The short answer: Subreddit rules are usually in the sidebar on desktop, the “About” tab on mobile, or in a pinned post at the top of the subreddit. If you can’t find them, check the subreddit’s wiki or sort by “Hot” to see the pinned rule post.
Most beginners skip this step. Then they wonder why their post gets removed or their account gets muted. Finding the rules is not optional—it’s the first thing you should do before typing a single word.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Reddit has site-wide policies, but each subreddit is its own community with its own rules. A post that’s welcome in one subreddit might get you banned in another. The rules tell you:
- What content is allowed
- What formatting is required
- Whether you need minimum karma or account age
- How to properly cite sources or share links
Missing the rules isn’t just annoying. It’s the fastest way to get your post removed, lose karma, or get permanently banned from a subreddit you wanted to participate in. For anyone doing subreddit research, reading rules first separates wasted effort from actual progress.
Method 1: The Sidebar (Desktop)
This is the most obvious place, but it’s easy to overlook if you’re used to other social platforms.
On desktop:
1. Open the subreddit (e.g., reddit.com/r/marketing)
2. Look to the right side of the page
3. Scroll down slightly—you’ll see a box labeled “Rules”
Some subreddits list rules as bullet points. Others use numbered lists. A few show only icons with short labels. Click or hover over each rule to see the full description.
Real example: In r/smallbusiness, the sidebar shows rules like “No self-promotion” and “No referral links.” Each rule expands when you click it to explain what counts as self-promotion.
Method 2: The “About” Tab (Mobile)
The Reddit app hides rules differently. Here’s how to find them:
- Tap the subreddit name at the top of any post
- You’ll land on the subreddit’s main page
- Tap the “About” tab (usually next to “Posts” or “Feed”)
- Scroll down—rules are listed here
On the official app, the “About” tab also shows the subreddit’s description, moderators, and sometimes karma requirements. This is also where you’ll find subreddit requirements like minimum account age.
Common trap: Some apps (like third-party Reddit browsers) don’t show the “About” tab. Always check on the official app or desktop if you’re unsure.
Method 3: Pinned Posts and Wiki
Some subreddits don’t put rules in the sidebar at all. Instead, they pin a post at the top of the subreddit that contains all the rules.
To find pinned posts:
– Sort by “Hot” (this is the default)
– Look at the first 2-3 posts—they usually have a green “MOD” or “Sticky” tag
– Open them and read carefully
Other subreddits use their wiki for detailed rules. You’ll find a link to the wiki in the sidebar or “About” tab. Wikis are especially common in niche subreddits where rules are complex and need explanation.
Example: r/entrepreneur has a detailed wiki explaining why certain business posts get removed and how to format your submission correctly. The sidebar only shows a summary.
What to Do When Rules Aren’t Visible
Sometimes rules truly aren’t displayed. This happens in:
– New subreddits that haven’t set up rules yet
– Private subreddits you haven’t been approved for
– Subreddits that rely on “common sense” moderation
What to do:
1. Search the subreddit for “rules” or “guidelines” using the subreddit’s search bar
2. Look at the subreddit’s oldest posts to see what moderators removed or approved
3. Read comments on existing posts to understand the tone and expectations
4. Send a polite message to the moderators asking for clarification
If a subreddit has no visible rules and you can’t find any guidance, proceed carefully. Start with a comment instead of a post. Watch how others interact before contributing.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Mistake 1: Assuming all subreddits work the same
Just because r/marketing allows promotional links doesn’t mean r/smallbusiness does. Each subreddit’s rules are independent.
Mistake 2: Reading rules only once
Subreddit rules change. Moderators update them. Always re-check before posting if it’s been a few weeks since you last read them.
Mistake 3: Ignoring formatting rules
Some subreddits require specific title formats like “[Question]” or “[Discussion]”. If you skip this, your post gets removed automatically.
Mistake 4: Skipping the “why” behind the rules
Rules exist for a reason. If a subreddit bans “low-effort content,” don’t just post a link—explain why it matters. Understanding the intent keeps you from getting banned even when you technically follow the letter of the rules.
Small Checklist Before You Post
- [ ] Located the rules (sidebar, About tab, or pinned post)
- [ ] Read all rules fully, not just the titles
- [ ] Checked if there are karma or account age requirements
- [ ] Looked for formatting requirements in the rules or wiki
- [ ] Scanned the last 5-10 posts to see what’s actually being approved
- [ ] If unsure, searched the subreddit for “rules” or “guidelines”
- [ ] If still unsure, sent a brief modmail asking for clarification
Practical Takeaway
Finding subreddit rules is a three-step habit: check the sidebar (desktop) or About tab (mobile), look for pinned posts, and if still unclear, search the subreddit or ask the mods. Do this before every single post, even in subreddits you’ve used before. Rules change. Communities evolve. And one missed rule can cost you access to a subreddit you spent weeks researching.
Make rule-checking your default. It takes thirty seconds and saves you hours of frustration.
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FAQ
Q: What if a subreddit has rules but they’re in a language I don’t understand?
A: Use Reddit’s built-in translation feature (on desktop, right-click and translate). Failing that, search for a similar subreddit in your language or ask in the comments if anyone can summarize the rules.
Q: Can I post in a subreddit without reading the rules?
A: You can, but you risk immediate post removal, a ban, or a mute. Most moderators remove posts that break rules, even if you claim you didn’t know them.
Q: Do subreddit rules apply to comments too?
A: Yes. Many subreddits have separate rules for comments, often about civility, self-promotion, or spam. Always check before commenting.
Q: How do I find rules on old Reddit?
A: Old Reddit shows rules in the sidebar on the right, just like the new design. If rules aren’t visible, click the “wiki” link in the top navigation bar.
Q: What if I can’t see rules on the app at all?
A: Switch to desktop view in your mobile browser, or use the official Reddit app. Third-party apps often hide the “About” tab.
