Reddit, which is often referred to as the "front page of the internet", allows anyone to post photos, links, videos or stories in a topic category, called subreddits.

OPINION: One of the most popular and contentious websites has just had a makeover to make it more appealing to the average reader.

Reddit, which is often referred to as the "front page of the internet", allows anyone to post photos, links, videos or stories in a topic category, called subreddits.

At first glance, the site is a bit of a mess, which is why the company has spent the past 18 months redesigning it to make it more enticing to first-time users.

Most of the changes focus on making it more visually attractive and easier to navigate. And while new users may find it easier, Reddit's notoriously critical fans probably won't, which is why the company is also keeping the original site running at old.reddit.com.

But while it's interface will be more user-friendly, it's content won't be.

READ MORE: A list of the saddest things ever has been compiled on Reddit

Almost anything goes on Reddit so be prepared to come across racism and other forms of hate speech. Its policy is to allow the Reddit community to set its own rules.

STUFF Blayne Slabbert: "It's a place to both tap into the zeitgeist and to find out the most obscure fact about whatever subject you can think of."

Its chief executive Steve Huffman recently said "open racism, including slurs" was okay on the site. However, it does draw a line for some behaviour, such as evidence of direct threats or incitement of violence.

Don't let this put you off though. Reddit is a fascinating look at internet culture and home to many fervent fans of nearly any topic you can imagine. It's also where many memes first start.

It's a place to both tap into the zeitgeist and to find out the most obscure fact about whatever subject you can think of.

However, it does take a while to learn its quirks. Each post is voted on so the best content rises to the top. Redditors are notoriously anti-marketing so you won't find any products or services being promoted by companies.

You will find a lot of AMAs (ask me anything) where anyone from movie stars, presidents, cult members and tech support workers answer questions from readers. These can give you an unsanitised insight into a world or an experience that's hard to find elsewhere.

Also, comments on posts are worth reading. Unlike comments on many news stories, these can be informative and often more exciting than the original post.

As an internet destination, Reddit is entering its adult years. It's dressing a bit smarter and putting on a more acceptable face to the world. However, it still maintains and edginess and rawness that makes is a must-visit site, even for newcomers.

