WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REDDIT: A GUIDE FOR CONTENT CREATORS
Reddit is the third most visible website on Google in the U.S., according to Sistrix. Their research found that it finishes in the top three search results for 11% of the 3.47 million keywords it ranks for. An amazing 43% ranks in the top ten.
The site has been popular for a long time but its recent performance has been exceptional. That’s thanks to Google’s “Helpful Content” update that now ranks authentic, user-focused content based on real user insights higher.
In this article, you'll learn about the site, its culture and its policies. You'll also discover how becoming a Reddit content creator can grow your follower and subscriber base.
What is Reddit?
Reddit is a platform that's home to 2.2 million online communities. Each online community is a group dedicated to discussing specific interests, topics, or hobbies. Known as subreddits, The Business of Apps reports that around 130,000 communities are currently active.
Subreddits
On subreddits, users can post questions, share links, images, and videos, talk with like minds, and vote content up and down based on its quality.
Content that's voted up rises higher on the subreddit page. Upvotes improve its visibility and increase the likelihood that other users will engage with it.
The rules of engagement
Reddit has a set of shared rules that apply site-wide. Subreddit creators can set their own rules on top of the shared rules. Moderators on subreddits, who are unpaid, enforce the rules.
If you break the rules, moderators can issue a warning, ban you temporarily or permanently, and restrict access to your account. Reddit itself can also ban subreddits, mark them as not suitable for work, and remove content.
6 ways to use Reddit as a creator
Everyday "Redditors" use Reddit for getting the news, seeking information and advice on topics they care about, and finding those with like minds and interests. Creators can do more like promoting their work, getting fresh content ideas, and getting more followers.
To make your mark as a Reddit creator, follow these six steps:
1. Get to know each subreddit you join
Join as many relevant subreddits as you can but remember that each subreddit has its own distinct rules. Each also has its forms of expression you have to get used to.
This develops over time from years of banter and chat between its members and gives each subreddit its own personality.
Spend time understanding the rules of each to get a feel for the place and so your content matches the community's expectations.
2. Spend time in smaller, niche subreddits
Target smaller groups as well as larger, more popular subreddits to promote your videos and podcasts. In fact, the more topic-specific the community, the more Redditors might like your content.
For example, if you make baking tutorial videos, consider posting in a smaller community like r/sourdough. You may get more views and more meaningful interactions with other Redditors there than you would in a larger group like r/Cooking.
The more you ingratiate yourself in a nice subreddit, the less likely others are to view relevant content promotion as spam. Make sure you use great visuals in each music, an uplifting cooking background music soundtrack, and, of course. a tasty recipe to really impress.
3. Be a full participant in discussions
Be generous with your knowledge and expertise. Be the person on Reddit they turn to for help and answers before they go to Google.
Show a genuine interest in community discussions. Check in regularly and make a habit of responding to other people's questions and comments. Don’t answer with just a link - include the link as part of a full answer that adds value to the discussion.
This approach to participation is great for building credibility and support. Over time, it will also make inviting other Redditors to follow you on social media feel more natural.
4. Use Reddit's Rule Check app
Reddit’s "Rules Check" inspects your content to check it follows subreddit guidelines before you upload content. While you're drafting your post, a red badge will flag up warning you of a potential breach. Tap on the badge to find out what rule you might break so you can put it right.
This tool is really helpful for creators. It makes accidental rule breaches that could harm your reputation or get your content removed preventable.
5. Hook onto relevant trending subreddits and posts
Use the search feature on Reddit to check for topics in your space that are gaining popularity or going viral.
For example, if you're a YouTube movie reviewer, do a search for "Marvel Studios" using the Hot Topic search filter. Look for news that might interest your audience, like a new film going into production.
If you find something, write down the most interesting Reddit reactions and download any images or memes fans upload. Do the same with X. Always remember to credit any Reddit or X whose material you use.
Set up the camera and put together a 10-minute video starting off with the news and then fan reactions. Edit your content, not forgetting to add the epic cinematic background music you use to build audience excitement from the outset.
Finally, promote your video on Reddit and X, previewing what views can expect to draw viewers in and attract new followers.
6. Prepare for success but brace for the occasional failure
Not every post will be a runaway success. Learn from your mistakes and adapt your approach constantly. Prepare for the odd letdown or setback like Reddit removing a post or suspending your account.
That might be because you’re overzealous in promoting your own work early on - Reddit discourages spamming and self-promotion. Get a knockback, take from it what you can, then come back.
Reddit is hard work but it’s worth it. While Reddit does not pay creators like YouTube or TikTok does, you can still earn money. Make sure you include affiliate links in your post and you edit your sponsors' messages into your content.
Think of it as a fee-free platform containing potentially tens of thousands of new followers. Go and make friends with them to grow the audience for your content.
Grow your creator business with Reddit and Universal Music for Creators
Whether you create videos or podcasts, using the right music and promoting your content on Reddit can make you stand out.
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Remember that Reddit success relies on genuine participation. Avoid too much self-promotion and focus instead on building up trust through useful and engaging content. Your audience will follow naturally.
