You want to post in a subreddit, but your posts keep getting removed or you see a “you need more karma” message. The solution isn’t to guess or spam—it’s a predictable process. Here’s how to handle subreddit karma requirements step by step.
Before you start: what you need ready
– A Reddit account with at least a few days of age (some subreddits check account age alongside karma).
– A clear idea of which subreddit you want to post in.
– The subreddit’s public rules page open in a browser tab.
– A tool or method to check your own karma (your Reddit profile shows both post karma and comment karma).
Step 1: Find the subreddit’s explicit karma requirement
Most subreddits list their karma requirements in the sidebar or in a pinned “rules” post. Look for phrases like:
– “Minimum 100 comment karma to post”
– “Account must be 30 days old and have 500 combined karma”
– “No karma requirement, but low-karma accounts may be filtered”
If you don’t see it on the sidebar, check the “About” tab on mobile. Some subreddits hide requirements in a wiki page—look for a link that says “requirements” or “automod settings.”
Step 2: Check the hidden requirement (automod)
Many subreddits use AutoModerator to silently remove posts from accounts that don’t meet a karma threshold. You won’t see this on the rules page. To find it:
– Search the subreddit for “automod” or “karma threshold” using Reddit’s search bar.
– Look at recent posts from new users—if they all have low karma and zero comments, the automod is likely removing them.
– Check sites like RedditList or KarmaDecay that aggregate subreddit requirements (but these are not always up to date).
A practical way to test: leave a comment in the subreddit. If the comment is visible and gets replies, your account is likely above the automod threshold. If it disappears immediately, you’re below it.
Step 3: Check your current karma
Go to your Reddit profile. You’ll see two numbers: “Post Karma” and “Comment Karma.” Some subreddits require combined karma, others only comment karma. Note both numbers.
If you’re using an older account with low karma, don’t assume it’s useless. Many subreddits value account age. A 2-year-old account with 50 karma is sometimes more trusted than a 1-week-old account with 500 karma.
Step 4: Build the right type of karma
This is where most people go wrong. You need the right kind of karma for the subreddit you’re targeting.
- Comment karma is more useful for most subreddits because it shows you’ve participated in discussions, not just posted links or memes. If you’re targeting a serious niche like r/smallbusiness or r/startups, spend time making thoughtful comments in those communities first.
- Post karma still matters in some subreddits, especially visual or content-driven ones. But don’t prioritize it over comment karma unless you know the subreddit specifically requires it.
How to build comment karma safely:
– Find niche subreddits related to your interest. For example, if your goal is to post in r/marketing, start commenting in r/digitalmarketing, r/content_marketing, or r/seo.
– Write helpful, specific replies. Avoid one-liners like “great post” or “I agree.”
– Aim for 5 to 10 quality comments per day over a week. That’s usually enough to reach 100–200 comment karma.
Step 5: Test with a low-risk post
Before you post your main content, test the subreddit with a low-stakes post. For example:
– A text post asking a genuine question.
– A link to a neutral resource (not self-promotional).
– A comment on an existing post.
If the post stays visible for 30 minutes and doesn’t get removed, you’ve likely met the karma requirement. If it gets removed without explanation, you probably haven’t.
Common blockers and how to fix them
| Blocker | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Post removed instantly | Below karma threshold | Build more comment karma in related subreddits |
| Post visible but no engagement | Low account age or lack of subreddit-specific history | Wait a few days, then try again |
| No visible removal message | Automod is removing silently | Test with a comment first |
| Message says “you need more karma” | Explicit requirement not met | Check the sidebar for exact numbers |
Practical example: from blocked to posting in r/nichesub
Let’s say you want to post in r/smallbusiness about your new local coffee shop. You try to post and get an instant removal message: “Your account needs 100 comment karma to post here.”
Your current account: 2 weeks old, 15 post karma, 8 comment karma.
Step-by-step fix:
1. You go to r/coffee and r/barista—related niche subreddits where you actually know something.
2. You spend 3 days leaving detailed comments: how you source beans, your favorite espresso machine, tips for new shop owners.
3. After 3 days, your comment karma reaches 120.
4. You go back to r/smallbusiness and post a text question: “What’s the biggest mistake you made in your first year?” It stays visible and gets 10 replies.
5. You now have access to the subreddit. Your next post can be about your shop.
Quick checklist
– [ ] Read the subreddit rules and sidebar for explicit karma requirements.
– [ ] Search the subreddit for automod thresholds.
– [ ] Check your own post karma and comment karma.
– [ ] If below threshold, spend 3–7 days building comment karma in related niche subreddits.
– [ ] Test with a low-risk comment or question post.
– [ ] Only then post your main content.
Practical takeaway
Subreddit karma requirements are not random. They follow a pattern: explicit rules, hidden automod settings, and community-specific trust signals. The fastest way to meet them is to build comment karma in related subreddits, not to spam random posts. Focus on quality contributions in your niche, and the karma will come naturally. Once you understand how to subreddit karma requirements work, you can approach any subreddit with a clear plan instead of guessing.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if a subreddit has a hidden karma requirement?
A: The most reliable method is to leave a test comment. If it disappears immediately or gets removed by AutoModerator, the subreddit likely has a hidden threshold. You can also search the subreddit for posts about “automod karma” or check community wikis.
Q: Can I meet karma requirements by posting in large general subreddits like r/AskReddit?
A: Yes, but it’s not always efficient. Large subreddits have high competition, and your comments may not get seen. It’s better to target mid-sized niche subreddits related to your interest, where thoughtful comments are more likely to get upvoted.
Q: What if I meet the karma requirement but my post still gets removed?
A: This can happen if your account is too new (some subreddits have separate age requirements) or if your post contains links or keywords that trigger automod. Check the subreddit rules for specific restrictions on link posts or self-promotion.
Q: How much comment karma do I need for most subreddits?
A: It varies widely. Some subreddits require as little as 10 comment karma, while others require 500 or more. For business subreddits, 100–200 comment karma is a common threshold. Always check the specific subreddit’s rules first.
Q: Does post karma help as much as comment karma?
A: Not usually. Comment karma is more trusted because it shows you’ve participated in discussions. Post karma can be earned from low-effort posts or reposts. Most subreddits that require karma look for comment karma specifically, though some consider combined karma.
