Redlib: The Open-Source Alternative to Browse Reddit Without Tracking

If you use Reddit regularly, you’ve probably noticed how aggressively it tracks your activity. From every post you read, to each image you open, and even how many seconds you spend scrolling through a thread — Reddit records it all. And here’s the kicker: they do this even if you don’t have an account, and even when browsing in incognito mode.

Welcome to the world of mandatory tracking.

But there’s a way out. Thanks to Redlib, a privacy-focused, open-source Reddit frontend built in Rust, you can enjoy Reddit’s content without being spied on. No account required, no ads, no JavaScript, no trackers. Just swap reddit.com with redlib.tiekoetter.com in any Reddit URL, and you’ll instantly get the same threads—minus the surveillance.

Why Does Redlib Exist?

Back in 2023, Reddit made a controversial decision that killed off many popular third-party apps like Apollo and BaconReader. They dramatically increased API pricing, making it impossible for developers to maintain their apps. Officially, this move was framed as a monetization strategy. In reality, it was a way to force users onto Reddit’s official app—an app packed with ads, trackers, and endless prompts to stay engaged.

At the time, a project called Libreddit offered a clean, tracker-free way to browse Reddit. But Reddit fought back by imposing aggressive rate limits, effectively shutting it down.

However, developers didn’t give up. Out of Libreddit’s ashes, Redlib was born.

The Genius Behind Redlib

Instead of connecting to Reddit’s API in the usual way, Redlib uses a clever trick known as OAuth token spoofing.

Here’s how it works:

• Redlib pretends to be the official Reddit Android app.
• It sends the same HTTP headers, uses the same authentication tokens, and mirrors the app’s behavior.
• As a result, Reddit believes the requests are coming from its own app, allowing Redlib to fetch content without restrictions.

Is this legal? Well, it lives in a gray area. You’re only accessing publicly available posts, so ethically, it’s not much different from reading Reddit directly. But technically, Reddit doesn’t approve.

How to Use Redlib

You have two main options:

1. Use the public instance: Simply replace reddit.com with redlib.tiekoetter.com in any Reddit link. For example:
   • https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/
   • becomes → https://redlib.tiekoetter.com/r/technology/
2. Self-host with Docker: If you’re into self-hosting, you can set up your own Redlib instance. The GitHub repository provides detailed instructions, and deployment is relatively quick for anyone familiar with Docker.

Why Redlib Is Better Than Reddit’s Official Site

Browsing Reddit through Redlib feels refreshingly simple. Unlike the bloated official site, which bombards you with:

• Cookie banners
• “Install our app” popups
• Constant ads
• Slow-loading pages

Redlib strips all of that away. What you get is pure content: posts, comments, and images. No distractions, no delays. Even images are proxied through Redlib servers, meaning Reddit never sees your IP address.

The speed difference is striking. While Reddit’s site feels heavy and sluggish, Redlib delivers a fast, minimalist, and distraction-free experience.

The Cat-and-Mouse Game With Reddit

Naturally, Reddit isn’t happy with Redlib’s existence. They often try to block Redlib instances by banning IPs or tweaking backend rules. This can cause temporary errors like “Failed to parse page JSON data.”

But the Redlib community is quick to respond. Developers rotate IP addresses, adjust tokens, and restore service rapidly, keeping the project alive despite Reddit’s attempts.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of popups, endless ads, and being tracked at every click, Redlib is the perfect way to reclaim your Reddit browsing experience. It gives you access to the same content, but without the heavy baggage that comes with Reddit’s official platform.

Whether you use the public instance or host your own, Redlib proves that privacy and speed don’t have to come at the cost of usability. Give it a try—you might never want to go back to reddit.com.