[m0guz]

Ads only one of the reasons. Reddit also updated Reddit Coins [0] with their new design. With this new "in-app" economy, you can use real money to buy reddit coins and give an award to post. Another revenue stream for reddit.

[0] https://www.reddit.com/coins

[mark_l_watson]

They give me Reddit coins because I donate every month. I don’t use their app and have no trouble giving out coins for posts that I like. Sort of fun, BTW.

Now, I really wish Twitter would let me pay a monthly fee for no advertisements.

[wonderlg]

Lol why do you donate to a company that made $120 million in ads last year?

[gniv]

I think that's the real answer to OP's question. Reducing the friction to buying stuff is a big deal.