Reddit is a social media platform that can be pretty overwhelming for a beginner. It can also feel intimidating since Reddit communities tend to be tight-knit, and a little suspicious of outsiders. It differs in many ways to typical social media platforms; however, it also presents unique opportunities.
Reddit calls itself the front page of the internet, and in many ways, this is true, since the website tends to be a good barometer as to what is trending in various online spaces. It boasts over 234 million unique users per month, and it is the 7th most visited website globally. In this Beginners Guide to Reddit article, we will give you all the information you need to know to navigate through Reddit like a pro and to use it in the best way.
(Overview) The Beginners Guide to Reddit & How Does it Work
The Basics of Reddit –
We’ll get started by focusing on some of the basics that you have to pick up. Firstly, you should understand that one of the key ways that Reddit differentiates itself from Facebook and Twitter is that there is a layer of anonymity. In a sense, it functions as more of a forum than a social media platform. Therefore, you can create an account that is not linked to your real name. Reddit works so well because users can speak freely without needing to worry about their personal lives being affected. You can easily create an account with a username, email address, and password.
Once you have signed up, you will be subscribed to popular “subreddits,” which function as communities. There are default communities, and also one’s that you can join. You should join the communities which interest you, and it is important to be aware that there is no main Reddit page. The website is a combination of posts appearing from these communities, which are known as “subreddits.” They will have their own URL, their own moderators, and in many cases, they will also have a specific niche interest. You can find a subreddit for pretty much anything such as cooking, gaming, business, and much more.
“Reddit has something for everyone. If you’re a student, you can benefit from different homework help subreddits and hire someone to do your homework for you. If you’re bored at work and need some time doing nothing, you can browse through boredom-bustling subreddits that will help you light up your mood in minutes. Reddit is made up of submissions, which are known as “posts,” and everything is submitted directly by users,” says Adam Simon of LegitWritingServices, active Redditor and former moderator of r/education subreddit.
Learning the Lingo of Reddit –
Once you are signed up and ready to explore some subreddits, you should get a better understanding of what some basic Reddit terms mean. You will come across them a fair bit, and therefore it is vital to have an understanding of what they mean.
Upvote:
Reddit users all have the ability to “upvote” or “downvote” a post or comment. This will be reflected in the total score. An upvote means that a user likes a specific post/comment, whereas a downvote indicates that they dislike it. You can sort subreddit posts by their recency and total upvotes within a period of time, such as months or years. This allows you to quickly locate the most useful and relevant posts within a specific subreddit. Upvotes indicate the value, whereas downvotes indicate something that is promotional or does not provide much value.
Karma:
These upvotes and downvotes are directly related to the karma system. Every user will have a karma score, which reflects the total upvotes and downvotes that they have been given. There is separate karma for posts and comments, and a user with a high karma score is likely to be someone who provides regular quality content that is found to be useful.
Mod (Moderator):
A Moderator is often abbreviated to mod. It is the person or people who are responsible for policing a specific subreddit. They can make decisions such as removing or locking posts that are irrelevant or constitute harassment. They also have the power to ban users from their subreddit.
Posting & Commenting on Reddit –
When you post or comment on Reddit, you should be aware of understanding the general etiquette. Reddit is unlike usual social media, and there are specific standards to adhere to. Firstly, Reddit users care a lot about quality. You should aim for your posts and comments to provide real value to a discussion. Reddit users are notorious for sniffing out bs, and this is why it is impossible to make overly promotional posts. They will be able to see right through you, and your account will be downvoted. Instead, you have to build trust and a reputation within a subreddit before trying to promote something. Every post or comment you make should be insightful, and the aim should always be to add a real contribution.
There are two types of posts that you can make. The first is a link, and the second is a text post. A link post is where you can choose a title, and it will lead directly to a URL that you enter. A text post is where you will offer some original content to generate some discussion. You can also add links to this post. Before posting or commenting in a subreddit, you should be sure to read their specific rules. Every subreddit will have its own rules, and these can differ widely. If your post starts gaining upvotes in a short amount of time, it will become far more visible. The Reddit algorithm values recent posts and ones which are receiving a high number of upvotes. Therefore, you should post content that will lead to users pressing that upvote button.
Reddit Karma Guide:
Your reputation and authority on Reddit will be based on the karma system. It is a quick and easy way to establish yourself. The more karma you have, the more seriously you will be taken by the community. There are no cheat codes for karma, and Reddit users are not easily fooled. This means that the best way to build karma is by contributing to subreddits that you are knowledgeable in. You can then provide useful content that adds value and provokes genuine discussion.
Additionally, you can check the new tab of posts and answer any questions. Redditors are likely to upvote content that solves a problem or provides an in-depth explanation. If you do happen to find something worth sharing, then you should be sure to post it as soon as possible to one of the popular subreddits.
Closing Thoughts:
You will now have a far better idea of how to use Reddit and the various benefits that it can provide. This will allow you to fit in on the website and use Reddit like a pro. It can take some getting used to; however, once you have found your communities, it will become second nature for you to participate successfully.
