If your Reddit feed suddenly looks more colorful, that’s by design. The platform is rolling out community color theming, a new look that lets each subreddit set its own accent color across the app and web. It’s enabled by default, but there’s a simple switch to turn it off if you prefer the classic palette.
Reddit began testing the feature with a limited group and recently expanded distribution, saying it initially reached about 10% of users before a broader push. As it lands on more accounts, you may see buttons, links, flairs, and headers shift to a subreddit’s chosen hue, making each community feel more distinct at a glance.
What Is Community Color Theming on Reddit?
Moderators pick a single accent color that threads through key UI elements in their subreddit. Early examples include a light blue for r/reddithelp, pink accents on r/ask, and a soft orange tone for r/mildlyinfuriating. The goal is quick visual identity without the heavy, bespoke skins that once defined “old Reddit.”
This approach revives some personality while keeping performance and consistency in check. Instead of custom CSS that could break layouts or clash with accessibility, Reddit’s design system applies a standardized accent color across supported components so communities stand out without sacrificing usability.
How to Turn Off Community Themes on Reddit
On Android or iOS: open your profile, select My Account, tap Settings, and scroll to View Options. Toggle off Use community themes. That switch disables the feature everywhere in the app.
On the web: click your profile picture, choose Settings, then go to Preferences, open Experiences, and turn off Use community themes. There’s no per-subreddit whitelist yet—this is an all-or-nothing control. Your choice applies alongside light or dark mode; turning themes off restores Reddit’s default accents.
Why Reddit Is Doing This Theming Update Now
Visual differentiation is a proven way to boost recognition and reduce cognitive load as users move between contexts. UX researchers such as Nielsen Norman Group have long documented how consistent color systems support navigation and wayfinding. For Reddit, subreddit-level accents are a low-friction way to make communities feel branded without fragmenting the interface.
It also aligns Reddit with trends across social and creator platforms. Dynamic accents on services like Discord and ambient effects on video apps show how subtle theming can enhance immersion without overwhelming core functionality. Expect Reddit to keep tuning these accents as feedback rolls in.
Accessibility and Contrast Concerns for Themes
Color is powerful, but it can go wrong if contrast is low or shades are harsh. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines recommend at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for text against backgrounds. While Reddit’s system is designed to be readable, moderators still choose the accent, and some hues may feel too bright or too faint for certain users.
If a community’s palette strains your eyes or conflicts with your device’s display settings, turning off community themes is the fastest fix. You can also flag issues to moderators, who can adjust their color choice to improve legibility for everyone.
What Users Are Noticing About the New Colors
Early reactions are mixed: some enjoy instantly recognizing the community they’re in, while others find the sudden color shifts jarring. Support and meta discussions show a common theme—surprise at the default-on rollout—paired with relief that there’s a global opt-out. Popular subreddits are already experimenting with accent tweaks to match their culture and logos.
The Bottom Line on Reddit’s Community Color Themes
Those color changes you’re seeing are intentional, part of Reddit’s bid to give communities a stronger visual identity without reviving the chaos of full custom skins. If it’s not your style, disable Use community themes in Settings and your feed will return to the familiar default look. Otherwise, expect more subreddits to pick signature shades as the rollout continues.
