How to Earn Reddit User Karma (Without Getting Flagged)

If you’re new to Reddit or planning to use it for marketing, understanding how to earn karma is crucial. Reddit karma isn't just a score, it's your ticket to trust, access, and visibility across the platform.

This guide breaks down how Reddit karma works, why it matters, and the most effective ways to earn Reddit account karma without triggering the spam filters or annoying real users.

What Is Reddit Karma?

Reddit karma is a numerical score you earn when other users upvote your posts or comments. There are two types:

• Post karma: Earned from upvotes on posts you submit
• Comment karma: Earned from upvotes on your comments

Downvotes reduce karma, but not on a 1:1 scale. Reddit uses a non-linear formula and hides exact vote counts through "vote fuzzing" to prevent manipulation.

High karma isn't about prestige, it's about unlocking Reddit.

Many subreddits restrict posting or commenting unless you have a minimum karma score. This makes karma both a gatekeeper and a trust signal.

Why Reddit Karma Matters for Growth and Visibility

Reddit karma isn’t just a number, it’s a way to show your credibility. Each upvote lets the algorithm and community know your content is worth paying attention to.

That’s why karma really matters!

• Access to big subreddits: Many subreddits block new accounts or low-karma users from posting or even commenting. Without enough karma, your account is locked out of large parts of Reddit.
• Trust and visibility: High-karma users tend to be regarded with greater respect. Their posts usually receive less flagging or downvotes, and they’re more likely to attract positive engagement.
• Brand positioning: If you're using Reddit to boost your brand or share content, remember that karma helps build the trust you need to be accepted. Even small promotions might not succeed if your account seems casual or inactive.

Building your presence on Reddit isn’t just about getting a few upvotes here and there. What’s really important is staying consistent

Reddit appreciates accounts that participate over the long term and add real value. Think of karma as a kind of credit score for the platform - every time you post, you’re essentially applying for access and credibility.

What are Karma Thresholds?

Reddit doesn't reveal the specific karma requirements for each subreddit, and that's by design.

Many subreddits prefer to keep these thresholds private to prevent spammers from abusing the system.

Based on what we’ve observed and feedback from community members, here's a friendly overview of how karma gates usually function:

Karma Level	What You Can Access	Typical Account Age
0-25 karma	Commenting in low-barrier subreddits	1-3 days
50-250 karma	Posting in small or mid-size communities	~1 week
500-1,000 karma	Posting/commenting in larger, more active subreddits	Several weeks
2,500+ karma	Access to high-profile or tightly moderated communities	2-6 months+

Some subreddits only care about post karma, others check comment karma or CQS, but most look at combined karma.

It's rare to find the exact rules in the sidebar. You'll usually learn by trial, error, or getting a mod message.

Many new marketers face challenges because they often try to post too early, before building enough positive karma. This can lead to AutoMod flags and shadowbans or bans. But the good news is, it’s entirely preventable.

Start with karma-friendly subs like:

Subreddit Name	Description
r/AccidentalCamouflage	Photos where people or things blend into their surroundings.
r/CrappyDesign	Funny or awful design choices - signs, products, websites, etc.
r/FirstWorldAnarchists	Mild rule-breaking in everyday life. Often funny or clever.
r/AnimalsBeingJerks	Animals misbehaving. Funny clips or photos do well.
r/BreadStapledToTrees	Exactly what it says. Silly, low-effort, high-karma potential.
r/Justrolledintotheshop	Weird stuff mechanics see. Post odd car issues or tools.
r/ITookAPicture	Underrated place for personal photography, especially unique shots.
r/IfYouLikeBlank	Give or request recommendations: books, games, movies, etc.
r/UnpopularOpinion	Share a strong (non-toxic) opinion and engage in discussion.
r/OffMyChest	Vent or share a thought. Great for long comments and advice.
r/TellMeAFact	Drop cool facts or trivia. Easy to get upvotes with short, fun facts.
r/YouOkBuddy	Post weird stuff or comments and react. Often gets laughs.
r/ExplainLikeIAmA	Ask for or offer simple explanations for specific demographics.
r/ColorizedHistory	Colorized historical photos. You can post or just comment.
r/MapPorn	Cool or weird maps. Even screenshots of game maps do okay.
r/RetroFuturism	Old visions of the future. Posters, ads, buildings, etc.
r/VintageMen	Old photos of men - style, fashion, attitude. Good for reposts.
r/MechanicalKeyboards	Photos of cool keyboards. Great if you're into tech aesthetics.
r/NotHowGirlsWork	Mocking bad takes about women. Good for memes and comments.
r/DesignMyRoom	Post a room photo, ask for decor help. Useful + upvote-worthy.

