How to Get High CQS for Reddit Accounts

If you're exploring Reddit for marketing or growth, you’ve likely come across terms like account age, karma, and shadowbans. But there’s also a quieter, yet equally important metric to keep in mind: Reddit CQS.

CQS, Content Quality Score, is a behind-the-scenes factor that influences how Reddit filters, ranks, and hides user content. While it's not visible to the public like karma, it still plays an important role in determining how much your content gets seen.

Here's a clear and friendly explanation of what Reddit CQS really means and some simple ways you can improve it.

Quick Do's and Don'ts to Improve Reddit CQS

How Reddit CQS Works

Reddit's CQS is a helpful internal score that reflects the trustworthiness and quality of an account's contributions over time.

While karma shows how many upvotes you've received, CQS gives you a sense of how consistent and genuine your behavior is.

CQS draws from a few major signals:

• Voting patterns: Are your upvotes and downvotes normal or manipulative?
• Submission timing: Are you posting or commenting at bot-like speeds?
• Engagement balance: Are you giving and receiving engagement in a natural ratio?
• Diversity of activity: Do you contribute across different subreddits or only post links in the same one?
• Community trust: Have your posts triggered spam reports or mod removals?

Importantly, Reddit doesn't surface CQS directly. But it feeds into how Reddit:

• Applies rate limits (e.g., posting/commenting too fast)
• Flags your posts for spam filtering
• Makes you invisible (a silent shadowban)
• Delays visibility via "fuzzing" and de-ranking

This means you can earn lots of karma, but if your CQS isn’t great, you might still find yourself overwhelmed. Keep an eye on both to stay balanced!

Why CQS Matters More Than Karma in 2025

By 2025, Reddit's spam detection will focus more on CQS than karma. So, even if you have an account that’s been around for 5 years with over 10,000 karma, you could still be automatically removed from popular subreddits, simply because your Contributor Quality Score isn't high enough.

Here's why CQS is more important than karma now:

• CQS affects how visible your posts are, whereas karma is simply a result of getting upvotes. If Reddit considers your behavior as low-quality, your posts might not show up publicly at all, even if you've submitted them.
• AutoModerator filters are organized using CQS tiers, with many large subreddits setting rules that automatically remove or flag posts for review when users are in the “Low" or "Lowest" CQS tiers.
• Karma can be manipulated with vote rings or clickbait, but CQS tracks long-term behavior and posting style. It looks for authenticity.
• Reddit ads and partnerships are becoming more focused on account health. If you're running brand awareness or traffic campaigns, keeping your CQS high is key, because poor scores can limit your reach, even if your content is fantastic.

CQS is broken into five tiers:

CQS Tier	Visibility	Trust Level	Filter Risk
Highest	Full	Very High	None
High	Broad	High	Low
Moderate	Average	Medium	Moderate
Low	Limited	Low	High
Lowest	Invisible	Very Low	Nearly Guaranteed

If your account falls into the "Low" or "Lowest" tier, you might notice that your posts tend to:

• Be collapsed by default
• Require mod approval
• Get caught in AutoModerator spam filters
• Receive limited search and home feed exposure

That's why working on your Reddit CQS is such a valuable step, especially if you use Reddit to grow your brand, share affiliate marketing, or launch new products.

Common Actions That Hurt Your CQS Score

Reddit doesn't share the exact formula behind CQS, but through community testing and moderator insights, we’ve uncovered some patterns. Here are the most common behaviors that can quickly lower your score, sometimes without you even noticing.

1. Adding Links to Your Profile Bio Fast

Reddit is quite cautious about outbound links in user bios, especially commercial ones. Even just including a link to your site or portfolio might automatically push your account into the “Lowest" tier. It's helpful to keep this in mind to avoid any unintentional issues.

Fix: Keep your profile clean. No links in your bio until your account is trusted (and even then, only if truly necessary).

2. Setting Your Profile to NSFW

Even if your content isn't explicit, switching your profile to NSFW can make others less likely to trust you. It might also decrease your CQS and increase the chances of your posts being filtered. Keep this in mind to help maintain a positive reputation!

Fix: Avoid using NSFW status unless it's required for the type of content you're posting.

