You want to post in a specific subreddit, but your post gets removed instantly. No message, no explanation. The only clue is a vague “you don’t have enough karma” notice.
The truth is that how much karma do you need to post on Reddit is never the same number. It’s set individually by each subreddit’s moderators, and it’s often hidden. This guide shows you exactly how to find that number, test it, and meet it without guessing.
Before you start: what you need to know
Reddit karma is not one number. There are two types:
- Comment karma – earned from upvotes on your comments. This is often more useful for credibility and participation because it shows visible interaction inside discussions.
- Post karma – earned from upvotes on your own posts (links, images, text).
Most subreddits that have a minimum check either just comment karma, just post karma, or a combined total. A few check account age too. You need to know which one they care about before you try to post.
Step 1: Find the subreddit you want to post in
Pick one subreddit at a time. If you try to post in ten different communities with zero karma, you will get blocked in all of them.
Write down the exact subreddit name. For example, r/learnprogramming or r/smallbusiness.
Step 2: Check the subreddit rules for karma requirements
Open the subreddit on desktop or mobile web (not the official app). Look for the Rules section in the right sidebar. Many subreddits list their karma minimums here.
Common phrases to look for:
- “Minimum 10 comment karma to post”
- “Accounts must have 50 combined karma”
- “No posting until your account is 7 days old and has 20 comment karma”
If you see nothing in the sidebar, scroll down to the About tab on mobile.
Step 3: Check the subreddit pinned posts and wiki
Some subreddits hide their requirements in a pinned post or their wiki page.
Click the pinned post at the top of the subreddit. Look for a “FAQ” or “Rules” link inside it. If the subreddit has a wiki (usually a link in the top menu or sidebar), check the section called “Posting Requirements” or “New User Guide.”
Step 4: Send a test comment to check for auto-removal
This is the most direct method. Write a helpful, relevant comment in the subreddit. Not “nice post” – something that adds value.
After you post the comment, log out or open an incognito window, go to the same subreddit, and search for your comment. If you can’t see it, the automod removed it. That means you don’t meet their karma or age threshold.
If the comment stays visible and gets upvotes, you’re earning comment karma in that community. That’s a green light to try a post later.
Step 5: Use third-party tools to estimate thresholds
Some sites like RedditMetis or KarmaDecay can help you estimate a subreddit’s typical requirements. These tools analyze recent posts and show the average karma of successful posters. If every post in the last 24 hours is from accounts with 500+ karma, the threshold is probably high.
This is not a guarantee, but it gives you a realistic range.
Step 6: Build karma to meet the minimum (comment-first strategy)
If you don’t meet the requirement, don’t try to post anyway. You’ll get your account flagged.
Instead, use the comment-first strategy:
- Find 5–10 subreddits that have no karma minimum (r/CasualConversation, r/AskReddit, r/DAE, r/NoStupidQuestions).
- Write 3–5 helpful comments per day in each subreddit.
- Focus on answering questions, giving specific advice, or sharing relevant experience.
- Avoid copy-paste comments, emoji spam, or low-effort replies.
- Do this for 3–5 days. You should have 50–100 comment karma by then.
Once you have that, retry your target subreddit.
Common blockers and fixes
| Blocker | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Post removed instantly | Karma below threshold | Build more comment karma in low-barrier subs first |
| Comment removed but post not tried | Comment karma too low | Use the test comment method from Step 4 |
| Account too new (under 7 days) | Age filter | Wait. Nothing else works |
| Shadowban (all content invisible) | Suspicious activity or spam | Appeal to Reddit admins; do not create new accounts |
| “You are doing that too much” | Rate limiting | Wait 10–15 minutes between actions |
Practical example: finding and meeting a requirement in 30 minutes
Target subreddit: r/smallbusiness
- Opened the subreddit sidebar. No karma minimum listed.
- Checked the pinned post. Found a note: “Accounts must be 30 days old and have 50 comment karma to post.”
- My account was 10 days old with 12 comment karma.
- Went to r/EntrepreneurRideAlong and r/AskReddit, wrote 10 helpful comments over two days. Earned 45 comment karma.
- Waited 20 more days for the age requirement.
- On day 30, posted a question in r/smallbusiness. It stayed visible.
No shortcuts. Just checking the actual rule and building karma where it was easier.
Practical takeaway
You don’t need to guess how much karma do you need to post on Reddit. You check the subreddit rules, test with a comment, and if you’re below the threshold, build comment karma in open subreddits first. That’s the only reliable path.
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FAQ
Q: Can I see how much karma a specific user had when they posted?
A: Not directly, but tools like RedditMetis show the current karma of recent posters. If all posters have 500+ karma, the threshold is probably high.
Q: What if the subreddit doesn’t list a karma requirement anywhere?
A: Use the test comment method (Step 4). If your comment disappears, there is a hidden threshold. Try a different subreddit or build more karma first.
Q: Does post karma count the same as comment karma for most subreddits?
A: No. Most subreddits that check karma look specifically at comment karma because it shows real participation. A few check combined karma. Check the subreddit’s exact wording.
Q: How long does it take to build 50 comment karma?
A: 2–5 days if you write 3–5 helpful comments per day in active subreddits like r/AskReddit, r/CasualConversation, or niche communities you know well.
Q: Can I buy karma or use karma farming subreddits?
A: Avoid both. Reddit often bans accounts that use free karma subreddits or purchased upvotes. Real comment karma from genuine interactions is safer and more useful for long-term account reputation.
