Reddit’s WallStreetBets forum took GameStop stock to unfathomable heights last year, ushering in the meme stock era. Though the retail trading frenzy has dulled considerably, the best Reddit stocks remain as relevant as ever.

The site boasts a massive investing community and traders, with multiple subreddits dedicated to trading. Investors look to Reddit as a reputable source of investment advice due to the new trend.

Redditors have a bit of a choppy reputation in pushing stocks that are relevant purely on social media mentions instead of their fundamentals. However, as you read through, you’ll find the best Reddit stocks are some of the most familiar names in the investing world.

Retail traders have become savvy over the years and are bidding up some high-quality names on the stock market. Having said that, let’s look at seven of the best Reddit stocks you should invest in for long-term gains.

Apple (AAPL)

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is arguably the most innovative tech company that boasts a diverse ecosystem of products and services that work seamlessly to ensure better outcomes.

The smartphone giant is behind some of the most popular gadgets in history and continues to build on its success with new innovations.

Despite market headwinds, AAPL’s business has held up surprisingly well making it one of the best Reddit stocks to buy for the long term. Top and bottom-line growth is near historical averages, with its profitability metrics at record highs.

As we advance, the launch of the new iPhone will likely result in bumper quarters ahead. Analyst at Wedbush, Daniel Ives, estimates that approximately 240 million iPhone users haven’t upgraded their smartphones in the past 3.5 years, leading to incredible pent-up demand.

The market hasn’t priced in the upside from the monster iPhone 14 sales as AAPL stock trades at historic lows.

C3.ai (AI)

C3.ai (NYSE:AI) develops algorithms to efficiently optimize a firm’s operations, cut costs and detect fraud. These tools could be integrated into an existing infrastructure or accessed as a separate service.

It mainly serves large industrial customers, with energy giant Baker Hughes as its top customer.

Growth rates soared during the pandemic but since have slowed down drastically. It recently reported a relatively unimpressive first quarter earnings card, which showed a significant slowdown in top-line results.

However, the normalization in its growth rates was a given in a post-pandemic scenario while its growth runway remains intact. It can continue to grow double-digit margins for the next few years as the macroeconomic headwinds fade away. Moreover, with its stock down over 50% from last year, it’s arguably one of the best Reddit stocks to buy right now.

Gartner (IT)

Gartner (NYSE:IT) is one of the top tech research and consulting firms with an enviable track record of growing its revenue base.

It boasts a robust subscription model with strong renewal rates and a huge addressable market. According to the firm, its total addressable market is worth $55 billion but could be much bigger if we factor in its auxiliary units.

It makes more than 90% of its sales from subscription services, allowing for consistent and predictable cash flows.

In its most recent quarter, its sales were up $1.4 billion, beating consensus estimates by $52.5 billion and up an incredible 17.9% from the prior-year period.

Additionally, contract value was up $4.3 billion, up 15% from last year. Despite recent woes for most tech companies, Gartner is an anomaly. Moreover, it will continue to benefit from the acceleration of digital transformation as more businesses adopt new technologies.

23andMe (ME)

23andMe (NASDAQ:ME) is a company that specializes in the provision of genetic testing kits. It offers tests for health and research purposes offers multiple use-cases.

23andMe makes genetic sequencing more accessible to consumers allowing them to explore health benefits and risks. Additionally, it also offers research services for pharma companies for a fee. Hence, it’s a fascinating business with an interesting long-term growth runway.

Company fundamentals are improving, albeit at a sluggish pace. Its sales growth last year came in at 11%, generating $272 million.

Although it’s a strong number, it needs more time to reach its true potential. Sadly it finds itself in a tricky situation with investors shunning riskier stock options. Nevertheless, it’s a worthwhile wager at current price levels.

AMC Entertainment (AMC)

Theatre giant AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) is among the original meme stocks that shot to the moon last year.

Despite the surge in attendance numbers, it lost most of its gains from last year. In the past few quarters, its top line has grown by over triple-digit margins, with it benefitting from an incredible movie slate.

With a few big ticket releases in the coming months, it could potentially round up the year with considerable aplomb.

AMC did well to capitalize on the retail trading frenzy and raised a ton of cash. Despite the cash burn, it remains in a strong position to take advantage of the increase in movie-going.

It wrapped up the second quarter with an incredible $965 million in cash on its balance sheet. Therefore it’s a considerably less risky investment than last year.

TravelCenters of America (TA)

TravelCenters of America (NASDAQ:TA) is a company operating a network of over 275 travel centers near major airports, highways, and cities across the U.S. It also operates big-box retail stores offering batteries, generators, truck accessories and other related items.

Company revenues took a major hit during the pandemic due to the drop in airport sales. However, it’s now back with a bang.

TA’s recent quarterly results show a tremendous 68% improvement in sales to $3.08 billion. Adjusted EBITDA increased 68.3% as passengers returned in droves. TSA checkpoint numbers have been mighty encouraging over the past several months, which indicates a strong outlook for TA stock.

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) 

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the world’s most popular benchmark index, the S&P 500.

Needless to say, it’s been a torrid year for the S&P 500 and SPY stock. Its second quarter was its worst showing in over two years. However, in the third quarter, the index stabilized to an extent, with a smaller loss.

The Federal Reserve’s rate hikes have investors spooked. Nevertheless, the long-term case for SPY remains intact, and its resilience has me invested. Therefore, it presents itself as a contrarian trade at this time.

Virtually every SPY sector is down apart from the energy sector. The potential rebound will likely come from the more oversold sectors such as technology and communications.

The energy sector could actually lag as we potentially enter into an economic recession. The reality of strong interest rates is unlikely to change anytime soon; therefore, the short-term risk remains.

Still, SPY stock has lost a ton of value and presents itself as an interesting long-term option at current rates.

On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines