Gallery: Fascinating Graphs Show How Reddit Got Huge by Going Mainstream

  • Image may contain Diagram Map Plot and Atlas
    01

    redditwide

    A detail of Randy Olson’s stacked area chart of reddit. Fuuuuuuu. *Image: Randy Olson*
  • Image may contain Plot and Diagram
    02

    SubredditGrowthOverTime-2006

    Here's 2006. In the site's early days, Reddit.com was the main attraction, but in February they added the first topical subreddits. *Image: Randy Olson*
  • Image may contain Plot and Diagram
    03

    reddit2007

    2007\. Nerd-friendly subreddits thrive. A celebrity-centric Lipstick.com section is replaced by r/entertainment. *Image: Randy Olson*
  • Image may contain Plot Nature and Diagram
    04

    reddit2008

    2008\. The year of Reddit's "Cambrian Explosion," as Olson puts it. Why? This was the first point Reddit allowed users to create their own subreddits. *Image: Randy Olson*
  • Image may contain Plot Nature and Diagram
    05

    reddit2009

    2009\. The subredditification continues. Olson's not sure what caused the /r/reddit.com spike in the middle of the year. *Image: Randy Olson*
  • Image may contain Plot Nature Outdoors and Water
    06

    reddit2010

    2010\. Olson calls this "the year gamers and porn invaded," partially thanks to an influx of users from the then-recently-defunct Digg.com *Image: Randy Olson*
  • Image may contain Text
    07

    reddit2011

    2011\. The year of the memes. Also the year mods pulled the plug on the catchall subreddit r/reddit.com. *Image: Randy Olson*
  • Image may contain Plot Rug Text and Nature
    08

    reddit2012

    2012\. The Reddit of today, dominated by images and other more mainstream, accessible content. *Image: Randy Olson*
Read More
They Wanted to Join Raya. They’ve Been on the Waiting List for Years
Getting into Raya, the exclusive members-only dating app, has become nearly impossible for some. We met people who have waited as long as two, five, and even seven years to join.
Jason Parham
The VMax New VX4 Has Dual Suspension, a Wide Deck, and Amazing Speed and Control
VMax's new electric scooter has a secret menu that lets you unlock the top speed and engage cruise control.
Billy Brown
The Best Merino Wool T-Shirts for Every Occasion
These merino wool tees are the last shirts you’ll ever wear. I’m wearing one right now.
Scott Gilbertson
The Federal Agency Coming for Gender-Affirming Care
A series of new hires and investigations at the FTC appear to focus on penalizing gender-affirming care for minors—and those who speak in favor of it.
Vittoria Elliott
The Men Behind Your Favorite AI Gay Thirst Traps
A viral red carpet moment shone light on a group of hunky Instagram influencers—and the followers who are too horny to care that they’re not real.
Ej Dickson
The WIRED Gear Team’s Tips on Ways to Save Money
We pooled advice from our team—and a few financial experts—so you can worry less and save more in these turbulent times.
Julian Chokkattu
5 Reasons to Think Twice Before Using ChatGPT—or Any Chatbot—for Financial Advice
As people increasingly rely on AI chatbots for guidance, even on financial matters, a healthy dose of skepticism is critical.
Reece Rogers
Airfare Keeps Going Up. Here Are Some Tricks to Finding Cheap(er) Tickets
It's an expensive time to fly. These tips can help lighten the load on your wallet.
Aarian Marshall
Top Design Within Reach Promo Codes for April 2026
Get 30% off, 20% off, and free shipping with our Design Within Reach coupon codes, plus up to 50% off furniture with these special discounts.
Nena Farrell
Target Promo Codes for April 2026
Get $50 off your next order or up to 50% off site wide with Target coupon codes and Circle deals.
Molly Higgins
Top Sam's Club Promo Codes and Membership Deals for April 2026
Save on bulk groceries, household essentials, and electronics with a verified Sam's Club promo code or membership discount.
Molly Higgins
Save With Our KitchenAid Promo Codes This April
Save on every purchase with top KitchenAid coupons from WIRED, including up to 20% off countertop appliances.
Molly Higgins