Haruki Murakami once wrote, “Everybody has to start somewhere. You have your whole future ahead of you. Perfection doesn’t happen right away.” For new Reddit users—or “newbies” as the community sometimes calls them—this sentiment couldn’t be more accurate. Reddit, with its vast ecosystem of subreddits and passionate users, can feel like a labyrinth at first. From unwritten rules to quirky customs, it’s easy to stumble. But don’t worry—this guide is here to light the way. Whether you’re aiming to build karma, connect with like-minded people, or simply avoid the dreaded downvote spiral, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll uncover the **top 10 mistakes new Redditors make**, drawing from real user insights and expert advice. Based on a question I posed to r/AskReddit—“What Are the Mistakes New Redditors Make?”—which garnered over 1,300 responses, this post combines community wisdom with practical tips. Consider this your crash course in Reddit mastery. Let’s dive in, young Redditor!

The Science Behind This Guide

To craft this article, I didn’t just rely on my own experiences—I turned to the Reddit community itself. My r/AskReddit post became a goldmine of firsthand accounts from seasoned users, or as I like to call them, *Reddit Buddhas*. Their upvotes and comments shaped this list, ensuring it’s not just one person’s opinion but a collective roadmap for success. So, buckle up—this isn’t just advice; it’s crowd-sourced wisdom tailored for you.

1. Ignoring Reddiquette: The Unwritten Code

Reddit’s Reddiquette is the backbone of its culture—a set of guidelines covering everything from voting to commenting. New users who skip this step often face downvotes or worse, a frosty reception. For example, posting spammy links or being overly aggressive in debates violates Reddiquette and paints you as uninformed. Avoid this by reading the official Reddiquette guide before you post. It’s your first step to earning respect.

2. Sloppy Grammar and Spelling Slip-Ups

Reddit isn’t a grammar police state, but users like u/Skolbieski have noted that “poor grammar and misspelled words” are rookie giveaways. Text slang like “u” or “lolz” often gets eye-rolls too. The fix? Write like you’re crafting an email to a friend—clear, proper, and polished. A quick spell-check can save you from downvote doom and signal you’re serious about contributing.

3. Missing Subreddit Rules: A Rookie Trap

Every subreddit is a unique kingdom with its own laws. Posting a meme in a discussion-only sub or ignoring flair requirements can lead to removals or bans. As u/exanthem pointed out, newbies often “assume nobody’s posted that article yet.” Pro tip: Check the sidebar or pinned posts for rules, and use the search bar to avoid reposts. Knowing your sub is key to fitting in.

4. Karma Begging: The Fastest Way to Flop

“Plz upvote me!” might seem tempting, but it’s a cardinal sin on Reddit. Users despise overt karma farming—think low-effort posts or pleading comments. Authenticity rules here. Share valuable insights or witty remarks instead. Want to boost your karma naturally? Check out our internal guide on How to Get Karma on Reddit: Proven Strategies for Success.

5. Acting Immature: Keep It Classy

Reddit thrives on thoughtful discourse, not playground spats. New users who lash out at disagreement or troll others often sink their own ship. The community values maturity—stay calm, respect differing views, and pick your battles. If you’re young, don’t sweat it; just aim to grow into the platform’s vibe over time.

6. Picking a Regrettable Username

Your Reddit username is forever, as u/bigween lamented: “You can’t change it. Ever.” A name like “FartLord69” might crack you up now but could cringe later—especially if you’re networking or job hunting. Opt for something versatile or meaningful. Need ideas? Explore our post on 120 Best Reddit Usernames: Cool Ideas to Stand Out!.

7. Clashing with Mods: Don’t Poke the Bear

Moderators, or mods, are the gatekeepers of subreddits. Disrespect them, and you’re risking a ban. u/Quick_man advised, “Report trolls, don’t engage.” If you break a rule, take the warning gracefully—arguing rarely works. Mods keep the peace, so stay on their good side by following the guidelines.

8. Spouting Hateful Content: A Reddit Red Line

Reddit’s all about free speech—until it’s not. Bigotry, racism, or slander crosses the line, earning you downvotes, reports, and bans. u/Quick_man flagged new accounts as frequent offenders here. Keep it civil and constructive; Reddit’s community doesn’t tolerate toxicity. This isn’t a free-for-all—it’s a space for big ideas, not small minds.

9. Wrong Subreddit Woes: Find Your Tribe

With over 1021 upvotes, u/Alsbet’s comment nailed it: Newbies often “think the front page is all Reddit is.” Posting a cat pic in r/technology? Big mistake. Reddit’s strength is its niche communities—find the right one for your content. Unsure where to start? Use Reddit’s search or ask for subreddit recommendations. There’s a corner for everything.

