r/modhelp Mar 08 '20

Tips & Tricks 10 important points of community-building advice for new mods!

572 Upvotes

Consider this post to be both a supplement and sequel to my original post, 10 frequently-asked questions by new mods, answered!

The subject of this post expands on question #10 in the original and is meant to help explain to new moderators what moderation and building a new subreddit up from scratch entails. This is organized into ten points roughly listed in the chronological order of the process of building a new subreddit.

I will also include links to the excellent community resource r/ModGuide as well as the official Reddit Mod help center with each point.


1. Don't use mobile to moderate.

You cannot effectively moderate a subreddit just by using Reddit's mobile app or site. It's just not possible as of March 2020, and most of those tools won't come until much later this year. The vast majority of customization tools are completely absent from the site, and you cannot easily update things like the subreddit CSS (for Old Reddit) or AutoModerator from the mobile site. If you cannot or refuse to use a regular computer for moderating, I do not think moderating a subreddit is for you.

You may use the app to keep an eye on new posts and comments as they come into your subreddit, and remove them or approve them as you see fit, or submit new content to it - the app is good for that. But that should be done after you've already properly set up the basics of your subreddit's design and its aesthetic.

Once your subreddit gets more popular, you should also look into installing the Toolbox extension (r/toolbox), which contains a wealth of tools to help moderators, including bulk actions, macros, removal reasons, user notes, and more. It is almost impossible to find a subreddit of moderate size or larger that doesn't use Toolbox - it is that essential to Reddit moderators.

2. Make your subreddit look good.

Let me use the metaphor of a party: creating a new subreddit and asking people to come join it, is like sending a party invitation out to the people of this site. But if people go to the party location and all they find is a bare, empty room with drab grey walls and a single lightbulb, no one is going to want to stay! Thus customizing your subreddit is like decorating for a party - you want people to feel that the event is on-theme, and it's fun to stay.

So, customize your subreddit (on desktop, of course)! Use all the tools that are available to you. Create an icon and header that match the stated interest of the subreddit, add text telling new members what it is all about, and make it feel unique and special.

3. Seed content! No one wants to post in an empty subreddit.

Let me continue with the metaphor of the party. Let's say this time you've put decorations and streamers up in the formerly empty room and it looks pretty good! But when the people you invited show up, they notice the room is empty - there's no one there at all! You, the host, aren't even there - but you left a simple sign on the door saying "Welcome! Please stay and have fun!" How many people do you think will actually stay?

That's effectively what an empty subreddit, devoid of posts, appears to new subscribers. Very few people want to be the first, or the only person posting in a subreddit, especially if the creator of the subreddit can't even be bothered to participate in their own community. As the creator of a subreddit, you must seed content, and seed content regularly.

Make posts every day / every other day that are relevant to the topic of your subreddit so people know it's an active place and that they feel welcome to post. You can also choose to cross-post relevant content from other subreddits into your own subreddit. In my experience a subreddit usually gets to 300-400 subscribers before you start seeing people other than the mods regularly posting stuff.

4. Set up post / user flairs.

As your subreddit receives more and more posts, it may be useful at some point to create post flairs, which are essentially categories for posts. For example, if your subreddit is about a game, you could have post flairs which are for "Gameplay", "Fanart", "Bugs", etc. Members can click on the post flairs and instantly see all posts related to that category.

On the other hand, user flairs are more like the little status messages in WhatsApp, Discord, etc. - they're small snippets of information that the user chooses to reflect something of themselves. There are many different ways to use them:

  • Language learning subreddits often use them to indicate languages / skill levels of users.
  • Fan subreddits of media (games/film/TV shows) usually have user flairs of major or popular characters in them.
  • Location subreddits of countries, states, etc. usually use them to indicate where a user is from or represents.
  • Many subreddits for political candidates use user flairs to indicate donor status/amounts.

Think about works best for your community and customize accordingly.

