Reddit Rate Limits Explained
Rate limits are temporary restrictions that slow accounts down when activity looks too fast or too repetitive. They protect communities from spam and automation-like patterns. The best “fix” is simple: slow down and raise quality.
- What it is: temporary action limits on posting/commenting/voting.
- Top triggers: high speed, bursts, repetition, low-trust accounts.
- Safe recovery: cool down, reduce volume, and avoid reposting the same content.
On this page
What rate limits are
Rate limits are temporary limits that stop you from performing too many actions in a short period (posting, commenting, voting, etc.). They can be subreddit-specific (local filters) or account-wide (platform safety checks).
What triggers “You’re doing that too much”
- Posting multiple times quickly
- Commenting rapidly across threads
- Retrying immediately after removals
- Same message or link repeated
- Copy/paste comments
- Similar posts across multiple communities
- Very new accounts
- Low karma
- Little normal participation (only posting links)
- Wrong flair/title format
- Posting links where they aren’t allowed
How long rate limits can last
Duration varies by context. Some limits are short (minutes), while others can last longer if you keep repeating the same pattern. The key point: repeating actions immediately after a limit is triggered usually extends the problem.
Safe recovery steps
- Stop the action that triggered the limit (don’t keep retrying).
- Cool down and reduce activity for a while.
- Switch to value-first behavior: read, vote normally, leave a few high-quality comments.
- Fix format issues: flair/title/link policies (use How to Read Subreddit Rules Like a Pro).
- Resume slowly: one post, wait, engage in comments naturally.
Prevention checklist
- Spread activity across time (avoid bursts).
- Don’t copy/paste across threads.
- Use text-first posts with summaries (avoid link-only posts).
- Follow local rules (flair + title formats).
- If you get removals, fix the cause before reposting.
Next step
Read next: How Reddit Detects Suspicious Activity.
FAQ
Is a rate limit the same as a ban?
No. Rate limits are usually temporary. Bans/restrictions are more serious enforcement actions.
Why do new accounts hit limits faster?
New accounts have less trust history. Slow, natural participation helps build stability over time.
What’s the fastest way to recover?
Stop retrying, cool down, and resume slowly with higher-quality, non-repetitive actions.