Reddit Apollo Developer Joins Digg to Revitalize Social News

Christian Selig, the iOS developer behind the beloved third-party Reddit client Apollo, has joined the new iteration of Digg as an advisor. Apollo was widely praised for enhancing the Reddit browsing experience until Reddit’s 2023 API pricing changes made it financially unviable, forcing Apollo to shut down. Selig’s move to Digg signals a fresh, community-first approach to social news platforms.

Earlier this year, Digg was acquired by its original founder Kevin Rose and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who were once rivals in the social news space. Their collaboration aims to revitalize Digg, historically known as “the internet’s homepage,” by creating a platform that feels engaging and community-driven.

Digg’s CEO Justin Mezzell highlighted Selig’s role in bringing craftsmanship and community focus to the platform. This is especially significant given the backlash against Reddit’s API pricing, which required Apollo to pay an estimated $1.7 million per month to operate under the new terms. Digg aims to offer a social news experience free from such constraints and artificial content flooding feeds.

To maintain quality and reduce bot interference, Digg has launched an early-access program called “Groundbreakers,” which charges a one-time $5 fee. Proceeds from this initiative are donated to nonprofits chosen by the Digg community, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to user engagement and social responsibility.

This strategic move by Digg, combining leadership from former rivals and a developer known for community-first design, positions the platform as a promising alternative in the evolving social news landscape. It reflects a broader industry trend emphasizing user experience, transparency, and sustainable API practices.