10. Fighting Criticism: Take the L and Learn

Downvotes sting, but defending a bad post is like pouring gas on a fire. u/i_play_bass warned, “They’ll downvote all your comments into oblivion.” Reddit respects humility—accept feedback, tweak your approach, and move on. It’s not personal; it’s just the platform’s way of keeping quality high.

Bonus Tip: Karma Isn’t King

Obsessing over karma misses the point. Reddit’s magic lies in its discussions, content, and connections—not just numbers. Engage genuinely, and upvotes will follow. Need a quick boost? You could buy Reddit upvotes, but real growth comes from authenticity.

Going Deeper: Advanced Reddit Survival Tips

Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s level up. Here are some extra nuggets to cement your Reddit cred:

• Shadow Bans: Break rules too often, and you might get shadowbanned—your posts vanish without notice. Protect yourself by sticking to guidelines.
• Engaging Users: Comment thoughtfully, ask questions, and join conversations. It’s how you build rapport.
• Formatting: Bold **key points**, use lists, and break up text. Reddit loves readability—see our Reddit Formatting Help Guide.

Why Reddit Matters: A Quick Rundown

Still wondering what Reddit’s all about? It’s a global hub for ideas, humor, and communities—over 430 million monthly users strong, per recent stats. From DIY tips to deep debates, it’s a goldmine of human experience. Learn more in What is Reddit Used For? The Ultimate Guide.

Final Thoughts: Your Reddit Journey Starts Now

Reddit may intimidate at first, but it’s a playground for the curious and creative. Avoid these 10 mistakes, and you’ll navigate it like a pro. Follow Reddiquette, respect mods, and find your niche—karma and community will follow. Ready to explore? Start with our beginner’s essential: How to Use Reddit – The Beginner’s Guide.

So, young Redditor, what’s your next move? Dive into a subreddit, craft a post, or share your thoughts below. The Redditverse awaits!

FAQs: Your Reddit Questions Answered

How do I avoid a Reddit shadow ban?

Stick to Reddiquette and subreddit rules. Avoid spamming or using multiple accounts to dodge bans.

Can I delete my Reddit account?

Yes! Follow our guide on How to Delete Your Reddit Account in 3 Easy Steps.

How do I engage with other Reddit users?

Comment meaningfully, upvote good content, and join discussions—don’t just lurk!

What if my post gets downvoted?

Take it in stride, analyze why, and adjust. Don’t argue—focus on your next contribution.

How many people use Reddit?

Over 430 million monthly active users as of recent counts, making it a social media titan.

\0000000000

Haruki Murakami once said, “Everybody has to start somewhere. You have your whole future ahead of you. Perfection doesn’t happen right away.” This quote has never rang more true than it does for someone who is new to Reddit. It can be hard to understand Reddit initially, and even harder to start racking up karma. So, if you’re new to reddit, don’t fret, this article will discuss several common mistakes made by new redditors. Consider me your Reddit guru. Let’s get going, young padawan. Your training commences now.

The Science

In writing this article, I conducted my own little experiment. I posed the following question to r/AskReddit:“What Are The Mistakes That New redditors Make?” . The post received over 1,300 comments, so you can feel safe in knowing that you are not only receiving advice from my own experiences, but also from the Reddit Buddhas ! They will be your guides and this article will only discuss comments made by them during that post and for your benefit. Why they got their upvotes given and why downvotes were dolled out. It was all for you, young padawan. It was all for you. So here we go. The Top 10 Mistakes New Redditors Make !

#1: Not following the Reddiquette

This is kind of a meta-rule since it encloses all others in one way or another. It angers experienced redditors to no end, and if it doesn’t anger them, it certainly makes you look uninformed, unintelligent and unreliable. So, make sure you read the reddiquette rules and regulations and follow them.

#2: Not Using Proper Grammar and Spelling

u/Skolbieski stated that most new redditors are guilty of “Using very poor grammar/misspelled words, and then assuming it’s okay.” Another user replied that “text slang” is another big no-no. That’s basically all you need to know about that. Use real words, spell them correctly and use proper sentence structure. It’s a pretty easy mistake to avoid.

