Unwritten Rules of Reddit: What You Should Know Before Posting

Reddit is one of the largest online communities, but unlike traditional social media, it operates under unique norms and etiquette. While the written rules vary by subreddit, there are several unwritten rules that seasoned Redditors follow. If you’re new to Reddit or want to avoid making common mistakes, here are some key things to keep in mind.

1. Using Emojis is a Reddit Faux Pas

Unlike other platforms where emojis are widely used, many Reddit users find excessive emoji use cringeworthy or unnecessary. While they aren’t banned, overusing them can make you stand out in a negative way. A simple rule? Use emojis sparingly in serious discussions.

2. Subreddits Have Their Own Culture

Reddit is not a single unified platform—it’s a collection of independent communities known as subreddits. Each subreddit has its own:
✅ Rules (some are strict, others are casual)
✅ Posting style (some allow memes, others prefer serious discussion)
✅ Community norms (what’s okay in one subreddit may get you banned in another)

🔹 Tip: Lurk first! Spend some time reading posts and comments to understand the tone and expectations before posting.

3. Mods Hold the Power (and Aren’t Always Fair)

Reddit moderators (mods) aren’t employees—they are volunteers who enforce subreddit rules. While most do a great job, some are known to be power-hungry and refuse to admit mistakes.

If you’re unfairly banned, you can appeal, but don’t expect success. Sometimes, it’s easier to move on than argue with mods.

4. Read the Rules—Seriously!

Each subreddit has a list of rules in the sidebar. Many users don’t read them and then wonder why their post was deleted.

🔹 Tip: Before posting, check the subreddit’s rules and FAQs. Some subreddits have specific formats for posts, and violating them could result in an instant ban.

5. Reddit Doesn’t Forget Your Past Posts

Unlike platforms like Instagram or Twitter, everything you post on Reddit is public forever—unless you delete it.

🔹 Some users go a step further and periodically delete their accounts and start fresh to avoid personal information being linked to them. If you’re concerned about privacy, consider doing the same.

6. Edits Don’t Always Help You

On Reddit, first impressions matter. If you make a post with missing details and try to clarify later in the comments, many users will ignore it and only judge the original post.

🔹 Tip: Think before you post! Make sure your original post includes all necessary details, as later comments may not save you from downvotes.

7. Don’t Fall for the “Social Media” Trap

Unlike Facebook or Instagram, Reddit isn’t about personal identity or followers. People don’t care about you as an individual—they care about the content and discussions within their chosen communities.

🔹 Think of subreddits like clubs: Just because they all exist on Reddit doesn’t mean they share the same culture. Each subreddit is its own world.

8. Reddit Ads Can Attach to Your Images

If you download an image from Reddit, an annoying Reddit ad may be attached to it. You can turn this off:

Go to Settings in the Reddit app.
Find the option “Turn off image attribution”.
Disable it to prevent ads from appearing on saved images.