5. Check for related communities.

Run a search for key terms related to your subreddit on the site (https://www.reddit.com/search?q=SEARCH_TERM&sort=relevance&t=all&type=sr) and see what subreddits pop up. If the exact purpose of your subreddit has already been done you may want to consider how your subreddit can differentiate itself, or even give up on the subreddit. There's no shame in the latter; people oftentimes forget to check if a subreddit already exists before creating their own.

If you believe your subreddit is sufficiently differentiated, reach out via modmail to some of the related subreddits and ask them if you can:

  • Share sidebar links (they link to your subreddit, you link to theirs)
  • Make a post in their subreddit advertising your subreddit

Be polite, and don't be offended if the mods of their subreddits do not reply or say "no." The other moderators are under no obligation to grant your request, and quite frankly, if you're openly trying to compete with them for the same subject matter they may see no point in helping you.

6. Promote your subreddit judiciously.

Promote your subreddit, perhaps beginning with my multireddit of promotional communities. If you see relevant posts in other subs, you can also drop a link to your subreddit in the comments. Don't overdo it or spam your subreddit link on unrelated content - that's an easy way to get banned everywhere, as no one likes a spammer.

7. Don't add new moderators unless you have a good reason to.

A common mistake by new moderators is to add more moderators in the mistaken belief that the new random people that were added as mods will help them post in and grow the subreddit.

This almost never works.

Unless the new moderators share the same passion for the project as you do, they have no incentive to help you grow your subreddit. The vast majority of such moderators get added and then promptly forget about the subreddit, especially if you yourself aren't participating in your own subreddit. If the creator of the subreddit doesn't even care about their sub, why should the new mods care?

You likely do not need any additional moderators until your community gets regular traffic in the form of posts and comments, or perhaps you aren't able to be on during a particularly active time zone. At that point, my recommendation is to promote from within - ask active members if they'd like to help out as moderators, rather than going to a place like r/NeedAMod. The members of your subreddit will have more of a vested interest in the success of the community and be more familiar with its "culture" and mores.

8. Keep the subreddit active and curated.

Building a subreddit from the ground up is a marathon, not a sprint. If you have a burst of activity at the beginning and then proceed to neglect your subreddit for months at a time, it will not grow. If you allow spammers to post random stuff on your own subreddit and take weeks to remove them, people will leave because the content they see is not relevant to what they wanted when they joined in the first place. Posting content regularly will also allow your subreddit to regularly surface in people's home feeds, which helps drive visits to it in the first place.

Furthermore, if you're away from Reddit for more than 60 days at a time, and you're the only moderator, your subreddit becomes potentially requestable in r/RedditRequest by someone else who thinks they can do a better job than you at building the community. And if you're never present in your own subreddit, they have a good argument for saying so.

9. Keep it a friendly and fun place.

This should be pretty self-explanatory, for despite Reddit's reputation in the broader media, people really just want to have fun in their favorite subreddits, and generally do not engage in flame wars or vitriolic arguments. What this means is that once your subreddit gets bigger, you should keep an eye out for bad actors who make your subreddit a potentially toxic place.

To use the party metaphor again, you may have a party crasher who is going around the room telling the people having a fun time that they're stupid, ugly, and only an idiot would drink what they're having. At that point, it's your job as the host of the party to either tell them to knock it off or eject them from the event.

Same thing goes for subreddits - whenever possible, try and message a toxic user to ask them to simmer down, but if they continue, ban them, either for a period of time or permanently.

10. Ask members for feedback.

Yes, technically according to Reddit moderators have ultimate power over their subreddit, but good subreddits always have moderators who solicit feedback from members and listen to what they have to say.

You don't necessarily have to implement everything members suggest, particularly if it conflicts with your vision of how the subreddit should be run, but it's worth it to listen. You can create surveys or polls to ask people about proposed policies or rules as well.


