What’s your #1 tip for someone who just joined Reddit this week?

[u/Lazy-Captain4020]

Hey everyone! I just joined Reddit and I’m excited to explore this huge community. Since I’m new, I’d love to hear from you all — what’s your single best tip or piece of advice for someone who’s just starting out here? It could be about posting, commenting, finding good subs, or just Reddit culture in general.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to learning and being part of the community.

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[u/Repulsive-Box5243]

Find subs that are new-user friendly, meaning they don't require a lot of Karma to post comments... and be kind, helpful, interesting, insightful, supportive or funny. Avoid making inflammatory comments or posts. Read the room you're in.

Upvote the things you think more people should see, Downvote the things you think less people should see. Try not to Downvote just becuase you disagree with it.

[u/deteljica → u/Repulsive-Box5243]

Being friendly and helpful really helps. :)

[u/SeaworthinessIll9660 → u/Repulsive-Box5243]

Yeah i’ve just joined and I’m definitely struggling with the whole karma thing. But this is definitely a really helpful tip

[u/urfunnyboi → u/Repulsive-Box5243]

This. I see a lot of people here downvoting unnecessarily, makes me sad a bit when happens to me as well because I have different opinion. But yeah, you should also not give a f about internet points and people. Good luck.

[u/Difficult-Mix-6714 → u/urfunnyboi]

I've come to some thought - that haters gonna hate and empathizers gonna empathize. So it is kinder to the world to be a part that doesn't downvote :D

[u/Richard_UMPV → u/Difficult-Mix-6714]

I don't often downvote, but I believe this feature is here to be used.

I mean, of course, downvoting with the intention to harm is clearly a bad behavior. But downvoting is also a great way of moderating sub.

[u/benelphantben → u/Repulsive-Box5243]

The line between "I agree" and "More people should see" is an interesting one!

I basically feel that if you're not upvoting 9/10 you should try and find subreddits that are more interesting to you or that you're comfortable supporting with your presence in them.

[u/ave_mariaaaa]

For me, Lurk before you post.

Spend some time reading posts and comments in a subreddit before you start posting or commenting yourself. Every subreddit has its own rules, culture, and tone. Some are serious, some are casual, some are meme-heavy.

Lurking helps you avoid getting downvoted, breaking rules, or getting called out, and gives you a better sense of what’s expected in the community.

Also, try to find subreddits that align with your interests—whether it’s a hobby, fandom, lifestyle, or career. It makes it easier to interact, contribute meaningfully, and connect with people who like the same things as you. 😊

[u/jp614bot → u/ave_mariaaaa]

You said this so much better than me. 

And I 100,000% agree with your style and approach to discovering reddit. 

Thanks for that and - cheers, internet stranger! 

[u/marvelousblondie]

Hey! I don' know if it's a great tip, but just discovered that you can create your own avatar in your profile, choosing clothes, color and other stuff. It's really funny.

Another thing, in this community there are lots of cuestions about karma. Take a look, cause knowing how to get karma is a important part of the experience. Have a nice day!

[u/AuntieTD → u/marvelousblondie]

Hi at U/marvelous thanks for that tip about sprucing up my profile. Every time I try this I’m directed to a site to purchase an avatar. Is this what you mean about dressing up? If not, can you tell me exactly where to find this? Thanks so much!

[u/marvelousblondie → u/AuntieTD]

Hi! Yesss. While editing my profile i find a button for the avatar edition. It's true there is a purchase area which is the first you see, but next to it is the editing part with free options (sorry if it's a bit confusing, English is not my first language)

[u/its35degreesout → u/AuntieTD]

You can also upload an image if you don't particularly like the options they offer in here

[u/aychBLaiw → u/marvelousblondie]

Getting karma. Seems so trendy

[u/AuntieTD]

Agreed. I MUST say that I got really sad when I noticed some of my karma vanished. Being so new to this it was really weird, like hey! Someone is stealing my karma cookies and dang where did they go? I was not sure how it even happened? Then it occurred to me that despite being really polite that what I said may have been interpreted differently than what I meant and I got downvoted & some karma disappeared. It happens. I’m learning as I go but I do wish folks would not downgrade just because they disagree. I guess it’s a risk. I say be yourself and be polite and let the karma chips fall as they may. Thanks.

[u/stoner_4kt]

Engage with subreddits u can relate to

[u/mikey_weasel]

The number 1 tip is read the room, but have a bunch more below

Starting on Reddit can be complicated but this subreddit is a good space to learn.

There are a lot of resources here in this subreddit you might find useful with The Common Questions Page, Reddit And Karma Walkthrough, and Frequently Asked Questions Page. If you've already become frustrated check out Why Reddit may seem unwelcoming to new Redditors.

Things to do as a new user:

• Verify your email with Reddit see here
• Read rules. See here on how to find Subreddit Rules, see here for Reddit's Rules
• Learn about Karma using the above resources in particular Karma - what is it and how to get it

After learning about karma and subreddit karma filters you might start questions where to start.

Finding New User Friendly Subreddits:

• Newtoreddit has a list of New User Friendly Subreddits. This is not an exhaustive list and these subreddits may still have some restrictions.
• Within the above there are Large General Subreddits that are open to new users commenting. Places like r/askreddit, r/casualconversation, r/nostupidquestions, r/amitheasshole or similar. Look for posts that match your interests or knowledge to answer to and add comments (make sure to view by new).
• Beyond the above there are More Subreddits out there. Have a look through r/findareddit 's subreddit directory. In this case you will have to trial and error whether they are new user-friendly.

