If you are new to Reddit, the first thing you see when you hit “create post” is a choice between a link post and a text post. Many beginners pick one without thinking and end up confused when their post gets removed or ignored.
Here is the short version: a link post sends people directly to an external website. A text post keeps people inside Reddit. Your choice decides how your content is seen, how the Reddit spam filter treats it, and whether your community allows it at all.
What is a Reddit link post?
A link post is exactly what it sounds like. You paste a URL, add a title, and your post becomes a clickable link. Reddit displays a preview image, the domain name, and sometimes a short snippet. Users click the title or the preview to leave Reddit and visit the linked page.
Link posts do not have a text body. You can add a comment after posting, but the post itself is just a title with a URL.
What is a Reddit text post?
A text post is a self-post. You write a title and then fill the body with whatever you want: questions, stories, guides, opinions, or even links inside the text. Unlike a link post, the content lives directly on Reddit.
You can include links inside a text post, but they are not the main focus. The post is about your words, not an external page.
Why the difference matters for beginners
On Reddit, the way you post affects whether your content stays up and whether people engage with it.
Subreddit rules often limit link posts. Many communities ban link posts entirely or only allow them on specific days. If you try to post a link in a subreddit that requires text posts, the Reddit spam filter will remove it, and a moderator may even mute you for not reading the rules.
Link posts look like self-promotion. Even if your link is genuinely useful, many Reddit users ignore link posts from new accounts because they assume it is spam. If you post too many links without participating in discussions first, your account may be flagged by the Reddit spam filter.
Text posts build trust. When you write a text post, you explain your reasoning, you show effort, and you invite discussion. People respond better to a well-written text post than to a bare link. This is especially important if you are asking the community for feedback, sharing advice, or starting a conversation about Reddit link posting .
Comment visibility on link posts is lower. Link posts tend to have fewer comments because users click through and leave. If your goal is to have a discussion or get answers, a text post almost always works better.
Practical steps: how to choose the right post type
Here is a simple decision flow for beginners:
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Check the subreddit rules first. Some subreddits only allow text posts. Others only allow links on weekends. Read the sidebar and pinned posts before you write anything.
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Use a text post if you have anything to say. If you are asking a question, sharing an experience, or giving advice, use a text post. Even if you want to share a link, consider putting it inside a text post with a short explanation.
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Use a link post only when the content is the link itself. A news article, a funny video, a sale page, a press release. If people just need to click and see, a link post is fine.
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If your account is new, avoid link posts for a while. New accounts get flagged by filters more easily. Build comment karma first by writing helpful comments in your niche. Then, when you do post a link, it looks less suspicious.
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When in doubt, choose text. You can always edit a text post to add a link later. You cannot turn a link post into a text post.
Common mistakes beginners make
Posting a link in a discussion subreddit. Subreddits like r/AskReddit, r/relationships, or r/explainlikeimfive do not want links. They want text discussions. Posting a link there gets you removed instantly.
Using a link post when you could use a text post with a link. If you want to share an article but also want to say why you are sharing it, write a text post and include the link in the body. This follows the self-promotion rules better and gives you room to explain yourself.
Ignoring the spam filter. The Reddit spam filter is aggressive with link posts from new or low-karma accounts. If your post is not showing up, check your account history. If you only have link posts and no Reddit comments , the filter will likely flag you.
Thinking a link post is the only way to share a link. You can paste a URL inside a text post. Reddit will not punish you for it. Many experienced users do this because it reduces the risk of removal.
Small checklist before you post
- [ ] Did I read the subreddit rules about post types?
- [ ] Does my post type match the community culture?
- [ ] If I am sharing a link, does a text post make more sense?
- [ ] Is my account old enough and active enough to post links?
- [ ] Have I contributed comments before posting?
- [ ] Did I include a clear title that explains the post?
If you answered no to any of these, reconsider your post type or delay posting until you have more activity.
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FAQ
Q: Can I put a link inside a text post?
A: Yes. You can paste URLs into a text post body. Reddit does not block this. Many users prefer text posts with links because it keeps the discussion on Reddit and avoids the spam filter.
Q: Which post type gets more engagement?
A: Text posts usually get more comments and discussion because they invite responses. Link posts get more clicks but fewer interactions. If you want conversation, choose text.
Q: Why was my link post removed immediately?
A: Most likely because the subreddit does not allow link posts, or your account does not have enough karma. Check the subreddit rules and consider posting a text post instead.
Q: Do I need comment karma to post links?
A: Some subreddits require a minimum karma to post links. Even if they do not, having comment karma makes your post look legitimate. Build karma by commenting before you post links.
Q: Can I edit a link post and change the URL?
A: No. Reddit does not allow editing the URL on a link post. You have to delete and repost. Text posts allow editing the body, including any links inside.
