What you want to do
You want to post on Reddit without getting your content removed, your account banned, or your future posts automatically filtered. The problem is that “what is not allowed on Reddit” changes depending on where you post. Reddit has site-wide rules that apply everywhere, and each subreddit has its own additional restrictions. If you post something that violates either set, your content disappears, and sometimes you don’t even get a notification.
This guide shows you exactly how to check what is not allowed on Reddit before you hit submit. You will learn where to find the rules, how to interpret them, and what to do if you are unsure.
What you need before you start
- A Reddit account (even a new one works for reading rules)
- The URL of the subreddit where you want to post
- 5–10 minutes to read the rules before you write anything
- A clear idea of what you want to post (link, text, image, question)
Step 1: Read the Reddit Content Policy
The Reddit Content Policy is the foundation. It lists things that are not allowed anywhere on the platform. These include:
- Harassment, bullying, or threatening others
- Posting personal or confidential information (doxxing)
- Spam, including excessive self-promotion or link dropping
- Content that violates copyright or intellectual property laws
- Content that is illegal in most jurisdictions (e.g., buying/selling controlled substances)
You can find the full policy at reddit.com/policies/content-policy. Read it once so you know the hard boundaries. If your post violates any of these, it will be removed site-wide, and your account may be suspended.
Step 2: Find and read the specific subreddit rules
Every subreddit has its own rules. They are usually listed in the sidebar on desktop, or under “About” on mobile. These rules are more detailed than the site-wide policy. Common subreddit-specific restrictions include:
- Minimum account age (e.g., 30 days old)
- Minimum comment karma (e.g., 50 karma)
- No links to certain domains (e.g., no shortened URLs)
- No self-promotion except in a weekly thread
- Specific formatting requirements (e.g., flair required)
Do not assume two subreddits in the same topic have the same rules. A photography subreddit might allow self-promotion once a week, while another might ban it entirely. Always check.
Step 3: Check for hidden rules in the subreddit sidebar, wiki, and pinned posts
Not all rules are visible at first glance. Some subreddits have additional guidelines in their wiki, a pinned “welcome” post, or a FAQ section. This is where you often find unwritten expectations like:
- “We remove posts that are low-effort or have been asked recently.”
- “Do not mention competing subreddits.”
- “Use the report button, don’t call out rule breakers in comments.”
To find these, scroll through the sidebar completely. Click the “wiki” or “FAQ” link if it exists. Check the top two pinned posts. If you still cannot find the rules, browse the subreddit for 10 minutes and look at posts that were removed by moderators (you will see [removed] or [deleted] in the title).
Step 4: Understand the three types of bans you can get
Knowing what happens when you break a rule helps you avoid it.
| Ban Type | Effect | Typical Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Post removal | Your post disappears but your account is fine | Minor rule violation, wrong flair |
| Subreddit ban | You cannot post or comment in that subreddit | Repeated violations in that community |
| Site-wide suspension | Your entire account is locked or shadowbanned | Violation of Reddit Content Policy |
A subreddit ban is common if you ignore the specific rules. A site-wide suspension is rare but serious. It often happens when you spam the same link across multiple subreddits or post illegal content.
Step 5: Use the search bar to test your content idea before posting
Before you post, search the subreddit for similar content. For example, if you want to ask “What software do you use for bookkeeping?” search that exact phrase plus the subreddit name. If you see that question was asked three days ago, your post will likely be removed as a duplicate.
This also helps you see what kind of posts get upvoted and what gets ignored. If every post with a link to your type of website has zero comments and is downvoted, you know that type of content is not welcome there.
Common blockers and realistic fixes
| Blocker | Reason | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Post removed, no reason given | You violated a hidden rule | Check the subreddit wiki and pinned posts |
| Comment karma too low | Subreddit requires minimum karma | Build karma by commenting in other subreddits first |
| Link post not allowed | Subreddit only allows text posts | Rewrite your post as a self-post with the link in the body |
| “You are doing that too much” | New account or low karma | Wait a few minutes, or switch to a different subreddit |
If you are unsure why a post was removed, send a polite modmail to the subreddit moderators. Use the “Message the mods” button in the sidebar. Do not argue. Just ask which rule your post violated.
Practical example: a new user wants to share a link in r/smallbusiness
You run a small business and found a great template for invoices. You want to share it in r/smallbusiness. Here is what you do before posting:
- Open the subreddit sidebar. You see Rule 3: “No self-promotion except in the weekly Self-Promotion Saturday thread.”
- You check the pinned posts. The top post is the current Self-Promotion Saturday thread.
- You search the subreddit for “invoice template”. You see two posts from last month with the same link. One was removed. The other was ignored.
- You decide to post a text question instead: “What invoice templates do you use?” and mention your find in the comments if someone asks.
Result: Your post stays up because you followed the rules and avoided self-promotion.
Checklist: what to check before every post
- [ ] I have read the Reddit Content Policy recently.
- [ ] I have read the specific subreddit rules in the sidebar.
- [ ] I have checked the subreddit wiki and pinned posts for additional guidelines.
- [ ] I have searched the subreddit for similar content to avoid duplicates.
- [ ] My account meets the subreddit’s minimum age and karma requirements.
- [ ] My post does not contain spam, self-promotion (unless allowed), or prohibited links.
Final takeaway
Knowing what is not allowed on Reddit is not complicated, but it requires effort before you post. Read the site-wide policy once. Read the subreddit rules every time. Check for hidden rules. Search before you submit. That simple workflow will prevent 90% of post removals and bans. Spend five minutes checking before you post, and you will save yourself hours of frustration later.
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FAQ
Q: What is the most common reason posts get removed on Reddit?
A: Violating subreddit-specific rules, especially self-promotion or posting without required flair. Most removals are not site-wide policy violations.
Q: Can I post the same link in multiple subreddits?
A: Yes, but if you do it too quickly or without adding value to each community, it will be flagged as spam. Space your posts out and tailor each one to the subreddit.
Q: How do I know if a subreddit has a minimum karma requirement?
A: Check the sidebar, wiki, or pinned posts. If it is not listed, you can test by attempting to post. If your post is removed automatically, you likely do not meet the requirement.
Q: What should I do if my post is removed and I do not know why?
A: Send a polite message to the moderators via modmail. Ask which rule was violated and how you can fix your post. Do not argue or demand reinstatement.
Q: Are there any tools that help me check Reddit rules before posting?
A: No official tool exists. The best method is manual: read the rules, check the wiki, and search the subreddit for similar content.