#3: Not Knowing your Sub-Reddit’s Rules

Now, this is different from following the general Reddiquette. Evey sub-reddit has it’s own rules and regulations and knowing them is essential. My post received so many comments about this common mistake. Make sure that you are posting your content to the correct subreddit and that you follow that specific subreddit’s rules. u/exanthem stated that many new Redditors go around, “Assuming somebody hasn’t already created a post about that awesome news article you just found.” If you’re posting content, make sure that it hasn’t already been posted. Re-posts will only receive downvotes and anger. Worse, it makes the poster look like they don’t know what’s going on or like they are digging for karma. Which brings me to the next rule.

#4: Begging for Karma or Upvotes

Don’t dig for karma or ask for upvotes. This is a quick and easy way to get downvoted into a hole from which your karma will never recover.  People can tell when you aren’t really contributing valuable content to the site. Sometimes, a useless joke is appreciated, but not all the time. I made several responses on my post, many of which were jokes, and while they all ended up having a positive karma score, the jokes did not do as well as honest opinion and contribution.

#5: Acting like a child

Well, if you are a child don’t worry, it takes time. But if you are not – just act like an adult. So don’t fight and don’t offend others who don’t agree with you.

#6: Not choosing a proper username

Another big no-no is choosing an inappropriate username. u/bigween said the following: “Your username is your username, and you can’t change that. ever. cries softly.”  So, yeah, find a username that fits your personality. It might be a funny username, but it wouldn’t work for all types of accounts. If you’re using reddit for personal use, you can be a little more humorous; but if you are an organization, company or a marketing professional, you need a username that is representative of your purpose on reddit. No “bigween,” “AssbuttInTheGarrison,” or “Boobiesucker.” Most of the time you wouldn’t be taken seriously at all, so unless that’s your goal – avoid that.

#7: Pissing off the mods

Now, mods (or Moderators) are the people in charge of subreddits. They enforce a subreddit’s rules and regulations and will ban you for breaking them. Remember u/Quick_man ? The mod ? He made a point to say that any trolls, racists or dumbasses intentionally not following the rules should be reported. He said, “The reports come in anonymously, report trolls, don’t engage. That’s our job. If you battle a troll, and make it personal/offensive you could get banned too. There’s no need to white knights, I can only speak for myself but I’d rather have tons of reports than to spend hours weeding through comments”  The mods aren’t all-mighty, but they can kick your reddit ass and make you a reddit outcast. Don’t piss them off.

#8: Professing bigoted, hateful or slanderous words

The same mod from the previous point once said that “accounts from 1 month to 9 are the worst” at what he described as “acting uncivil and using racial slurs.” DO NOT DO THIS. You will get reported and banned, not to mention downvoted into the innermost circle of Reddit HELL. Reddit is a Free Speech site, but users will tear you limb from limb for professing bigoted, hateful or slanderous words. There is no excuse for this sort of behavior and reddit will punish you. Remember, this isn’t YouTube. We’re big kids here.

#9: Posting in the wrong Sub-Reddit

The most upvoted comment on my post, weighing in at a whopping 1021 upvotes, was posted by u/Alsbet. This user said that new redditors are almost always guilty of “Reading the default front page and thinking that’s all reddit is.” Reddit is a content hosting site that allows its users to submit, vote upon or comment on content from ALL OVER THE WORLD. You’ve heard the phrase, “There’s an app for that,” right? Well, think of just about anything and I will bet you that there is a subreddit for it. Never forget that you should categorize and prioritize your subreddits for specific content. This is how you find communities that will most likely value your content, appreciate your opinions and upvote your submissions. It is so important that you explore the world at your fingertips. Remember this: “There is a subreddit for that.” There is, and if there isn’t, then start one. New users need to navigate the site and find the subreddits that most specifically suit their personal preferences and purposes.

#10: Not taking NO for an answer

This one comes from u/i_play_bass: “If people respond to your comment with downvotes and criticism, don’t try and defend it. They’ll downvote all your comments into oblivion. Just take your single comment punishment and carry on.” Reddit isn’t YouTube. The users who sustain reddit attempt to uphold a higher standard of discourse, so don’t get into internet arguments concerning your opinions. It will only bring more misery upon your Karma.

One final advice: Don’t take Karma too seriously

One final, parting piece of advice that I have for you is that you shouldn’t take karma too seriously. It’s cool to get karma and it definitely ups your reddit cred, but karma isn’t everything. The most important aspects of reddit are discussion, content and community. Once you find these things, the upvotes will rain down upon you for the rest of your Reddit career. Well, you can also get reddit upvotes the easy way if you are lazy. Well, that’s it, kiddo. That’s all the information I have for you today. Reddit may seem like a scary place, but it’s not. You just need to follow its rules and learn how to find your niche. So, go out there, explore and learn ! Yours truly, Jack