These subreddits are accessible, high-traffic, and great for racking up early comment karma.

How to Earn Reddit Karma Without Being Spammy

Reddit users are pretty good at spotting marketing from afar. If your main aim is just to drop links or promote a brand, you'll likely face quick downvotes. The best approach is to earn karma the way genuine users do-by sharing useful, funny, or relatable content that genuinely connects with people.

Here's how to earn karma the right way:

1. Comment Early on New Posts

Sort subreddits by New. Find fresh posts where your input can actually help, entertain, or start a discussion. Being early in the thread gives your comment a better chance of visibility and upvotes.

A good early comment strategy can get you hundreds of karma in a single day, especially in fast-moving subreddits like r/AskReddit.

2. Join Real Discussions (Not Just Drop Replies)

Instead of writing generic fluff, take the time to answer questions thoughtfully, share your genuine experiences, or offer a fresh perspective. Remember, Redditors truly value the effort you put in.

Instead of saying: Same here lol, try I thought the same until I tried it this way - worked way better. Might be worth a shot.

3. Ask Good Questions

Asking thoughtful and genuine questions not only sparks great conversations but can also earn you a lot of karma, especially in communities like r/AskReddit or specialized interest forums. Just be sure your questions are clear and sincere, avoiding anything too vague or designed just to get attention.

Examples:

• Bad: What's your favorite food?
• Good: What's the best 'I thought it was a scam, but it wasn't' story you've heard?

Here are some other example questions for you to use on r/AskReddit to gain karma.

• What's a common opinion you secretly disagree with?
• What's something cheap that feels insanely luxurious?
• What’s a hill you're 100% willing to die on?
• What's a lie people tell themselves every day?
• What instantly makes you lose respect for someone?
• What's a smell you would pay to experience again?
• What's a legal thing that feels illegal to do?
• What's your most controversial food opinion?
• What’s a movie everyone loves but you can’t stand?
• What's something you miss that no longer exists?
• What's a piece of advice you thought was stupid until it worked?
• What is one sentence that would instantly start a fight in your house?
• What's something you've done once and will never do again?
• What's an unspoken rule everyone should follow?
• What would completely ruin a first date for you?
• What's something that's technically not a scam... but still feels like one?
• What's a small inconvenience that irrationally infuriates you?
• What’s something only poor people know that rich people don't?
• What's a fact about the human body that feels fake but is true?
• What's the most underrated feeling in the world?

4. Avoid These Karma Killers

• Begging for upvotes (you'll get downvoted instead)
• Low-effort posts like single-word replies or emojis
• Crossposting too soon (Reddit hates spammy repetition)
• Dropping links before you're trusted (even if helpful)

Reddit karma is a long game. The moment you rush it, you lose trust. Focus on quality participation, and karma will follow naturally.

What are the best Subreddits to Earn Reddit Karma Fast?

Not all subreddits are created equal in terms of karma opportunity. Some are bustling with activity and votes, making it easier to earn karma quickly, while others are more quiet or have strict moderation. To boost your karma faster, look for subreddits that have:

• High traffic
• Low posting restrictions
• Engaged comment sections

Here are some of the best picks:

