Reddit Ends Avatar Program, Gives Artists Full Royalties
Reddit Shuts Down Collectible Avatar Creator Program
Reddit is closing its Collectible Avatar Creator Program, which allowed independent artists to design and sell limited-edition avatars based on the platform's mascot, Snoo. The announcement was made on r/CollectibleAvatars.
The platform stopped onboarding new creators and plans to close the Avatar Shop on November 11. The team aims to process all remaining submissions by the end of September.
Key Changes:
- Program Closure: The Collectible Avatar Creator Program ends.
- Vault Retirement: Reddit’s in-app Vault feature is being retired.
NFT Functionality and User Action
Built on the Polygon blockchain, Reddit's "digital collectibles" function as NFTs. This gives owners proof of ownership, customization options, and resale rights.
Users could use collectible avatars as Reddit profile pictures, customize them with accessories, and trade them on marketplaces like OpenSea via Reddit’s Vault wallet.
While Reddit will still support existing Collectible Avatars for self-expression, the platform plans to remove the Collection Display on profiles and on-platform NFT transfers.
Users need to export their blockchain wallets by copying their 12-word recovery phrase from the Vault settings before January 1, 2026.
Royalty Shift to Artists
In a significant shift, Reddit will update contracts within three weeks to direct all secondary sale fees to creators. This eliminates the platform’s share of royalties.
Currently, artists earn 80% of primary sales and 50% of resale royalties. Reddit retained rights to the Snoo template.
“The Creator Program wasn’t just a feature, it was a full-blown movement that rocked Reddit, on the blockchain no less. You all built communities. You created art. Your art became memes,” Reddit stated.
The platform will maintain off-platform transfers and sales through a simplified import process. Users can claim avatars on Reddit by using the “visit Reddit to make it your avatar” link on product pages. The r/CollectibleAvatars subreddit will remain accessible as an archive, though Reddit administrators will no longer post new content.
Background
Reddit was one of the largest mainstream platforms to integrate NFTs, onboarding millions of users to blockchain technology.
The closure announcement follows the resignation of Bianca Wyler, former Head of Reddit Collectible Avatars, earlier this year, amidst declining sales.