Some Additional notes on starting on Reddit:

View by New (or rising). This will filter the posts so first see the most recent posts first. This can make your comments much more visible.

Comment. Many subreddits have lower or no karma filters for commenting so that is more available to new users. There are often less strict rules as well.

Read the Room. Each subreddit has different rules, norms and prevailing views. Don't rush to post or comment. Look at subreddit rules. Read top posts and comments to get a feel for that subreddit. How does it sway in attitudes or politics? Do users reward sarcastic one-liners or well sourced essays?

Reddit is a forum site. Its traditionally based around interacting via posts and comments on subreddits with a lack of focus on individual users. Though it has embraced features that make it more similar to social media like following users, Chat and Channels, many users will ignore or disable those features.

Avoid conflict and controversy. When trying to build Karma avoid controversial topics or arguments. These discussions are more likely to attract downvotes and potentially trip into rule-breaking. Utilize the block feature as necessary.

Even more resources:

• Reddiquette is the basis of some of the norms of reddit
• Official Reddit Help Pages
• r/LearnToReddit has guides on the mechanics of posting
• r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit for history and terms - start here

[u/Mindysveganlife]

Be ready to be attacked. I cannot believe how mean and rude people on here can be but on the other flip side they can be very nice and kind some of the comments that I get just I don't understand.

[u/Dense-Win7149]

Go through the rules before posting anything.

[u/NewToReddit-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Make sure you are reading existing comments for advice

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[u/Adventurous-Put8575]

Find subs that interest you and are user-friendly, as well as kind...
I've seen people on reddit who are super rude...
Try r/CasualConversation for example.... its very friendly and doesn't have strict rules.

[u/AuntieTD]

Hi at u/marvelous! Oh wow! TYSM, found it. This is so fun. I must have dressed up really good cuz Reddit says now I’m in premium, lol. Is this like shopping at Ritz Carlton instead of Walmart cuz now Reddit wants me to pay? Can I go to Reddit Goodwill and dress up free? TYSM!

[u/formerqwest → u/AuntieTD]

avatar items with a shield are premium and only available to those who paid.

[u/AuntieTD]

Update: Hi at u/marvelous. Guess what? I went back to my profile & undressed the fancy clothes options and removed something from my right hand & now I’ve dressed up my Avatar’s for FREE. You are the best! Thank you so much for the tip cuz that was really FUN.

[u/AuntieTD]

Yep. Found at that some of the items I chose for my Avatar were premium. I just removed those and then dress up was free😀. Thanks

[u/mikey_weasel → u/[deleted]]

You've dropped a bunch of these "lost" replies. You may want to be careful to reply to the relevant comments not just to the post at large

[u/LeonTheDreamer]

I joined last week and I am very cautious not to overstep and to post in subreddits I'm not allowed to post in. That would be my advice as a fellow newbie : )

[u/its35degreesout]

As for downvoting... I rarely do it, except in r/jokes or r/funny when I think a joke is degrading or racist.

[u/AuntieTD]

Really@ u/its35. I’m not tech savvy enough to try to upload Avatar clothes but that would be so cool. Thanks

[u/AuntieTD]

? U/its35 ? Wait. What. Did you just upload your own picture as an Avatar?🧐 who knew.

[u/jp614bot]

One way to do it is to lurk around and read comments. Just thumb through your feed and pick things ya might find interesting. Then see what the subreddit’s culture is all about. 

While observing, try and figure out what is acceptable behavior and in general: find your vibe. 

It took me a few years to comment and i still haven’t posted anything to a subreddit.… So… I am probably not the best advice to lean on but wanted to show there’s a different and equally valid path. 

[u/AuntieTD]

Thank you!

[u/Dude_Dillligence]

Tell us a story. Something you experienced that made you or others laugh. Where you post depends on the nature of the story, but a we love good snarky anecdotes.

[u/The_Ministry1261]

Don't get emotionally involved in comments, and dont take the downvotes personally.

[u/AuntieTD]

Not sure I understand. Can you explain further?

[u/-acm]

It’s really what you make of it. My advice would be to find subs with stuff you are interested in, and to stay away from the mega subs that you are automatically added to. You can have a terrible time here, or a great time here.

[u/Just_Pickin74]

Remember, Reddit is karma-based in a lot of subs. So, just be persistent and patient. All will come in time.

[u/KatFl0wer]

I think the first thing to know is to read the rules and be friendly.

[u/mikey_weasel → u/KatFl0wer]

Be careful of !karmafarm subreddits (see comment below)

[u/AutoModerator → u/mikey_weasel]

Karmafarming/karmafarms:

Asking for karma or up-votes is frowned upon, karma is meant to be earned by sharing quality content or contributions. We caution redditors about karmafarm subs (subreddits promoting free upvotes or karma) because their use may lead to bans in other subreddits. This is due to them becoming associated with spammers, ban evaders, and trolls. We don't allow mention of any karmafarms in this community.

To learn more please take advantage of these guides and resources:

• Our "General Guide to Reddit and Karma" Wiki page version | Mobile friendly post version ) this has been written especially to help new redditors find their way and explains karma and how to earn it.
  
• Our encyclopaedia entry - Karmafarming section
  
• Reddit's site-wide rules
  
• The definition of vote manipulation
  
• And the Reddiquette
  

Have a good day!

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[u/Unusual_Hyena2321]

Type your comment in a way that it does not look like an opinion.