Reddit Self-Promotion Rules (How to Share Without Getting Removed)
Reddit is not anti-links—it’s anti-spam. The safest way to share anything is to be community-first: match the subreddit rules, add value in the post itself, and avoid repetitive link-dropping across multiple communities.
- Rule #1: follow the subreddit’s link policy (some are text-only).
- Rule #2: add value first (summary + discussion), link second.
- Rule #3: avoid repeating the same link/message across subreddits.
On this page
The mindset: “discussion-first”
Reddit communities reward posts that start a real conversation. If your post looks like an advertisement, people downvote it and moderators remove it. The safest approach is: teach something, share a checklist, or ask a specific question—and only then include a link if allowed.
Where self-promo rules usually live
- Sidebar rules: often says “no self-promo” or “limited promo”.
- Pinned posts / megathreads: “Weekly promo thread” is common.
- AutoModerator messages: removal notes often say what to change.
- Top posts format: the “unofficial standard” of what the community accepts.
If you’re unsure, do a quick scan using: How to Read Subreddit Rules Like a Pro.
The safe sharing checklist
- Confirm links are allowed (some subreddits are text-only).
- Choose the correct flair (missing flair is a common removal trigger).
- Write value first: add a short summary (3–5 bullets) inside the post.
- Make it discussion-first: end with one clear question.
- Avoid repetition: don’t post the same link/message across multiple subs.
- Be transparent if you have a connection to the link (disclosure builds trust).
Templates that feel native
Template 1: “I made a checklist” (safe + useful)
Template 2: “I tested X vs Y” (discussion-first)
Improve titles with: How to Write a Good Reddit Title
Mistakes that get removed
- Link-only posts with no summary
- Same link posted repeatedly
- Copy/paste across multiple subreddits
- Ignoring flair/title rules
- Text-first posts with useful bullets
- One subreddit at a time, tailored format
- Ask questions and reply to comments
- Use the correct flair
Next step
Read next: How to Avoid Temporary Blocks on Reddit.
FAQ
Is self-promotion always banned?
No. It depends on the subreddit. Many allow it in specific formats or threads. Always check local rules and pinned posts.
Should I post the same link in many subreddits?
That’s risky. Repetition is a common spam-filter trigger. Tailor your post to one community at a time.
What’s the safest way to include a link?
Provide real value in the post first (summary + question). Add the link only if the subreddit allows it.