Why Reddit Should Be a Core Part of Your Social Media Strategy in 2026

r/MarketingGirl2026: Looking for advice on the best social media platforms for my client…

Does that format sound familiar? It should - because that’s straight out of a Reddit handbook. And right now? Reddit is booming.

1. The Data: Reddit Is on the Rise — Especially in the UK

According to recent reports, Reddit has experienced a massive 88% increase in the proportion of UK internet users it reaches over the past two years. That means that in the UK today, three in five internet users now use Reddit monthly, up from about one-third in 2023.

That’s not just a “fun fact” - it’s a marketing signal:

• Reddit has officially overtaken TikTok to become the fourth most visited social media platform in the UK, beating out platforms that dominated the last decade.

• The platform isn’t just a youthful gaming community anymore — its user base has become increasingly broad and diverse, including women, lifestyle communities, and more.

• Changes in Google’s search algorithms now favour forum content like Reddit threads, boosting Reddit’s visibility across the web, not just within the app.

  
  

In short, Reddit is quickly becoming a primary destination for discovery, discussion, and decision-making.

2. Reddit Isn’t Just Another Platform...

There’s a key reason Reddit’s growth matters:

"Reddit is relatable, raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically human - everything people are craving in an era where AI-generated content is everywhere."

This matters because audiences are becoming increasingly skeptical of polished, manufactured content. They want real experiences, real answers, and real conversations, and that’s exactly what Reddit delivers.

Reddit’s structure - thousands of subreddits organized around specific interests - makes it one of the most authentic platforms for understanding what real people care about.

That authenticity is worth gold to marketers because:

• Reddit discussion threads often rank high in Google search results when people search for product information, reviews, or advice.

• Redditors rely on each other for honest, peer-to-peer recommendations, meaning insights from Reddit can influence purchasing decisions and consumer sentiment.

3. Why Reddit Is Ideal for Market Research

Even if your brand isn’t posting on Reddit yet, the platform should still be a top place for audience research.

Here’s why: Real Questions in Real Language

Reddit users don’t talk in polished slogans - they talk like humans. This means you can see exactly how your audience describes their pain points, desires, fears, and goals.

For example:

• What phrases do people actually use when they talk about your industry?

• What problems are they frustrated with?

• What solutions are they actively seeking?

  
  

This kind of insight beats anonymous trend data because it’s contextual.

4. How Marketers Can Use Reddit Strategically

There are two main ways marketers should think about Reddit:

1. Market Research (Passive Use)

You don’t even have to post. Simply:

• Browse relevant subreddits

• Search for keywords related to your niche

• Analyze questions and comments

• Identify pain points and patterns

  
  

This gives you real language for messaging, content creation, sales copy, product development, and more.

2. Community Engagement (Active Strategy)

If you choose to participate directly:

• Add value first - don’t just promote

• Help answer questions with genuine expertise

• Respect subreddit rules and culture

  
  

Brands that succeed on Reddit aren’t the loudest, they’re the most helpful.

Final Thoughts: Reddit Is Not “Just a Forum” - It’s a Marketing Edge

If you’re serious about understanding audiences, being human in your marketing, and tapping into early trends before everyone else copies them, Reddit is no longer optional - it’s essential.

Whether or not you post there, use Reddit as your research engine, your trend radar, and your source of real language and real human behaviour.