Android users of the Reddit app are experiencing a significant issue that causes videos to appear distorted and stretched horizontally. This bug emerged following a recent update to version 2025.41.0 and has prompted numerous complaints across various subreddits. Users report that videos, which should display normally, become elongated, making faces appear distorted and rendering the content nearly unwatchable.
The distortion occurs when users attempt to play videos from the main feed or within specific subreddits. In particular, the “Watch” feed seems unaffected, displaying videos correctly. However, once a video is selected, the stretching issue becomes apparent. Some users have noted that their uploads look fine during the preview stage but stretch immediately after posting, indicating a potential flaw in how Reddit processes video content.
Widespread Reports and User Reactions
Complaints about this issue have surfaced in multiple subreddits, including r/help, r/NoStupidQuestions, and r/reddithelp. The problem appears to affect a wide range of Android devices, including Pixel phones running Android 16 and Realme devices operating on Android 12. One user humorously remarked that Reddit is “bringing back wide Putin memes,” alluding to the stretched video meme format that circulated online in the past.
While desktop users have reported mixed experiences—some encountering vertical stretching rather than horizontal—the overwhelming majority of complaints are from mobile users facing the horizontal distortion.
Persistent Issues and Anticipated Fixes
As of now, Reddit has not officially acknowledged the bug, but the volume of reports suggests that it is a widespread problem that significantly impacts user experience. Given the severity of the issue and its effect on a core functionality of the app, it is likely that Reddit will prioritize a fix in an upcoming update.
Until a resolution is implemented, users may find it advisable to focus on browsing text posts or to wait for Reddit to release a patch that addresses this video playback problem.
The situation underscores the challenges that can arise with app updates, particularly when they affect fundamental features. Users will be monitoring Reddit’s response closely as they await a solution to restore video functionality.
