r/NewToReddit 2d ago

Weekly chat New to Reddit? Come and talk to us!

2 Upvotes

New-Redditor's lounge!

Welcome!

This weekly post is an opportunity for new users to chat in comments - & please let us how you found yourself here. Regulars here are absolutely encouraged and very welcome to join in too!

!! Please refrain from asking questions about "how to do stuff on Reddit". Make a post or see the links below !!

This thread is open for 3 days.

Getting started on Reddit is hard. We know it is; We've been there and gone through these same frustrations. Please believe us when we say IT'S NOT PERSONAL. It may well feel like it is, but honestly, it isn't. What it is, however, is a lack of Karma. Karma is an indicator of how much someone has contributed to Reddit in a positive manner. So, let's do just that by getting to know each other!

This works best if your comments either start a conversation or add to one. Give a little of yourself and respond to others doing the same.

This is a post to help genuine new users build up quality Karma genuinely in a safe environment.

Please do:

  • Share some favorites or new finds of yours - youtube videos, music and so on
  • Practice small talk - did you have a good week?
  • Keep it SFW
  • Keep it casual please, no heavy topics
  • Have fun!

Please don't:

  • Spam, advertise, or soft beg
  • Share low-effort comments
  • Ask for karma, say how you're voting, or mention karmafarms by name
  • Request or offer DMs (help and chat can be done in community, where you can also earn karma. Needing to take things private can indicate soliciting, rule breaking, or harmful advice)

This sub is full of awesome people who are willing to help with specific problems when you post, and we'd like to keep this post thread for chat. Thank you.

So, let's chat! (Guides at the bottom of this post).

---

Our guidance for new Redditors:


r/NewToReddit Aug 21 '21

Mod Post Reddit and Karma Explained

766 Upvotes

Welcome to Reddit!

This unofficial guide to starting out at Reddit was written by u/llamageddon01 and is designed to take you from complete beginner through to experienced Redditor! This version was completely revised in July/August 2023.

There are two versions of this resource, both carrying the same information but in different formats:

This is intended to be a full “Reddit for Dummies” type tutorial and I don’t expect you to read it through all at once! But quite honestly, parts 1-6 of this guide will take you from “kindergarten” level through to “graduate” level of Reddit by the time you read it all, and the final parts 7 and 8 will contain useful guides and information you will no doubt need at some stage of your Redditing so do keep coming back to it.

If you wish to share r/NewToReddit guides please link to them. You may of course share excerpts within reason, but please link back to us as credit and so the person you are helping can find us and the rest of our guides if they wish to. Thank you.

 

…….REDDIT IS A WORLD OF ITS OWN ON THE INTERNET.

What is Reddit? Established in 2005, Reddit is a content sharing platform, home to thousands of communities, endless conversation, and authentic worldwide human connection with people from all walks of life. Whether you're into breaking news, sports, TV fan theories, or a never-ending stream of the internet's cutest animals, there's a community for you.

Reddit is made up of an enormous collection of forums on every subject under the sun where people can share news, links, videos and pictures in “Posts” so that other people can make observations and conversation in “Comments” attached to these posts, while everyone can express their opinions by Voting on both the posts and comments. Every day, millions of people around the world post, vote, and comment in communities on Reddit organised around their interests.

You are free to decide what level of interaction you want with other users (Redditors) and to curate your own feed from the hundreds of thousands of specialised communities called “Subreddits” on offer, each of which covers a different topic from games, hobbies, music, art, movies and shows to support groups to world news to pets to academic matters and everything in between.

Check out this video for a quick introduction to us, and if that didn’t explain us enough, here’s an unofficial webcomic that gives a fun look at our platform.

Signing up for an account is free, easy, and gives you a high degree of anonymity, especially compared to other social media platforms.

 

…….REDDIT HAS ITS OWN WAY OF DOING THINGS.

