:18 Inside Reddit’s sale to Condé Nast
23:32 Lessons from Steve’s failed start-up Hipmunk
25:08 Envisioning Reddit’s next phase
27:34 Running a public company post IPO
31:03 Lightning Round: Innovative funding strategies?
32:00 Lightning Round: Successful habits?
32:45 Lightning Round: Who do you talk to when you feel stuck?
33:38 Lightning Round: Favorite way to unplug?
34:09 Lightning Round: Book recommendation?
35:47 Lightning Round: AI fantasy?

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On Masters of Scale, iconic business leaders share lessons and strategies that have helped them grow the world's most fascinating companies. Founders, CEOs, and dynamic innovators (from companies like Uber, Airbnb, Apple, and Disney) join candid conversations about their triumphs and challenges with a set of luminary hosts, including founding host Reid Hoffman — LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock partner. From navigating early prototypes to expanding brands globally, Masters of Scale provides priceless insights to help anyone grow their dream enterprise.

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