High-Volume Karma Generators

Subreddit	Description
r/kenopsia	Photos of eerie, empty places.
r/deadmalls	Photos and stories of abandoned shopping malls.
r/DesirePath	Paths created by people walking where sidewalks don’t exist.
r/Catstandingup	Cats captured while standing on two legs.
r/ScenesFromAHat	Improv-style prompts where users reply with funny comments.
r/Notablueberry	Anything that looks like a blueberry but isn’t.
r/whatisit	Identify mystery objects from user photos.
r/TipOfMyTongue	Help identify forgotten songs, movies, books, etc.
r/IWantToLearn	Ask for help learning skills-great for discussion.
r/HaveWeMet	Roleplay in a fictional town-fun and interactive.
r/Lurkers	Memes and screenshots with no text or comments-just scroll.
r/metropolis	Film discussion centered on Metropolis and similar classics.
r/violinists	Advice, discussion, and questions for violin players.
r/rowers	Rowing enthusiasts share erg data, workouts, and tips.
r/allergictocold	Support and tips for people with cold-induced allergies.
r/cookiecutters	Post odd cookie cutter shapes and guess what they are.
r/ColorizedHistory	Historical black-and-white photos that have been colorized.
r/RetroFuturism	Art and design showing how people in the past imagined the future.
r/MildlyVandalised	Harmless or funny vandalism-usually text edits or signs.

Niche Subreddits

Try to find communities where you already have some knowledge and interest. Whether it’s crypto, anime, productivity, parenting, or any other topic , there's probably a subreddit for it. Focus on building karma by genuinely sharing valuable insights, rather than just participating out of obligation.

Tip: Use r/NewToReddit as a warm-up zone before jumping into stricter communities.

Posting vs Commenting: Which Builds Karma Faster?

If you're looking to earn Reddit karma in the most effective way, it’s a good idea to focus on the subreddits that bring the best results. So, which do you think is more advantageous: posting or commenting?

Commenting: Safer and More Reliable

For most users, especially new ones, commenting is the fastest and safest way to build karma.

Why?

• Fewer restrictions: Most subreddits allow new users to comment even if they can't post
• Less risk: Comments don't need to hit the front page to get noticed
• Higher volume: You can leave 10+ comments per day without getting flagged

Early, thoughtful comments on rising posts can earn dozens or hundreds of upvotes without much effort. Especially if you respond quickly in active threads.

Posting: Higher Risk, Higher Reward

Posts have the potential to earn thousands of karma, but they can also be a bit tricky and easy to fail. Sometimes a post doesn't do well and might not receive any upvotes, or even get taken down. Keep trying, and you’ll find what works best!

You need to:

• Follow subreddit rules exactly
• Post during peak times (mornings/evenings EST)
• Use original or high-effort content
• Avoid anything promotional

If your post gets early upvotes, it can snowball. But if it doesn't take off in the first 30 minutes, it's likely dead.

So

• Start with comments to build a reputation and safe karma growth
• Move into posting once you understand each sub's culture and timing

It's not a choice between the two - they work best when combined. But in the early stages, commenting gives you better odds with less friction.

When to Post on Reddit for Maximum Upvotes

Reddit rewards momentum. Posts that get early upvotes climb faster and stay visible longer. That means timing matters, a lot.

Best Times to Post (in EST)

Day	Best Time Windows
Monday	6-8 AM
Tuesday	7-9 AM or 7-10 PM
Wednesday	8-10 AM
Thursday	5-9 AM or 6-9 PM
Friday	6-8 AM
Saturday	5-9 AM or 2-4 PM
Sunday	8-10 AM or 6-10 PM

These windows reflect U.S. Redditor activity, which dominates the platform.

Best Time by Subreddit Type

• r/funny, r/aww, r/pics: Late at night (11 PM-1 AM EST) works well - posts ride overnight momentum into morning.
• r/science, r/worldnews: Afternoon to early evening
• r/AskReddit: Evenings and Sunday nights are gold

Tips for Hitting the Right Time

• Use our Best Time to Post Finder
• Use a scheduling tool.
• Check the "Top posts" in your target subreddit - note their timestamps
• Avoid posting during peak U.S. work hours (1-5 PM EST) unless the subreddit is global

Reddit's front page isn't instant - but early upvotes are still everything. Even 10 upvotes in the first 15 minutes can change a post's trajectory.

How to Avoid Reddit Karma Loss

Earning karma is one thing. Keeping it is another. Reddit users (and AutoMods) are quick to downvote or remove posts that break norms, even unintentionally.

Here's what causes karma loss, and how to avoid it:

1. Low-Effort Comments and Posts

• One-word replies like "lol" or "same"
• Copypasta or repeated jokes
• Posting in bulk with no substance

Please ensure that each comment shares something valuable, like a fact, tip, story, or humor that fits well within the context. This way, every contribution becomes engaging and meaningful for everyone involved.