3. Deleting Too Many Posts or Comments

Frequent deletions can sometimes look suspicious to Reddit's algorithms. It might be a sign that you’re sharing content that could be downvoted, flagged, or even against the rules-and then you’re hiding the evidence.

Fix: Only delete content when absolutely necessary. If a post underperforms, leave it alone. Quiet accounts build more trust over time.

4. Using the Same IP for Multiple Accounts

Reddit tends to flag accounts that frequently change IPs, especially when using VPNs, or those sharing the same IP or device fingerprint with others. This is quite common with account farms or growth tools-and unfortunately, it can lower your CQS.

Fix: Use one account per device/browser. Avoid rotating VPNs unless you’re confident it’s necessary and clean.

5. Overposting or Only Posting in One Subreddit

Accounts that frequently post or are active in just one subreddit might come across as a bit less genuine. Reddit truly values users who actively participate across a variety of communities, helping to create a more authentic and enjoyable experience for all of us.

Fix: Slow down. Comment more than you post. Diversify your activity across 3-5 subreddits.

6. Too Many Promotional Posts or Links

Promoting your product, service, or affiliate links-even subtly-can harm your CQS. Reddit is quite good at spotting "unnatural engagement patterns" and may suppress or shadowban accounts, even if your karma seems fine. So, it’s best to promote thoughtfully and follow the community guidelines!

Fix: Avoid links entirely until your CQS is "High" or "Highest." Focus on comment-based value first.

How to Check Your Reddit CQS Score

Reddit doesn't display your CQS score publicly, but there's a simple and effective way to check it: To use r/WhatisMyCQS

Here's how to check your CQS:

1. Go to r/WhatIsMyCQS
2. Create a post with any title or content (even just "test")
3. Wait for AutoModerator to reply (usually within seconds)
4. It will reply with a message like: "Your current CQS is: Moderate"

This is the most reliable public method to see which of the five CQS tiers you fall into: Lowest, Low, Moderate, High, or Highest

Alternative methods:

• Some subreddits have their own CQS checker threads
• If you’re building multiple accounts, you can set up a private test subreddit with custom AutoMod rules to test CQS scores at scale
• Certain third-party tools like bots and dashboards exist (but are usually private or paid)

Things to keep in mind:

• CQS scores update frequently, sometimes within 1-2 hours of behavior changes
• One action won't tank or fix your score alone. It's a pattern over time
• Different subreddits apply CQS differently. A "Low" score might get filtered in r/AskReddit, but be fine in a smaller subreddit with relaxed rules

Tracking your CQS regularly gives you a clear feedback when testing behavior changes.

It’s one of the most underrated Reddit marketing tools available right now.

How to Improve Your Reddit CQS Step-by-Step

Enhancing your Reddit CQS requires consistent effort over weeks or months. This process cannot be rushed, but you can expedite it by following effective strategies.

Here's a guide on strategies that raise your CQS from “Low” to “High” or “Highest,” based on Reddit’s known signals and filter behavior.

1. Focus on Commenting, Not Posting

Reddit values accounts that contribute meaningfully in the comments, not just those who create posts.

• Aim for a balanced comment-to-post ratio
• Leave thoughtful comments
• Avoid throwaway replies like "lol" or "thanks"
• Comment in active threads early, especially on rising posts

Comments build trust and help avoid spam filters. Many low-CQS accounts suffer because they post too frequently and excessively.

2. Join and Contribute to Small Subreddits

Smaller, niche communities tend to be more forgiving, allowing for the cultivation of consistent, high-quality engagement without the need for extensive filtering.

• Pick 3 to 5 subreddits that align with your interests or niche
• Spend 5-10 days just commenting before posting anything
• Follow the rules and observe community norms
• Use these subreddits to establish a natural activity footprint

Avoid launching your activity in massive subs like r/AskReddit or r/funny. They're too harsh on low-CQS accounts.

3. Verify and Secure Your Account

Account security plays a direct role in your CQS score.

Reddit favors users who show they're real humans, not throwaway accounts or bots.