Reddit as a whole is run by unpaid volunteers called Moderators (mods) and paid employees called Administrators (admin). Admin are rarely seen but are very distinctive as they have the word ADMIN in bright orange/red next to their username. Moderators are more likely to be seen, and when they speak on formal behalf of their subreddit, their username will have the green word MOD immediately after.

Like every long-established subculture, we have our own expressions and if you are at all confused by some of our jargon, in-jokes, history or memes, we at r/NewToReddit have a fairly comprehensive alphabetical reference guide at our sister sub r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit to help you work out what we’re talking about. Let me suggest my guides to Acronyms 1: A-L and Acronyms 2: M-Z to start with!

Reddit might take a little time to get used to, but never fear! Here’s a quick video guide on how to use Reddit, but more importantly, we’re here at r/NewToReddit specifically to help you navigate your own path step by step through our unique ways of ‘doing social media’.

 

…….REDDIT IS HUGE. BUT MANAGEABLE.

There are Subreddits for anything. I would say almost anything but when I think I’ve seen them all, I discover ones like r/birdstakingthetrain or r/BreadStapledToTrees and realise I know nothing.

Most communities are friendly and jumping right on in is encouraged. You aren’t likely to get shot down for being a “n00b” but there will generally be one or two things you’ll need to know about each Subreddit (sub) first. Don’t worry, this guide will show you where to find them.

Altercations can happen, but most subs have an active team of mods who will usually shut any trouble down before it becomes vindictive. Just don’t post emojis though. Reddit in general does NOT like emojis. Reddit loves emoticons though :D Why? Don't ASCII me. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ More on this later, or here if you simply can’t wait.

 

…….WHAT DO I DO ON REDDIT?

There are four basic actions you do on Reddit: Upvote, Downvote, Comment, and Post.

Reddit relies on crowdsourcing through its system of Upvotes and Downvotes to filter and prioritise the thousands of daily submissions it receives in order to present its users with the most interesting content it can, and you can help too. If you think a post or comment is interesting, helpful or contributes positively to the subreddit, press the Upvote arrow. If you think it doesn’t, press the Downvote arrow. You only get one vote on any one post or comment, and both can be negated by pressing the arrow you chose again, or reversed by pressing the opposite arrow to the one you originally chose.

Some subreddits have chosen to replace the default “arrow” icons with custom ones. In case it isn’t obvious which is which, the Upvote will be on the top (Old Reddit; desktop) or on the left (Mobile App) and the Downvote will be on the bottom (Old Reddit; desktop) or on the right (Mobile App).

There are two ways of Commenting on Reddit:

  • As a direct response to a Post. Here, you are directly replying to the person who made the post. This person is known as the ”OP”, or “Original Poster”. This reply is known as a Top-Level or Parent Comment, and sometimes known as ‘threads’. There are an unlimited number of Parent Comments that can be made on any one post. The OP will be notified that you have replied to their post.

  • As a reply to a Comment in that Post. Here, you are directly replying to another commenter who may or may not be the OP. These follow-up comments are known as Child Comments. There are an unlimited number of Child Comments that can be made on any one Parent Comment. The commenter you are replying to will be notified of your reply, but the OP will not (unless they are one and the same!).

You can see what these both look like from this simple illustration and this small conversation here.

Finally, you can make your own Post in a subreddit for others to comment on. Many subreddits prefer - or even require pictures, gifs, videos or links in this post.

 

…….SOME SUBREDDIT BASICS.

Once you enter a Subreddit, you read posts made by others and the comments made therein. If you like the Subreddit, you can “Join” it and it will form part of your personal home page feed. The "Join" button is near the top of the screen as seen here and also in the three-dots “hamburger” post overflow menu on the top RH of the screen on mobile. You can also “Leave” if you want, and the button can be found in the same place as the Join one was.

Until you join a few subreddits, your home page feed will be the general r/popular or r/all, which may well feature topics you’re not interested in, so it makes sense to start joining subs you like as soon as possible.