2. Posting in the Wrong Subreddit

Misunderstanding the mood or guidelines of a subreddit can quickly lead to downvotes or even a ban. It’s always helpful to take a moment to get a sense of the community before jumping in. This way, you can enjoy a friendly and welcoming experience on your favorite subreddit!

Fix: Read the rules. Check the top posts. Don't assume every community welcomes your content.

3. Linking Too Soon (or Too Often)

Reddit prefers that users avoid self-promotion. Even if your link is helpful, if it seems spammy, it might get buried or taken down. Keep this in mind to share your links effectively and respectfully.

Fix: Avoid links until you've built trust. Share value natively first. When you do post links, provide context and summary in the body.

4. Arguing or Being Defensive

Even if you're correct, engaging in arguments on Reddit isn’t usually the best idea. Things tend to get heated, and before you know it, downvotes start piling up.

Fix: Disagree respectfully. Walk away from obvious bait. Downvotes are sometimes better ignored.

5. Asking for Upvotes or Karma

This is an instant red flag. Reddit rules explicitly forbid vote solicitation.

Fix: Never ask for upvotes, even jokingly. Let the content speak for itself.

Reminder: Deleting downvoted posts stops further karma loss, but doesn't recover what's already lost.

Karma loss isn't just about numbers; it's about how others see you as well. When your karma turns negative, it could get you flagged and restricted more often, and people may trust you less. That's why it's so important to approach every interaction as an opportunity to build a good reputation. Treat each one with care and kindness!

Advanced Tips for Marketers Using Reddit Karma

Once you've built up trust and karma, you’ll be able to enjoy using Reddit beyond just participating-all without setting off the community's spam defenses.

1. Use a "Human First, Brand Second" Strategy

Think of your profile as a friendly and experienced Redditor who also happens to be connected to a brand. Make sure your profile reflects helpfulness, knowledge, and approachability, just like a trusted friend you’d turn to for advice.

• Share insights
• Comment regularly
• Join niche discussions
• Avoid sounding corporate

2. Earn Karma on Alt Profiles Too

Create more genuine accounts (not bots) connected to your team. Feel free to use them to:

• Ask smart questions ("alley-oop" style)
• Seed discussions
• Test content angles in different subs

Just remember to have these profiles act like real users - include a variety of unrelated posts and avoid obvious coordination.

3. Monitor Brand Mentions with Tools

Use tools like:

• Reddit Pro
• BrandMentions
• Visualping (for tracking keywords)

Join conversations where folks are already talking about your product, and chat like you’re chatting with a friend. There’s no need to push sales-just clarify, respond to questions, or share a bit more information if needed.

4. Use AMAs (Ask Me Anything) the Right Way

Once your karma is solid and you've built presence in a relevant subreddit:

• Pitch an AMA to mods
• Choose a spokesperson who's credible (founder, expert, lead dev)
• Offer value, not pitches
• Stick around to answer every question for a few hours

Executed properly, an AMA can drive traffic, backlinks, and trust - all without violating Reddit norms.

5. Build a Brand-Adjacent Subreddit

Create a subreddit that aligns with your niche, not your brand name. For example:

• If your product helps with anxiety, build r/AnxietyHelpDaily - not r/MyBrandName
• Use it to post discussions, resources, user stories, and light promotion

Control the tone and mod rules, while still keeping it community-focused.

Reddit karma is your credibility currency. Once you have it, you can do things no ad ever could - influence discussion, be seen as a leader, and grow awareness authentically.

Summary: Play the Long Game

Reddit karma isn't a quick growth hack. It's not something you can just "farm" in a single day and then start dropping links. Instead, it's built on trust, which naturally takes time to develop on Reddit.

Here's your roadmap:

• Start with comment karma - it's faster, safer, and more sustainable
• Post only when you know the sub well - and you've seen what performs
• Avoid self-promotion until you've earned the right - and even then, make it subtle
• Use karma strategically - to unlock access, boost visibility, and influence conversations
• Treat every comment like a reputation builder - because it is

Many marketers miss out on Reddit because they see it just as another way to get traffic. But it’s much more than that-it’s a vibrant community. By playing the long game, engaging genuinely like a real user, you’ll find that karma naturally takes care of the rest.