Subreddit Rules Checker

Why Checking Subreddit Rules Before Posting Is Non-Negotiable

Every subreddit on Reddit operates as its own community with its own set of rules. Posting without reading those rules is one of the fastest ways to get your content removed, your account flagged, or yourself permanently banned from a community you need access to. For anyone using Reddit for marketing or brand building, understanding the rules is not optional. It is the foundation of every successful post.

Common Rules That Catch Marketers Off Guard

Most marketers understand the obvious rules: no spam, no hate speech, no illegal content. The rules that cause problems are the subtle ones.

Self-promotion limits are the most common trap. Many subreddits enforce a ratio, typically no more than 10% of your posts and comments should link to your own content. Some subreddits ban self-promotion entirely. Others require you to have a minimum amount of community participation before you can share anything related to your own product or service.

Flair requirements trip up new posters frequently. Some subreddits require every post to have a specific flair tag, and posts without one are automatically removed.

Minimum account age and karma thresholds are increasingly common, especially in larger subreddits. Your account may need to be 30, 60, or even 90 days old with a certain amount of karma before you can post.

Formatting rules vary widely. Some subreddits require specific title formats, ban certain link types, or only allow text posts on specific days.

Reading Between the Lines

The written rules tell you what is explicitly banned. The culture of a subreddit tells you what is implicitly expected. Spend time reading top posts and comments before you contribute. Notice how the community reacts to promotional content, what types of posts get upvoted, and how moderators respond to borderline content.

A subreddit's rules might not explicitly ban product launches, but if the community consistently downvotes anything that looks like an ad, the effect is the same.

How to Share Promotional Content Without Breaking Rules

The most effective approach is to lead with genuine value. Share knowledge, answer questions, and contribute to discussions before you ever mention your product. When you do share something promotional, frame it around the value it provides to the community rather than the features it offers you.

Transparency also matters. Reddit users are skilled at detecting hidden marketing. Being upfront about your connection to a product while providing real value earns far more respect than trying to disguise a promotion as organic content.

RedShip's subreddit rules checker above gives you an instant summary of any subreddit's rules so you can avoid costly mistakes before you post.