How to Post on Reddit Without Getting Downvoted (Etiquette + Examples)
Downvotes usually come from tone, low effort, or rule mismatch. Use these etiquette principles and examples to earn helpful replies instead of backlash.
Quick answer (snippet-friendly)
- Add context: show what you tried and what happened.
- Be specific: ask one clear question.
- Match the community: tone + format + flair.
On this page
Why people downvote
- Low effort: “Help pls” with no details.
- Wrong place: off-topic or megathread-only posts.
- Bad tone: aggressive, entitled, or dismissive replies.
- Spam vibe: repetition, links, copy/paste.
Etiquette rules that work
Do this
- Write a short context paragraph
- Use bullets for what you tried
- Ask one clear question
- Thank people and reply calmly
Avoid this
- Vague posts
- Demanding tone
- Arguing with everyone
- Posting the same thing everywhere
Before/after examples
Bad: “Why doesn’t this work???”
Better: “Why does [issue] happen when [context]? What should I try next?”
Bad: “Any tips?”
Better: “I tried A/B/C, result is X. I’m aiming for Y. What would you do next?”
Bad: “My link”
Better: “Summary first + optional link (only if allowed)”
Better: “Why does [issue] happen when [context]? What should I try next?”
Bad: “Any tips?”
Better: “I tried A/B/C, result is X. I’m aiming for Y. What would you do next?”
Bad: “My link”
Better: “Summary first + optional link (only if allowed)”
Next step
Read next: Reddiquette: Posting & Commenting Etiquette.
FAQ
Do downvotes mean I’m shadowbanned?
Not necessarily. Downvotes often come from low effort or wrong subreddit fit. Shadow visibility looks like posts not appearing at all.
Should I delete a downvoted post?
If it’s breaking rules or attracting conflict, yes. Otherwise, improving your approach next time is usually better.
What’s the #1 way to reduce downvotes?
Add context and ask a specific question. People downvote vague posts far more than they realize.