If you're new to Reddit, this guide will help you navigate its features, understand its unique language, and fit in with the community like a pro.
Reddit is like the internet's favorite hangout spot. It's a platform where users (aka Redditors) share, discuss, and explore topics on virtually anything. Reddit is divided into subreddits, which are individual communities focused on specific interests. Think of subreddits as group chats, but cooler. For example:
Every subreddit has its own vibe, rules, and inside jokes, so pick the ones that match your energy.
Subreddits are the lifeblood of Reddit. Each one is a dedicated space for a specific topic, and they all start with "r/" (like r/gaming or r/food). Think of them as communities or "clubs" where people gather to share their passion for whatever they love. Whether you're into gaming, cooking, or even knitting, there's a subreddit for it.
The beauty of subreddits is that they let you curate your own feed. Subscribe to as many as you want, and your homepage will be filled with posts from those communities. Each subreddit has its own rules and vibe, so make sure to check them out before posting. Some are chill and meme-heavy, while others are more serious and focused on discussions or advice.
Reddit has subreddits for nearly everything—mainstream or niche. Want to talk tech? Join r/technology. Obsessed with cute animals? Hit up r/aww. Into super niche topics like vintage cars? There's r/classiccars for that. You can literally find a subreddit for any interest, from r/bicycling to r/dogswithjobs—the options are endless.
Once you subscribe, posts from these communities show up in your feed. And with each subreddit, you'll experience its unique culture. Some are all about memes, others focus on debates, while some share links or advice. The key is to find subreddits that match your interests, so your Reddit experience feels custom-tailored to you.
Don't be afraid to follow as many subreddits as you like. The more you add, the more variety you'll get in your feed, making your Reddit time way more interesting. From niche hobbies to popular trends, Reddit is the place to find your tribe and jump into the conversation.
Reddit is powered by democracy:
Posts with the most upvotes rise to the top of the subreddit or even hit Reddit's front page.
Karma is Reddit's version of street cred. You earn it when people upvote your posts or comments. The more upvotes, the more karma you get, which boosts your Reddit reputation.
There are two types of karma: post karma (for posts you make) and comment karma (for comments you leave). The more valuable or entertaining your content, the more karma you'll rack up.
But don't try to "karma farm" by posting low-effort stuff. Redditors can spot filler content from a mile away, and it'll hurt your rep. Instead, focus on adding value—whether it's with a clever comment, a helpful tip, or a cool post that gets people talking.
Basically, karma is earned, not bought, and the more you contribute meaningfully, the better your Reddit experience will be.
Awards are Reddit's way of showing extra love. Users can give awards like "Gold" or "Platinum" to posts or comments they think are top-tier. Think of it like handing out trophies for content that stands out.
Awards can mean more visibility for the recipient and even give them perks like ad-free browsing. If a post gets a lot of awards, it's basically the Reddit equivalent of going viral.
But don't just go around handing out awards for anything—use them to highlight posts that truly deserve the spotlight.
If you want to fit in on Reddit, you've got to learn the language. Here's your cheat sheet: