Android users of the Reddit app are encountering a significant issue that distorts and stretches videos horizontally. This bug, affecting app version 2025.41.0, emerged following a recent update and has led to a stream of complaints across various subreddits.
The problem manifests when users attempt to view videos from the main feed or within specific subreddits. Rather than displaying correctly, videos become stretched, resulting in distorted images that make content nearly unwatchable. A user on the subreddit r/bugs illustrated the severity of the issue by sharing a screenshot that demonstrates just how exaggerated the stretching can become. Another user even provided a screen recording, highlighting the persistent nature of the bug.
Widespread Impact Across Devices
The distortion appears to be widespread among Android devices. Reports indicate that users with devices such as Pixel phones running Android 16 and those with Realme devices on Android 12 are both experiencing the same issue. Users noted that while the “Watch” feed displays videos correctly, the distortion occurs once they engage with videos from the main feed.
Interestingly, some users mentioned that their uploaded videos appear normal during the preview phase but stretch out after posting. This suggests a potential fault in how Reddit processes or displays video content. The bug has prompted discussions across several subreddits, including r/help, r/NoStupidQuestions, and r/reddithelp, as users seek clarity on the issue.
While desktop users report mixed experiences, with some facing vertical stretching, the predominant concern lies with mobile users enduring the horizontal distortion. One user humorously remarked that Reddit is “bringing back wide Putin memes,” referencing a popular meme format that humorously exaggerates video dimensions.
Anticipating a Resolution
As of now, Reddit has not officially acknowledged the bug. Given the extensive reports and the significant impact on user experience, it is reasonable to expect that a fix will be implemented in the near future. Until then, Android users may find it beneficial to focus on browsing text posts or await an update that addresses the ongoing video distortion issue.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by users of the popular platform, as they navigate a core functionality that has become compromised. As the Reddit community awaits further developments, the emphasis remains on restoring the app’s usability for video content.
