On June 23, 2005, Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian launched Reddit with a blank front page and placeholder accounts—just enough to give the impression of activity. Shortly after, Aaron Swartz joined them, bringing technical expertise that helped shape what has become known as the “front page of the internet.”
On June 23, 2005, Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian launched Reddit with an empty front page and fake users to get things started. The duo was later joined by a third co-founder, Aaron Swartz, who played a key role in shaping Reddit into what’s now known as the ‘front page of the internet.’
Viral Culture and Public Launch
Over two decades, Reddit exploded into a cultural force—hosting viral AMAs, spearheading collaborative art through r/Place, and becoming a hub for activism, humor, knowledge sharing, and global communities. The platform’s design, driven by user-generated content, upvotes, and subreddits, fueled its growth and influence.
Boardroom reports the platform is now valued at $26 billion and publicly traded, a testament to its impact and longevity.
Looking Forward with Ohanian
As Reddit marks its 20th anniversary, one of its founders is already focused on the future. Alexis Ohanian is back in the spotlight, planning new ventures built on his experiences with Reddit and his goals for internet innovation ahead.