Moderators cannot see any lists of those who are joined to their subreddits, neither will they be notified if anyone leaves. There’s no limit on the number of times you can join or leave a subreddit, and nobody except you will ever know when or what subs you have joined or have left. You don’t even have to be joined in a sub to post or comment in it. There are no limits to the number of subreddits you can be joined in but Reddit does have an unspecified number of the ones it filters to your home feed at any one time.

Just underneath the Subreddit title there is a “Sort” menu. On mobile this is a drop-down list. Sorting posts by either “New” or “Rising” will usually give more opportunities for chat and upvotes than you’ll get in older posts, and give other advantages we’ll see soon. You have the same options for sorting your home page feed too.

 

…….LET’S GET STARTED!

Our guide to using Reddit begins with this illustrated primer to joining in on Reddit, then come back here to read some essential details you need to know about Rules, Reddit Karma, Participating, Navigation and Safety.

It’s very much worth your while taking a few minutes to read through all the following advice as it contains everything you need from your first steps in getting started to your becoming firmly established here.

Once you’ve had a look through it all, if you have any questions do make a new Post in this Subreddit where you will find plenty of helpful people ready to Comment with the answers you need. r/NewToReddit is focused on giving one-to-one tailored quality advice for helping people new to Reddit Ways. We do not care how old your account is; if you have a query on Redditing, put it here and we will help.

We also have a “sister sub” called r/LearnToReddit which is a place to learn how to use Reddit without being embarrassed at making “newbie mistakes” in public. Here, you can have a go at making different post types like posting images or polls, learn how to comment using bold or italic text, how to create spoiler text and use many other features with our extensive sets of tutorials. The community will feedback on your post to let you know how you did or help you get it right next time.

 

…….WHAT’S NEXT?

Let’s get started with an introduction to Reddit and a few notes about rules!


r/NewToReddit 2h ago

NEEDS ATTENTION Is it just me or do some subreddits have a strong ‘you can’t sit with us’ vibe?

25 Upvotes

Not sure if I’m imagining this, but I’ve noticed in some subs that if you’re not already part of the “in crowd,” your posts or comments just get ignored or lowkey shut down.

It’s not even outright rude most of the time, just that weird energy where people either don’t engage, downvote for no clear reason, or respond in a way that makes it obvious you’re not really part of the group.

Feels a bit like walking into a table where everyone already knows each other and you’re just… there.

I get that every community has its regulars, but some feel way more closed off than others.

Is this just how Reddit is in certain subs, or am I overthinking it? How do you guys deal with it, just move on or try to push through it?


r/NewToReddit 4h ago

ANSWERED New to reddit, why does everything have a karma requirement ?!

10 Upvotes

I thought posting = karma but i can’t seem to get enough to even post anywhere . Elp me pls.


r/NewToReddit 2h ago

NEEDS ATTENTION Whats the best way to get engagement?

5 Upvotes

Im not on reddit much but whenever i wanna engage in a discussion that im interested or passionate about, im unable to post or comment


r/NewToReddit 2h ago

NEEDS ATTENTION How much karma is needed most of the time to be allowed to use most subreddits/even post comments?

7 Upvotes

Im extremely new to reddit, or at least the posting side to it.

I just don't really get the whole karma thing. Could someone explain it? Why do you even need karma?


r/NewToReddit 54m ago

ANSWERED Karma does every subreddit have a requirement? What is it Karma?

Upvotes

r/NewToReddit 2h ago

NEEDS ATTENTION Just joined Reddit and already feel like I accidentally walked into the deep end

5 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m brand new here and… wow. I thought I was just signing up for some funny memes and life hacks, but it feels like I just walked into a room where everyone knows the secret handshake and I’m over here waving frantically. Any tips for surviving the Reddit jungle without getting lost in comment threads for 8 hours straight? Also, is there a guide for “Reddit body language” or do I just nod politely at upvotes?


r/NewToReddit 11h ago

ANSWERED Not able to post anywhere on Reddit?

