Most new users don’t get banned because they broke Reddit’s terms of service. They get posts removed because they didn’t read the rules of the specific subreddit they posted in.
Reddit is not one website with one rulebook. Every community has its own rules. If you post a meme in a serious discussion subreddit, it gets removed. If you post a link in a subreddit that only allows text posts, it gets removed. If you post without enough karma, it gets removed.
Here is how to actually follow rules on Reddit without getting frustrated.
Before You Start: What You Need
- A Reddit account with some age (at least a few days old for most subreddits)
- At least a small amount of comment karma (10-20 is usually enough to start)
- A clear idea of what you want to post and where
If you don’t have these yet, focus on building a basic account first. Read our Reddit account setup guide to get started.
Step 1: Find the Subreddit Rules Before You Post
Every subreddit has a rules section. You can find it in three places:
- Sidebar – On desktop, the rules are usually on the right side of the page. On mobile, tap “See community info” at the top.
- Rules widget – Some subreddits show rules as numbered icons near the top of the sidebar.
- Wiki page – Larger subreddits often have a dedicated wiki with detailed rules. Look for a “Wiki” or “About” tab.
Do not skip this step. If you cannot find the rules in 30 seconds, the subreddit probably has very few rules, but check anyway.
Step 2: Read the Rules Like a Contract
Don’t skim. Read each rule carefully. Ask yourself:
- Does this subreddit allow links?
- Do I need to use a specific title format (e.g., a tag like [Question] or a keyword)?
- Is self-promotion banned?
- Are there restrictions on certain topics or sources?
Some rules are obvious (“No spam”). Others are specific (“All titles must be in the form of a question”). Rule violations are the most common reason for post removal.
Step 3: Check Karma and Account Age Requirements
Many subreddits automatically remove posts from accounts that are too new or have too little karma. This is called a karma threshold.
You can usually find these requirements in the rules or in a pinned post. Some subreddits share them publicly. Others keep them hidden to prevent spammers.
If you cannot find the threshold, assume you need at least 50 comment karma and an account at least one week old. See our Reddit karma guide for specific strategies to build karma safely.
Step 4: Understand Site-Wide Rules vs. Subreddit Rules
Reddit has a few site-wide rules that apply everywhere:
- No harassment or hate speech
- No posting personal information (doxxing)
- No spam
- No vote manipulation
- No content that violates laws (e.g., copyrighted material)
These are enforced by Reddit admins. Breaking them can get your entire account suspended.
Subreddit rules are additional rules set by the moderators of that community. They can ban specific topics, require certain post formats, or restrict posting hours. Breaking subreddit rules gets your post removed or earns you a temporary ban from that community.
Always follow both layers. Ignorance of subreddit rules is not an excuse.
Step 5: Test Your Understanding with a Small Comment
Before posting your main content, leave a comment in the subreddit. This serves two purposes:
- You confirm the subreddit is active and your account can participate.
- You see how the community reacts to your presence.
If your comment gets removed for breaking rules, learn from the removal message. Adjust your approach before posting.
Step 6: Post Your Content Following Every Rule
When you are ready to post:
- Use the exact title format required
- Include any required tags or flairs
- Do not include links if links are banned
- Keep your post relevant to the subreddit’s topic
After posting, monitor your post for the first hour. If it gets removed, read the removal message carefully. Most removal messages tell you exactly which rule you broke.
Common Blockers and How to Fix Them
- Post removed without explanation – Message the moderators politely and ask what rule you broke.
- Post removed for “low karma” – Build more comment karma in larger, less strict subreddits first.
- Post removed for “wrong format” – Check the rules again for title or flair requirements.
- Account too new – Wait a few days or build account age by commenting in other subreddits.
Practical Example: Posting in r/SmallBusiness
- Open the subreddit. On mobile, tap “See community info.” Rules include: “No self-promotion,” “Use the [Question] tag in titles,” and “Minimum 50 comment karma.”
- You have 60 comment karma and an account that is two weeks old. You pass the karma and age check.
- You write a post titled “[Question] How do you handle inventory for a small retail store?”
- You do not include links to your own store. You post.
- The post stays visible. You follow up by replying to comments.
If you had posted a link to your store’s blog, it would have been removed for self-promotion.
Checklist for Following Reddit Rules
- [ ] Found the subreddit rules in the sidebar or wiki
- [ ] Read every rule and understood it
- [ ] Checked karma and account age requirements
- [ ] Left a test comment first
- [ ] Used the correct title format and flair
- [ ] Did not include banned content (links, self-promotion, etc.)
- [ ] Monitored the post after publishing
Final Takeaway
Reddit rules are not hidden. They are published in every subreddit. The most common mistake is not reading them. The second most common mistake is not believing they apply to you.
Before you post, find the rules. Read them. Follow them. If you do this consistently, you will rarely have a post removed.
For a deeper understanding of how Reddit communities work, read our subreddit rules guide. If you are just starting out, our Reddit privacy basics guide will help you protect your identity while participating.
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FAQ
Q: What happens if I break a subreddit rule accidentally?
A: Your post or comment will be removed. You may receive a warning or a temporary ban depending on the severity. Read the removal message and avoid repeating the mistake.
Q: Can I appeal a post removal?
A: Yes. Politely message the moderators. Explain that you did not intend to break the rule and ask if you can repost correctly. Do not argue or demand reinstatement.
Q: Do all subreddits have karma requirements?
A: No, but many do. Larger subreddits and topic-specific communities often use karma thresholds to filter spam. Smaller or newer subreddits may have none.
Q: How do I find hidden karma requirements?
A: Use a tool like r/NewToReddit to test, or simply try posting. If your post is removed for low karma, you know the threshold exists. Build more karma and try again.
Q: Can I post the same content in multiple subreddits?
A: Possibly, but check each subreddit’s rules. Crossposting is allowed in some communities and banned in others. Posting the same link in many subreddits at once looks like spam.
