Reddit launches the Mod Helper Program to reward active moderators following the controversy over API pricing changes

Reddit has launched the "Mod Helper Program" to reward moderators who assist others, in addition to updating the moderator help center. The new initiative comes after Reddit discontinued third-party apps that moderators relied on for support, due to changes in API pricing. This decision led to tension between Reddit and its moderators, especially when mod teams were removed from private subreddits protesting the changes.

The Mod Helper Program uses a tiered system to reward moderators with trophies and flairs based on their contributions. Reddit users earn or lose karma through upvotes and downvotes, and the program rewards those who receive upvotes in r/ModSupport. It also introduces ranks like "Helper" and "Expert Helper", each with unique rewards. The program mirrors an earlier initiative in r/help, which rewards users for answering others' queries.

Alongside the Mod Helper Program, Reddit has launched the Modmail Answer Bot to provide relevant help center links and create tickets for unresolved issues. This bot aims to streamline moderator requests and free up administrator time for more complex tasks. The Help Center, previously specific to moderators, is merging with the site-wide center for easier access. The new program has received mixed reviews in r/ModSupport, with users expressing concerns about automation and admin support, while Reddit's admin team has acknowledged these concerns and pledged to improve mobile features and tools for moderators.