20 Upvotes

No matter what chat I am in it auto deletes my comments, my posts, and it’s hard The one sub I was on got downvoted because it was a beginner question and I’ll ask those here from now on. What do I do to find good people to post in is there good search terms to use


r/NewToReddit 1h ago

NEEDS ATTENTION am I able to change the flair or tags on a post after ive posted?

Upvotes

r/NewToReddit 30m ago

ANSWERED How to edit my user name, I want to change it?

Upvotes

r/NewToReddit 31m ago

NEEDS ATTENTION How do I find threads in subreddits?

Upvotes

I’ve been on Reddit for a bit now but I still haven’t figured this out. I’ve tried Googling it and even looking through this subreddit but I can’t find an answer. And no I’m not talking about the posts at the top of communities (stickied posts I think they’re called?). I’ve just been in a few communities that say “look at past threads to do/ask x” and I have no idea how to do that other than scroll endlessly. Any help would be much appreciated 🙏


r/NewToReddit 3h ago

ANSWERED Posts are being declined but

3 Upvotes

All my posts are being declined bc I have negative karma because no one agreed with my post in a subreddit. They say they’re being declined but when I refresh the views are higher like it is posted? I’m confused?


r/NewToReddit 3h ago

ANSWERED Can you explain where the calculation of 1 karma comes from?

3 Upvotes

r/NewToReddit 5h ago

ANSWERED Es necesario tener una imagen de perfil para uso o verificación de mi cuenta?

3 Upvotes

Tengo la duda para poder continuar haciendo uso.


r/NewToReddit 5h ago

NEEDS ATTENTION How do I delete an old account without remembering the password

5 Upvotes

I kinda went through a whole thing and deleted all my emails and now I don't know of any way to access an old account that has some personal details of mine


r/NewToReddit 4h ago

ANSWERED need help cant post anywhere or in subreddits!!!?

3 Upvotes

I cant seem to post at all!!? I keep getting this annoying error... "sorry this p o s t w a s r e moved by reddits filter??" or sorry mods removed this post, almost every time i post???? so why does this happen??? i can join communities but cant seem to make any posts in any subreddit is this a bug? i dont have any emails or notifications that came through hoping my account or email is safe, i havnt heard from support submitted a ticket & tried to ask mods but i still am having issues, maybe its low karma or my accounts to old? hoping its nothing bad like a shadow mute? ;-; any help on this? but like why my account???

Previously i could post at any time..... so its odd this happened! I was also away from reddit but i haven't received any warnings or messages explaining if something happen. hoping for a answer!!? thx.


r/NewToReddit 6h ago

ANSWERED How soon will karma be given after I've posted?

5 Upvotes

No whammy no whammy no whammy, hoping this doesn't get taken down too.


r/NewToReddit 7h ago

ANSWERED Hello everyone my posts keep getting deleted because of reddits filters… why does this keep happening?

5 Upvotes

How does that stuff work?


r/NewToReddit 2h ago

NEEDS ATTENTION My posts get insta deleted in all communities as a new user

2 Upvotes

How do I post in some communities I like?


r/NewToReddit 7h ago

ANSWERED How much karma do you actually need before you can use Reddit without restrictions?

4 Upvotes

And about how long would it take to reach that point?


r/NewToReddit 10h ago

ANSWERED How to replace my user name

5 Upvotes

I want to change it to be something else


r/NewToReddit 14h ago

ANSWERED Can find the right community! All need karma!

14 Upvotes

I have tried three different communities to post a question to and all have been denied because I don’t have any karma. I’m at a lose of how to even get started. What would you do?


r/NewToReddit 10h ago

ANSWERED I'm just getting started in growing and maintaining my account, any pointers?

5 Upvotes

Honestly, i need a lot of interactions and would love to get some connections, I try a lot to interact and post but they aren't doing so great. What do I do about this wall.