• Use a reputable email address (Gmail, Outlook preferred)
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Avoid using VPNs or rotating IPs during account warm-up
• Stay logged in on a consistent device/IP

Even without posting, a secure setup helps your account gain passive trust.

4. Keep a Natural Profile

Don't make these profile mistakes, they decrease CQS instantly:

• No links in bio
• No NSFW tag unless required
• No rapid-fire post deletions
• No obvious brand usernames (e.g., “MyBrand”)
• No generic reposts or low-effort memes

Do these:

• Use a normal-sounding username
• Add a short, non-promotional profile description
• Leave some posts up, even low-performing ones

You're not just creating a landing page; you're establishing credibility.

5. Space Out Posts and Comments

Timing matters. Reddit's algorithms track post frequency, comment timing, and pattern detection.

• Don't post multiple times per day in the same subreddit
• Wait 48-72 hours between your first few posts
• Comment at varied times (not only during work hours or all at once)

If it feels like you’re "feeding the algo," you’re probably overdoing it.

6. Monitor, Adjust, Repeat

Once you've followed these steps:

1. Test your score using r/WhatIsMyCQS
2. Track changes weekly
3. Use a private document to log behavior vs. results

CQS shifts fast if you improve, but also punishes inconsistencies.

Reddit rewards steady, authentic behavior, not quick tricks.

What to Do If Your CQS Drops Suddenly

Even when you're doing everything correctly, your Reddit CQS can unexpectedly drop. This may occur due to algorithm changes, subreddit removal patterns, or alterations in your posting behavior.

Here's how to respond without making it worse.

1. Stop Posting Immediately

If your CQS drops to "Low" or "Lowest," stop posting new content for at least 5-7 days.

Why?

• New posts from low-CQS accounts are usually auto-filtered
• Repeated removals can lock your account into a longer penalty window
• You won't know what caused the drop unless you pause and audit

Posting through it usually digs the hole deeper.

2. Audit Your Recent Behavior

Check for patterns that triggered the drop:

• Did you add a link to your profile?
• Did you switch devices or IP addresses?
• Were you mass-posting or commenting rapidly?
• Did a post get downvoted heavily or reported?
• Did AutoModerator remove several of your posts?

Even 1-2 low-quality interactions in the wrong subreddit can drop your score.

Tip: Check modmail or removal reasons in the subreddit for clues.

3. Switch to Value-Based Commenting

During your recovery window:

• Focus 100% on commenting only
• Prioritize smaller, friendly subreddits (not large or political ones)
• Write at least 5-7 substantial comments daily (2+ sentences)
• Avoid promoting anything, even subtly
• Avoid emoji-only or one-word replies

This re-signals human behavior and community value, which lifts your CQS gradually.

4. Clean Up Only If Necessary

Do not mass-delete your recent content. This signals suspicious behavior.

Only delete content if:

• You posted links that clearly violated subreddit rules
• A comment broke sitewide policies (e.g., hate speech, misinformation)

Otherwise, let Reddit’s algorithm re-weight your account based on new behavior.

5. Recheck Your CQS After 7 Days

Use r/WhatIsMyCQS to retest your score:

• If you've moved from "Lowest" to "Low" or "Moderate," continue the same behavior for another week
• Once you reach "High" or "Highest," you can resume posting carefully

Consider this a reset phase, not a punishment.

6. Avoid These Mistakes During Recovery

• Don't create a new account unless yours is shadowbanned
• Don't try to buy upvotes or fake comments to "fix" visibility
• Don't engage in back-and-forth debates-downvotes will hurt you

Reddit has a long memory. Quiet consistency wins every time.

Conclusion

Reddit CQS is invisible, but it's one of the most powerful levers for success on the platform.

If your posts aren't showing up...
If your comments get buried...
If your karma doesn't match your effort...

It's probably your CQS.

Most Reddit marketers ignore it. That's your advantage.

By understanding how Reddit scores trust, and taking the time to build that trust naturally, you can:

• Bypass filters that block your competitors
• Get real visibility, even without massive karma
• Build long-term marketing assets that keep delivering

Reddit rewards those who play smart and earn trust over time, rather than those who simply shout the loudest.

If you’re building accounts to scale outreach or traffic, start with CQS. Everything else flows from it.