Reddit Awards Timeline Reddit Awards let users buy coins to give shiny badges to great posts and comments, sparking fun recognition across the site. Over time, they've evolved amid user feedback and platform shifts—here's the full story up to early 2026.

Original Shutdown (2023)

In mid-2023, Reddit phased out its coins and classic Gold Awards system to simplify the platform and cut clutter from too many award types (over 50 existed). Existing coins remained usable until September 12, 2023, but no new purchases were allowed, frustrating users who loved gifting them.

"Reddit is actively working on revamping the mechanics of its rewards system, although specific details... are currently unavailable."

The move tied into broader controversies like API pricing, with Redditors venting in forums about losing a key way to appreciate content.

Comeback with Upgrades (2024)

By May 2024, Reddit reintroduced Awards with fresh features to address past issues while keeping the core fun alive. Key changes included:

  • New designs and an easy award button under eligible posts.
  • Leaderboards tracking top-awarded comments or posts.
  • Safeguards : Disabled in NSFW, trauma support, or mature subreddits; users can now report misused awards.

Users buy "gold" (15-50 units per award), and the system expanded Reddit's community rewards program to 35 countries, paying contributors for quality posts.

Recent Buzz (2025-2026)

A March 2025 Reddit thread in r/awards demanded reversing "awards change," hinting at ongoing tweaks or gripes, like mod removal frustrations.

Just days ago on March 27, 2026, r/NoStupidQuestions saw fresh confusion: "What the hell are Reddit awards and what do they do?"—showing newcomers still puzzle over them amid evolutions.

TL;DR : Awards died in 2023 for rework, revived in 2024 with better tools and limits, and remain active but debated into 2026—check Reddit's help pages for the latest eligibility.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.