What you are trying to do
You found a subreddit that fits your niche. You have something useful to share. But when you try to post, it gets removed immediately, or you see a message that your content was “filtered.”
That happens because the subreddit has specific requirements your account or post doesn’t meet. You need to find those requirements before you post, not after.
This guide shows you exactly how to check subreddit requirements so you can prepare your account and content the right way.
Before you start: what you need ready
- A Reddit account with some history (at least a few days old)
- A list of subreddits you want to post in
- A browser (desktop works best for viewing sidebars)
- Optional: a private browser window or a privacy-focused browser option for Reddit research to keep your research separate from your main browsing
Step 1: Read the official subreddit rules
Every subreddit has a sidebar with its rules. On desktop, it’s on the right side of the page. On mobile, tap “See more” at the top of the subreddit.
Look for these specific things in the rules:
– Minimum account age (e.g., “Account must be 30 days old”)
– Minimum karma (e.g., “100 comment karma required”)
– Post format restrictions (e.g., “Text posts only on weekdays”)
– User flair requirements (e.g., “You must set your flair before posting”)
– Link restrictions (e.g., “No shortened URLs” or “No self-promotion”)
Don’t skip this step. Many subreddits list their requirements directly in the rules, but you have to read carefully. Some bury the requirements in rule 8 or 9.
Step 2: Check for karma and account age requirements
Some subreddits don’t list karma or age requirements in their visible rules. Instead, they use AutoModerator to enforce them silently. Here’s how to find those hidden requirements:
- Search the subreddit for “karma” or “account age” using the subreddit search bar.
- Look for pinned posts or weekly threads that explain posting guidelines.
- Check the subreddit’s wiki page (often at
reddit.com/r/subredditname/wiki). - Read recent comments from moderators explaining why posts were removed.
Common thresholds you’ll find:
– 10-50 comment karma for small subreddits
– 100-500 comment karma for medium subreddits
– 500+ comment karma for large or strict subreddits
– 7-90 days account age depending on the subreddit
Remember: comment karma is often more useful than post karma for meeting these thresholds because it shows visible interaction inside discussions.
Step 3: Look for user flair and post flair requirements
Many subreddits require you to set a user flair before you can post. This is especially common in niche subreddits and business subreddits.
To check:
1. On the subreddit homepage, look for “Community options” on the right sidebar.
2. Click the pencil icon next to “User flair preview.”
3. See what flairs are available and whether one is required.
Post flair is different. Some subreddits require you to add a flair tag (like “Question” or “Discussion”) to your post before it goes live. If you skip this, the post might be removed automatically.
Step 4: Review submission restrictions
Some subreddits only allow certain post types or formats. Check these before you write your post:
- Post type: Can you post links, text, images, or videos? Some subreddits restrict certain types.
- Time restrictions: Some subreddits only allow posts on certain days (e.g., “Self-promotion Saturday”).
- Formatting rules: Some subreddits require specific title formats (e.g., “[Question] – Your question here”).
- Link restrictions: Some subreddits don’t allow external links unless you meet higher karma thresholds.
Check the subreddit rules again if you’re unsure. Many subreddits have a “Submission” section in their wiki.
Step 5: Test with a comment before your first post
Before you post, test the waters with a comment. This serves two purposes:
- It shows the moderators you’re engaged and not just dropping a link.
- It helps you see if your account is even visible in the subreddit.
If your comment is immediately removed or doesn’t show up (check in an incognito window), your account likely doesn’t meet the minimum requirements yet. Don’t try to post until your comment is visible.
Common blockers and fixes
| Blocker | Why it happens | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Post removed instantly | Account too new or low karma | Build comment karma in smaller subreddits first |
| “You need to set user flair” | Missing required flair | Set your flair in community options |
| Comment not visible | Shadowban or account age filter | Check your account status; wait a few days |
| “You can’t post here” | Subreddit is private or restricted | Find an alternative subreddit |
Practical example: meeting requirements for r/smallbusiness
Let’s say you want to post in r/smallbusiness. Here’s what you find when you check:
- Rules: Minimum 10 comment karma, account must be 7 days old
- Post type: Text posts only
- User flair: Not required
- Hidden requirement: Posts with external links get filtered if account is under 30 days old
Your account is 5 days old with 5 comment karma. You can’t post yet.
What you do: Spend 3-4 days commenting on r/entrepreneur and r/startups (similar subreddits with lower requirements). After 2 more days, your account is 7 days old and you have 15 comment karma. Now you can post a text post in r/smallbusiness. You don’t include an external link yet because your account is under 30 days.
Practical takeaway
Checking subreddit requirements before you post saves you time and frustration. The process is simple: read the rules, find hidden karma/age thresholds, check flair requirements, and test with a comment first. If you don’t meet the requirements, build karma in smaller subreddits and wait for your account to age. Skip the guesswork and check first.
FAQ
Q: How do I find hidden karma requirements that aren’t in the rules?
A: Search the subreddit for “karma” or “minimum.” Look at pinned posts, the subreddit wiki, and recent moderator comments explaining removals.
Q: What if my comment is visible but my post gets removed anyway?
A: Check the post type restrictions. Some subreddits allow comments freely but restrict posts until you have higher karma or account age. Try a text post first.
Q: How long does it usually take to meet subreddit requirements?
A: For most subreddits, 50-100 comment karma and a 14-30 day old account is enough. This can take 1-4 weeks depending on how active you are.
Q: Can I use a purchased account to skip waiting?
A: If you use a ready account, evaluate it by age, comment karma, and visible history. Even with a ready account, you still need to follow the subreddit’s specific rules and posting format.
Q: What if a subreddit has no visible requirements but my post is still removed?
A: Some subreddits use AutoModerator with secret thresholds. Try contacting the moderators (politely) and ask why your post was removed. Do not argue or repost.
