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Why Did Reddit Make Saving Images Harder-And Is It Hurting the User Experience?
Reddit’s recent update to its mobile app has made saving or copying images more cumbersome, creating frustration among users and sparking negative feedback across the community.
What Changed?
The familiar long-press gesture on images, which previously brought up “Copy Image” or “Save Image” options, has been removed. Now, to save an image, users must:
- Tap on the image to open it in full view.
- Locate and tap the three dots (menu) icon, usually in the top-right corner.
- Select the “Save” option from the dropdown menu.
User Reactions
Many users have voiced their annoyance, noting that the change adds unnecessary steps to a once-simple process. Comments on subreddits like r/assholedesign highlight widespread dissatisfaction, with users calling out the update as a poor design choice.
Possible Reasons Behind the Change
Some speculate Reddit wants to encourage users to share post links instead of downloading images. This could:
- Drive more traffic to Reddit.
- Boost engagement and ad views by keeping users within the app ecosystem.
Others see it as needless tinkering with the user interface, making the app less intuitive and more frustrating to use.
Impact on User Experience
The new process interrupts the smooth browsing experience, requiring extra taps and menu navigation. While the ability to save images remains, the added friction is viewed as a negative step for usability.
Reddit’s decision to remove the long-press save feature has created a more frustrating experience for users, highlighting the importance of intuitive design in app usability.