I’ve been using Reddit since 2018, and even back then, it was changing faster compared to other social platforms, like Facebook, Quora, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The site had just redesigned itself after nearly a decade, while adding a clean new layout and a rich text editor that made posting easier than ever.
Communities were coming up, from gamers swapping tips and memes to skincare lovers sharing routines. Sure, it had its controversies, but Reddit was becoming impossible to ignore, even hitting an estimated $94 million in revenue that year.
Today, its monthly traffic has increased to 1.9 billion and has 108.1 million daily active users (DAU). That showcases it’s more than a forum; it’s a hub of endless discussions, ideas, and communities, and if you’re new here, you’re in for quite an adventure.
I’ve prepared an ultimate beginner’s guide on Reddit, where I’ll tell you about its features, communities, and provide you with pro tips to increase your KARMA.
What is Reddit?
Reddit is a vast online platform of communities where users share, discuss, and vote on content across millions of topics, from news to hobbies and memes.
At its core, Reddit is a collection of thousands of subreddits, which are individual communities focused on specific topics, from technology to niche hobbies and personal advice. Each subreddit has its own culture and rules, where users post content, comment, and vote posts up or down.
What Makes Reddit Unique Now:
- Vast Communities: Over 3 million active subreddits covering almost any interest you can imagine.
- User-Driven Content: Almost everything is created, shared, and discussed by the community.
- Voting System: Upvotes and downvotes let the community decide what content is seen or hidden.
- AMA (Ask Me Anything): A signature feature where celebrities, experts, and everyday people answer questions directly.
- Diverse Discussions: From serious debates and news to memes and niche hobbies, there’s a subreddit for everything.
- Customization: Users can follow subreddits, customize feeds, and even create their own communities.
What is Reddit Premium (Gold)?
Reddit Premium (aka Reddit Gold) is a paid membership that gives you ad-free browsing, monthly coins, access to r/lounge, exclusive avatar gear, custom app icons, and a few posting and comment perks like longer uploads and new-comment highlights.
What's the Difference Between Reddit and Reddit Premium?
Here’s a simple breakdown of how Reddit and Reddit Premium are different:
How Does Reddit Work?
Reddit works by organizing content into subreddits, which are individual communities based on specific topics. Users join the subreddits they like, and their home feed fills with posts from those communities to interact with them.
Every post and comment can be upvoted or downvoted, which allows the community to decide what becomes popular and affects the Karma. The more upvotes a post gets, the higher it appears in the feed. People can also share text, images, links, videos, or ask questions.
Together, this voting system and community structure make Reddit a constantly updating space where the best content naturally rises to the top.
What is Karma on Reddit?
Karma is a score you earn when your posts or comments are upvoted. It reflects your contribution to the community, but doesn’t affect your account’s privileges much.
Who Moderates Subreddits?
Volunteer moderators (mods) run each subreddit. They enforce rules, approve posts, and maintain community quality.
Can I Delete My Comment with Downvotes?
Yes, you can delete your comment with downvotes to avoid more downvotes, but it can’t help you with your negative karma. You have to recover it yourself with upvotes.
How to Use Reddit From Day One?
Here is the complete user guide for you to use Reddit from the very day one to have an impact on the platform:
1. Create a Profile on Reddit
Create a profile on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/). Although you can browse the platform without it, having a profile will let you use major features.
- Click on the “Login” button.
- Click on the “Sign Up” button after that.
- Enter an email address.
- After that, select a username and a password.
- Now, select all the topics that you are interested in. You have to pick at least 1 of them.
- Once you’re done, you will start seeing the posts that interest you.
2. Join Subreddits
You can search for anything to find relevant subreddits. Use the search bar for that.
Hit the “Join” button to join your selected subreddit.
3. Start Posting on Subreddits
Once you have joined, you can start creating posts in these communities.
- Click on the “Create a post” option for that.
- You can add the post title and description in the designated places. Upload videos and images to it in order to increase your engagement.
- Some communities require you to select a flair. It helps them categorize your post.
- Click on the “Post” button to upload it.
- You may require the moderator’s approval to finally upload the story.
