Reddit is a network of thousands of topic-based communities called subreddits, where people post links, questions, and discussions and vote them up or down. Once you understand subreddits, upvotes, and comments, it becomes an easy place to follow your interests and join conversations.
What you'll need
- A web browser or the Reddit app
- An email address (to create an account)
Step by step
- Create an accountGo to reddit.com or open the app and sign up with an email address. You can browse without an account, but you need one to post, comment, or vote.
- Find communities to joinUse the search bar to look up topics you like, such as cooking or a favorite show. Each result starting with 'r/' is a subreddit. Tap 'Join' to add it to your feed.
- Read the community rulesOpen a subreddit's About section or sidebar. Each community sets its own rules for what you can post, and breaking them can get posts removed.
- Upvote and downvoteUse the arrows next to a post or comment to push good content up or unhelpful content down. This voting shapes what everyone sees.
- Comment and postReply to a thread using the comment box, or create your own post with the 'Create Post' button, choosing which subreddit it goes in.
- Customize your home feedYour home feed blends posts from communities you joined. Sort by Hot, New, or Top to change what surfaces, and revisit Popular or All to discover more.
Handy tips
- Lurk and read a community for a while before posting, so you learn its tone and rules.
- Search a subreddit before asking a common question, since it may already be answered.
- Check the sidebar for pinned guides, which many communities use to welcome newcomers.
FAQ
What does 'upvote' actually do?
An upvote raises a post or comment's score, helping it rank higher and reach more people. Downvotes do the opposite.
What is karma on Reddit?
Karma is a running tally of the upvotes your posts and comments have received. It carries no cash value but signals your track record, and some communities require a minimum to post.
Do I have to use my real name?
No. Reddit usernames are pseudonymous, and most people use a nickname rather than their real identity.