Reddit Spam Filters Explained
Reddit uses automated filters to reduce spam and repetitive low-quality posting. Most people hit filters for simple reasons: repetition, high volume, or link-first posts with no context. This guide shows what commonly triggers filters and how to prevent it safely.
- Top trigger: copy/paste content across multiple threads or subreddits.
- Second trigger: posting too fast or too often (burst behavior).
- Best fix: slow down, add context, and follow local rules (flair/title/link policies).
On this page
What spam filters do (plain English)
Spam filters try to detect patterns that look automated, low-quality, or repetitive. They may remove a post, hide it from feeds, or require manual approval. The important point: filters often care more about patterns than your intent.
Most common triggers
- Same link posted repeatedly
- Same comment posted in many threads
- Same “template” text across subreddits
- Many posts/comments in a short time
- Rapid retries after removals
- Posting immediately after account creation
- Link-only posts without summary
- Very short posts that look like promos
- No clear question or useful detail
- Missing/incorrect flair
- Wrong title pattern
- Posting links where only text posts are allowed
If you’re unsure about rules/format, use: How to Read Subreddit Rules Like a Pro.
Prevention checklist (safe)
- Slow down: avoid posting in bursts. Spread activity over time.
- Stop copy/paste: rewrite comments so they fit each thread.
- Add context: 3–5 bullets summary inside the post beats link drops.
- Match local format: flair, title pattern, post type (text vs link).
- Engage naturally: reply to comments, ask follow-ups, be specific.
- After a removal: fix the issue first; don’t repost blindly.
If you think you got filtered: what to do
- Check for messages (AutoModerator/mod notes).
- Don’t spam retries—wait and adjust the post.
- Switch to text-first (summary + question) if links are risky.
- Ask mods politely with one short question: Modmail Templates.
Next step
Read next: How to Use Flair on Reddit (And Why It Gets Posts Removed).
FAQ
Can good content still get filtered?
Yes. Filters often react to patterns (repetition, bursts, link-first posts) even if the content is fine.
Should I delete and repost?
Not immediately. First diagnose the reason (rules/format/links) and fix it. Ask mods if unclear.
What’s the safest post type?
A text-first post with context and a clear question tends to be safest across many subreddits.