Understanding the Top Features of Reddit
Here are the top features of Reddit that help you get the most out of your discussion sessions on the platform:
1. Voting (Up and Down)
On Reddit, user votes, whether upvotes or downvotes, determine a post’s and a comment’s ranking on other users’ feeds. Upvotes boost its visibility, while downvotes lower it and can reduce your Karma.
Can My Karma Be Negative?
Yes, if your posts or comments get downvotes, your karma will be negative and be written in -3, -2, or -1.
2. Profiles
Your Reddit profile is the central hub for all your activity, where you can view your posts, comments, and saved content. Reddit measures your contributions through Karma, a point system earned by engaging with posts and comments.
Karma not only reflects your activity and credibility but is also required to join certain subreddits, which makes it an important part of your Reddit experience.
Can I Create My Own Subreddit?
Yes, once your account meets basic requirements, like 10–50 total karma and a 30-day-old account, you can start your own community and set the rules.
3. Avatars
On sites like Reddit, your profile picture is represented by an avatar, a customizable icon that lets you create a digital persona while staying anonymous. You can personalize your avatar by changing its clothes, hairstyle, and other features, which makes it uniquely yours without revealing your real identity.
Can I Change My Avatar Anytime?
Yes! You can update your avatar as often as you like, while experimenting with new looks, during maintaining anonymity.
4. Save Favourite Content
With thousands of posts published daily, it’s easy to lose track of content you love. Reddit allows you to save posts and comments directly to your profile, so you can quickly revisit them anytime. Since Reddit is anonymous, saving content doesn’t reveal your identity, and your bookmarks stay private.
Can Others See What I’ve Saved?
No. Saved posts are private, so your bookmarks remain anonymous and only visible to you.
5. Chat and Messaging
Reddit offers direct messaging and subreddit chat rooms for real-time conversations. You can talk privately with other users or join group chats within communities, which makes discussions more interactive while still keeping your identity anonymous.
Can I Create My Own Chat Room?
Yes, some subreddits allow users to create group chats to discuss specific topics with the community.
6. Awards
Reddit users can give awards to posts or comments they find valuable, funny, or insightful. Awards are a way to show appreciation and sometimes require Reddit Coins, a virtual currency. Receiving awards not only feels rewarding but can also increase the visibility of your content.
How Do I Get Awards on Reddit?
You can receive awards on Reddit when other users appreciate your posts or comments. Awards are given as a way to recognize content that’s funny, helpful, insightful, or popular. Some awards are free, while others require Reddit Coins, which are bought with real money.
7. AMA (Ask Me Anything)
AMAs are one of Reddit’s most popular features. Here, celebrities, experts, or everyday users answer questions from the community in real time. It’s a unique way to connect directly with people who have knowledge, experience, or stories to share.
How Do I Participate in an AMA?
Post your question in the AMA thread. The host will respond to as many questions as possible.
Final Thoughts on Reddit
Reddit is more than just a website, as it’s a vibrant, ever-changing ecosystem of communities, ideas, and conversations. Whether you’re here to learn, laugh, or just browse, Reddit offers something for everyone. For beginners or longtime users, diving into it is always an adventure worth exploring.
Reddit Premium can be worth it if you value an ad-free experience, extra features, and a more customizable user interface. It also gives you Reddit Coins to give awards and supports the platform.
People Also Ask
How to change Reddit username?
Reddit usernames are permanent once set, meaning you cannot change your existing username. If you want a new one, you’ll need to create a new Reddit account with your desired username.
How to delete Reddit account?
Deleting your account is permanent. You cannot recover it afterward.
- Log in to your Reddit account on a web browser (you cannot delete an account via the mobile app).
- Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and go to User Settings.
- Scroll down to the “Deactivate Account” section.
- Enter your username and password, and optionally provide a reason for leaving.
- Click “Deactivate” to permanently delete your account.
What if I receive a lot of negative Karma?
Receiving negative Karma can decrease your profile’s credibility. You will not be able to join or post in some specific communities.
What is Reddit mostly used for?
Reddit is mostly used for community discussions, sharing content, asking questions, and following trends, covering topics from news and hobbies to memes and entertainment.
