Bianca Wyler, the head of Reddit’s Collectible Avatars project, has announced her departure from the company, raising concerns among NFT holders about the initiative’s future. In a LinkedIn post dated January 6, Wyler expressed pride in her accomplishments during her tenure, despite her sadness over the transition.
Following her announcement, some Reddit users observed that recent comments from Wyler’s account had been deleted, intensifying speculation about potential changes to the Collectible Avatars program. These unique NFTs, primarily depicting Reddit’s alien mascot, are hosted on the Polygon blockchain and offer users profile customization and special comment features.
Launched in July 2022, the Collectible Avatars program initially saw significant engagement, with over 33.5 million holders reported. However, secondary sales volumes have declined since their peak in late 2022, with the last three months of 2024 each recording around $100,000 in sales.
Wyler, who joined Reddit in June 2024, noted that the program had experienced a downturn prior to her arrival. She claimed to have implemented strategies that improved community sentiment and increased sales within three months. Regarding her departure, Wyler attributed it to the natural evolution of social media companies as they adapt to emerging technologies and shifting priorities. She remains optimistic about Reddit’s commitment to its community but is uncertain about the Collectible Avatars program’s direction.
