You join a subreddit. You have a question or something to share. You post. Two minutes later, your post is removed with a message: “Read the rules.”
It’s frustrating. But nine times out of ten, the rules were right there—you just didn’t know where to look.
Here’s where to find subreddit rules on desktop, mobile, and the official app. No fluff, no theory.
The short answer: three places, every time
Subreddit rules live in one of three places: the sidebar, the “About” tab, or a pinned post/wiki page. Every subreddit uses at least one of these. Many use two or three.
If you check all three before you post, you will almost never get a rule-removal message.
Why beginners miss the rules and get burned
Reddit’s interface changed over the years. The old desktop layout had a clear sidebar. The new layout, mobile site, and official app hide some of that information behind tabs and menus. Many beginners assume rules are optional or buried too deep to find.
They’re not. Moderators enforce them strictly. Ignorance is not accepted as an excuse.
Place 1: The sidebar (desktop)
On desktop, the sidebar is the column on the right side of the subreddit page. It usually contains:
- A short description of the subreddit
- A list of rules (often numbered)
- Links to related resources, wiki pages, or external sites
Example: In r/smallbusiness, the sidebar lists rules like “No self-promotion” and “No blog posts” right below the subscriber count. You can read them in under ten seconds.
On the new Reddit layout, the sidebar is still there—but it might be collapsed or hidden behind a “Community details” section. Click that section to expand it.
Place 2: The “About” tab (mobile and app)
On the official Reddit app and mobile browser, there is no visible sidebar. Instead, tap the “About” tab at the top of the subreddit page. This tab shows the subreddit description and rules.
Many users skip this tab entirely. They see the posts, scroll, and tap “Create post” without ever tapping “About.”
Don’t be that person. Tap “About” first. Read the rules. Then decide whether to post.
Place 3: Pinned posts and wiki pages
Some subreddits keep their detailed rules in a pinned post or a wiki page. This is common in larger, more moderated communities like r/askreddit or r/entrepreneur.
A pinned post is the first post you see when you open the subreddit. It’s usually green or highlighted. The title often says “Rules” or “Please read before posting.”
A wiki page is linked from the sidebar or the “About” tab. It contains the full rulebook, often with examples of what is and isn’t allowed.
If you only check the sidebar or “About” tab and don’t see clear rules, scroll down to the pinned posts. If there’s a pinned post that says “Rules and guidelines,” click it.
What to do when rules aren’t visible
Some subreddits have minimal or hidden rules. This happens for two reasons:
- The subreddit is new and the moderators haven’t written rules yet.
- The subreddit uses a private or custom rule system that doesn’t appear in the default interface.
In that case, look at the pinned posts, check the wiki, or search the subreddit for the word “rules.” If nothing comes up, observe a few posts and comments to understand the unwritten norms. Then proceed carefully.
Common mistakes beginners make
Mistake 1: Only checking rules on desktop. Many users view Reddit on mobile and miss the “About” tab entirely.
Mistake 2: Assuming rules are the same across subreddits. Each subreddit has its own rules. A rule in r/marketing might say “No affiliate links,” while r/business allows them in comments.
Mistake 3: Skipping the rules entirely because you saw a similar post. Just because another post was allowed doesn’t mean yours will be. Moderators enforce rules inconsistently sometimes, but that’s not a strategy to rely on.
Mistake 4: Not checking for subreddit requirements like minimum account age or karma. Some subreddits hide these in the rules or a separate wiki page. These requirements can block your post even if your content follows the rules.
Small checklist before you post or comment
Before you hit submit, confirm these things:
- [ ] Found the rules in the sidebar, “About” tab, or pinned post
- [ ] Read each rule carefully, not just the titles
- [ ] Checked for subreddit requirements like account age or karma
- [ ] Scrolled through a few recent posts to see enforcement in action
- [ ] If unsure, searched the subreddit for “rules” or “guidelines”
Practical takeaway
Finding subreddit rules isn’t hard once you know where to look. On desktop, check the sidebar. On mobile, tap the “About” tab. If those are empty, look for a pinned post or wiki page.
This three-step check takes thirty seconds and saves you from getting your post removed—or worse, banned.
If you want to research which subreddits fit your goals before you start posting, check our guide on how to evaluate community quality and activity levels. Knowing the rules is step one. Knowing whether a subreddit is worth your time is step two.
For this use case, practical proxy option for Reddit workflows should be compared by pricing, setup difficulty, support quality, refund policy, and whether it fits your workflow.
FAQ
Q: What if the subreddit has no visible rules at all?
A: Check pinned posts and the wiki first. If nothing exists, observe a few posts to understand unwritten norms, then post carefully.
Q: Do subreddit rules apply to comments too?
A: Yes. Many subreddits enforce rules for both posts and comments. Read the rules fully to see if they mention comments.
Q: Where are subreddit rules on the official mobile app?
A: Tap the “About” tab at the top of the subreddit page. The rules are listed there, usually below the description.
Q: Can I get banned for breaking a rule I didn’t see?
A: Yes. Moderators expect you to find and follow the rules, even if they’re not obvious. Always check the three places listed above.
Q: Do all subreddits have the same rules?
A: No. Each subreddit sets its own rules. Always check before posting in a new community.
