one year on
OpenAI signs data-licensing deal with Reddit, will train models on its posts
The partnership gives OpenAI access to real-time Reddit content for ChatGPT and model training, while Reddit gets new AI features and becomes an advertising partner.
OpenAI announced a deal today with Reddit to license the social news site’s data for training AI models. The partnership grants OpenAI access to real-time, structured content from Reddit — including posts and replies — which will be incorporated into ChatGPT and used to improve its models. In exchange, Reddit will receive unspecified new AI-powered features for its users and moderators, and OpenAI will become an advertising partner.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Reddit’s stock jumped 11% in after-hours trading on the news. Reddit says data licensing agreements are an increasingly central part of its growth strategy as it navigates the market as a public company. In its IPO prospectus, Reddit said it had contractual agreements to license its data to customers including Google worth a combined over $200 million.
The arrangement raises eyebrows due to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s 8.7% stake in Reddit, making him the third-largest shareholder. OpenAI stressed that the deal was led by COO Brad Lightcap and approved by its independent board, with Altman recusing himself. The company could face pushback from users concerned about how it is monetizing their data.
Reported the deal and noted CEO Sam Altman's 8.7% stake in Reddit, as well as OpenAI's assertion that the partnership was led by COO Brad Lightcap and approved by an independent board.
One year later — open only if you can handle spoilers
The deal proved lucrative for both sides as Reddit's data licensing revenue continued to grow, though some user backlash echoed the Stack Overflow protests that followed a similar OpenAI agreement. By mid-2026, Reddit's non-ad revenue had more than doubled from its 2024 level.