How Reddit Became the Most Human Place on the Internet with Anna Soellner

Update: 2025-07-31

Description

This episode is a must-listen for communications pros navigating fractured media, AI uncertainty, and the tension between structure and spontaneity. We talked to Anna Soellner, former Head of Communications at Reddit, about what it takes to shape the reputation of one of the most complex communities on the internet—especially during the messy, pivotal moments of growth, scrutiny, and IPO.

When Anna joined Reddit in 2016, the company was a fraction of its current size, and the brand was facing skepticism from all sides. What followed was a masterclass in community listening, reputation recovery, and trust-building at scale. We got into the human side of comms—from democratic storytelling to tackling AI-induced brand noise—and how Anna helped turn Reddit into one of the most trusted corners of the internet in a time when trust in platforms was disintegrating.

About Anna Soellner

Anna Soellner is a veteran communicator whose career spans politics, policy, entertainment, and tech. Before Reddit, she worked in the U.S. government, at the Motion Picture Association, and overseas in pro-democracy efforts. At Reddit, she built and led the communications team during one of its most transformative chapters—from community skepticism to IPO celebration. Her superpower is navigating chaos with clarity, and translating deeply human online behaviors into brand reputation wins.

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Resources discussed in this episode:

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