Mashable vs The Independent

Reddit Tests AI Feature Turning Text Posts into Videos with Read-Aloud

Reddit is testing an AI-powered feature that converts selected English-language text posts into video and audio formats. According to Mashable, the feature will initially roll out in web browsers, followed by iOS and Android. Users will see a toggle allowing them to switch between 'Read' and 'Play' modes; in Play mode, a TikTok-style video displays an AI-generated voice reading the post and selected comments, with subtitles and a label reading 'Real conversation voiced by AI'. The test is limited to manually chosen posts in specific subreddits. Reddit CEO Steve Huffman had previewed the initiative during the company's Q2 earnings call in July, describing a 'video Reddit experience' that lets users watch or listen to posts. Reddit says the experiment aims to make conversations more accessible and immersive, and the company will decide on a broader rollout based on user feedback. Original text posts remain available.

• Reddit is testing an AI feature that converts selected English-language text posts into video and audio formats with read-aloud functionality.
• The feature rolls out first in web browsers, then on iOS and Android.
• Reddit CEO Steve Huffman mentioned the feature during the Q2 earnings call in July.

Reddit Tests AI Feature Turning Text Posts Into Videos

Reddit is testing a feature that uses AI to convert text posts into video and audio formats, according to Mashable. The rollout begins Monday in web browsers, with iOS and Android following Tuesday. The experiment creates audio/video formats with multi-voice text-to-speech, subtitles, and visual templates. It is currently limited to manually selected English-language posts in specific subreddits. Users see a toggle between 'Read' and 'Play'; in Play mode, an AI voice reads the post and comments while text highlights, with a label noting 'Real conversation voiced by AI.' CEO Steve Huffman announced the video Reddit experience in July during the Q2 earnings call, allowing users to watch and listen to posts. The move follows Reddit's broader video push, including video comments introduced in June and AI-powered moderation tools. Broader rollout depends on user feedback.

• Reddit is testing an AI feature that converts text posts into video and audio formats.
• The feature rolls out first in web browsers, followed by iOS and Android.
• The test is limited to manually selected English-language posts in specific subreddits.

Taboola: Tesco Clubcard Readership Surges 1,876%

Taboola's Newsroom data shows UK readership of Tesco Clubcard articles rose 1,876% in the most recent 30-day period versus the prior 30 days, generating more than 335,000 page views across Taboola's UK publisher network (up from ~17,000). The surge is attributed primarily to the impending expiry of £11 million in Clubcard vouchers, which publishers warned would become invalid after 11:59pm on 31 August. Additional drivers cited include the return of Clubcard Challenges, Tesco’s "Know What You’re Sitting On" campaign and promotional activity such as the OVO Clubcard Millionaire prize draw. Taboola communications lead Dave Struzzi commented on publishers' role and the attention the Clubcard brand is generating for Tesco.

• UK readership of Tesco Clubcard articles increased by 1,876% over the last 30 days versus the preceding 30 days.
• Taboola’s Newsroom recorded more than 335,000 page views for Clubcard-related articles across its UK publisher network, up from approximately 17,000 in the previous 30 days.
• The surge was driven by the approaching expiry of £11 million worth of Tesco Clubcard vouchers, which were reported to become invalid after 11:59pm on 31 August.

Dolly Parton: Tributes pour in from around the world after country legend dies age 80

The Independent's homepage now leads with extensive coverage of Dolly Parton's death, including tributes, family statements, and details about her legacy and fortune.

Brands Say They Want Authentic Women—Only Skin Deep

Opinion piece by Sarah Owen responding to Hayden Panettiere’s account that her long-running relationship with Neutrogena ended after she spoke publicly about postpartum depression. Owen argues Panettiere’s experience highlights a broader issue: many brands prefer simplified or non-controversial representations of women and struggle when talent speak candidly about health issues such as infertility, menopause, endometriosis or pregnancy loss. Drawing on her charity work with the Fertility Futures Project and examples like Emma Barnett, Owen calls for brands to accept that customers and representatives are whole people whose health experiences may not fit neat campaign narratives.

• Hayden Panettiere was the face of Neutrogena for around a decade.
• Panettiere says Neutrogena wanted to end their relationship after she spoke publicly about receiving treatment for postpartum depression and that her contract was not renewed the following year.
• The article cites wider women’s health topics—including menopause, fertility/infertility, endometriosis and pregnancy loss—as subjects that remain stigmatized or uncomfortable for brands to engage with.