Reddit is one of the most popular social media platforms, with millions of daily active users sharing content across thousands of communities called subreddits. While most users follow Reddit’s content policies, inappropriate or rule-breaking posts can sometimes slip through. As a Reddit user, you can play an important role in maintaining the quality of the platform by reporting problematic content. This guide will walk you through the process of reporting subreddits, posts, or comments that violate Reddit’s rules.
Understanding Reddit’s Content Policy
Before reporting content, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Reddit’s content policy. Some key rules include:
- No harassment, bullying, or inciting violence
- No sharing personal or confidential information
- No sexualization of minors
- No impersonation or deception
- No spam or vote manipulation
- No illegal content or solicitation of illegal goods/services
Content that breaks these rules should be reported to Reddit admins for review.
Method 1: Reporting Individual Posts or Comments
The easiest way to report problematic content is to flag individual posts or comments:
Step 1: Locate the post or comment you want to report.
Step 2: Click the “…” menu below the content (or tap the overflow menu on mobile).
Step 3: Select “Report” from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Choose the rule violation category that best fits the issue.
Step 5: Add any additional details to help explain the problem.
Step 6: Submit the report.
This method works well for isolated rule violations. The post/comment and associated subreddit will be reviewed by Reddit admins.
Method 2: Reporting an Entire Subreddit
For more widespread issues affecting an entire community, you can report the subreddit itself:
Step 1: Go to reddit.com/report while logged into your account.
Step 2: Select the appropriate category for your report (e.g. “This is abusive or harassing”).
Step 3: Choose the specific rule violation from the options provided.
Step 4: Enter the subreddit URL and provide details about the problem.
Step 5: Add links to specific rule-breaking posts as examples.
Step 6: Submit the report for admin review.
This method is best when there are systemic issues across multiple posts in a subreddit.
Method 3: Contacting Reddit Admins Directly
For complex situations or if you don’t have a Reddit account, you can submit a detailed report:
Step 1: Go to reddit.com/contact.
Step 2: Click “Message the admins”.
Step 3: Select “Something else” then “Content breaks Reddit’s rules”.
Step 4: Choose the relevant rule violation category.
Step 5: Provide a detailed explanation of the issue, including links to problematic content.
Step 6: Submit the report for admin review.
This method allows for more context but may have a slower response time than in-platform reporting.
Best Practices for Effective Reporting
- Be specific about which rules are being broken
- Provide direct links to rule-violating content as examples
- Explain the impact of the violations on users/communities
- Remain objective and avoid emotional language
- Only report genuine violations, not content you simply disagree with
Remember that Reddit admins review thousands of reports. Clear, factual information helps them take appropriate action quickly.
Reporting inappropriate content helps keep Reddit a better place for all users. While you may not always see immediate results, your reports contribute to the overall health of the platform. If you encounter any content that poses immediate danger, remember to contact local authorities in addition to reporting on Reddit.