Ban Evasion & Vote Manipulation Explained
These are two of the fastest ways to get restricted or banned on Reddit. This guide is compliance-focused: what the terms mean, common examples, and how to avoid accidental violations.
- Ban evasion: returning to a subreddit (or Reddit) to bypass a ban.
- Vote manipulation: trying to artificially influence votes or rankings.
- Best prevention: follow subreddit rules, don’t coordinate votes, and appeal bans properly.
On this page
Definitions (plain English)
Ban evasion
Ban evasion generally means trying to bypass a ban (especially a subreddit ban) by coming back in a way that ignores the ban. This is treated seriously because it breaks the community’s enforcement decision.
Vote manipulation
Vote manipulation generally means trying to artificially influence votes or rankings (upvotes/downvotes) rather than earning them naturally. This includes coordinated voting and any attempt to “game” visibility.
Common examples people get flagged for
- Rejoining a subreddit after being banned and posting again
- Encouraging someone else to post on your behalf to bypass a ban
- Repeatedly attempting to post after mod removal decisions
- Asking people to upvote/downvote specific posts
- Coordinating votes in groups/chats
- Using multiple accounts to influence voting
How to avoid violations (safe rules)
- Respect bans: if a subreddit bans you, don’t try to “get around” it.
- Don’t coordinate votes: never ask for upvotes or organize voting.
- Focus on value: discussions-first posts win long-term.
- Avoid repetitive posting: repetition often triggers filters and escalations.
- Follow local rules: read them fast: How to Read Subreddit Rules Like a Pro.
If you’re banned: what to do instead
- Stop posting in that subreddit (cool-down helps).
- Read the ban message and identify what rule was violated.
- Send one polite modmail asking for clarification or an appeal: How to Contact Moderators (Modmail Templates).
- Improve behavior elsewhere: post value-first content and avoid repetitive patterns.
Next step
Read next: Reddit Rate Limits Explained (Triggers + Safe Recovery).
FAQ
Can I appeal a subreddit ban?
Often yes. Use one short modmail, be polite, and ask what you should change going forward.
Is asking friends for upvotes okay?
That can be considered vote manipulation. The safest approach is to earn votes naturally through valuable contributions.
How do I reduce my risk of enforcement?
Avoid repetition, slow down posting, follow local rules, and don’t coordinate votes. See: Warning Messages Explained.