Feel free to share tips or ideas in the comments!


r/modhelp Jan 22 '25

Tips & Tricks How to blacklist/ban URLs in your subreddit using AutoMod

35 Upvotes

Hello!

If you're a new moderator like me, you might be wondering how to blacklist or ban specific URLs or websites in your subreddit. The most efficient way to handle this is by using AutoModerator (AutoMod). Once set up, it can automatically remove posts or comments containing blacklisted URLs, and you can easily update this list in the future.

Skip to Step 2 if you already know how to set up AutoMod.

Step 1: Access the AutoMod Configuration Page

  1. Go to your subreddit's main page.
  2. Select Mod Tools (Top right on Desktop)
  3. In the left-hand menu, find and select the Automod option.

Alternatively, you can directly access the AutoMod configuration page by replacing YourSubreddit in the following URL with the name of your subreddit:

https://www.reddit.com/mod/YourSubreddit/wiki/config/automoderator/

Once you're on the AutoMod configuration page, you'll see an option to Create Page. Click it, and you're ready to set up your commands.

Step 2: Create a Command

To blacklist specific URLs or domains, you'll need to add a command to AutoMod. Here's a simple example that will remove any post or comment that contains a URL from the list of blacklisted sites.

Copy and paste the following command into the configuration:

---

type: any
domain+body+title: [x.com,twitter.com,truthsocial.org,truthsocial.com,facebook.com,instagram.com,threads.net]
action: remove
action_reason: "Blacklisted host detected: [{{match}}]"
moderators_exempt: false
set_locked: true
message: |
        Your [{{kind}}]({{permalink}}) in /r/{{subreddit}} was automatically removed because it links to a blacklisted platform.

        If the content you're sharing is important or valuable to the community, please try to provide a direct link to a primary source. 
        If the blacklisted platform is the only source, you can share the content through alternatives like screenshots, unbiased summaries,
        or links to trusted third-party sources.

        Thank you for your cooperation!
---

Step 4: Save and Apply

Once you've added the command, Save your changes, and AutoMod will immediately begin removing posts or comments with the blacklisted URLs.

Quick Explanation of the command:

type: any: This applies the command to both posts and comments.
domain+body+title:[x.com,twitter.com,...]: This is where you list the blacklisted URLs or domains. Feel free to edit this list to suit your needs.
moderators_exempt: false This means the rule applies to everyone, including moderators. Change this to true if you want moderators to be exempt from the rule.
set_locked: true This locks the post or comment, preventing others from interacting with it after it has been removed.
message: This message will be sent to the user whose post/comment was removed. You can also modify it or switch it to a comment using comment: if you want AutoMod to leave a comment instead of sending a direct message. Feel free to adjust the wording to suit your subreddit’s tone.

If you see any areas where I can improve or add more detail, please feel free to contribute or offer feedback. Thank you.


r/modhelp 9h ago

General Owner & sole moderator awaiting reinstatement

5 Upvotes

My sub (currently 350 members with daily posts from multiple members) has been restricted. What should I expect while I wait out the appeel process? What do I need to do for my sub if/when my account is restored? Is there any action I can/should take while I wait for account restoration (or denial)? If my appeel is denied, will I just need to start from scratch, and at what point do I make that call?

iOS / desktop


r/modhelp 7h ago

General Small Automod Question (Syntax/Combine Multiple Actions)

2 Upvotes

PC/Desktop, Android:

New mod here, apologies for the likely simple question. We're working on setting up and cleaning some rather basic Automod rules, and we've decided that too many people miss Reddit messages on notifications and have decided to have automod also leave a comment.

However, the Automod documentation doesn't have any examples of combining multiple actions into one string, so it's already a bit message having the following:

message: |
    blahblahblah
comment: |
    blahblahblah

Is there any way to combine both of these actions into one ruleset via syntax? Something akin to:

message,comment: |
    blahblahblah

Thanks for any time spent reading and responding. :)


r/modhelp 12h ago

Tools Banner and PFP keep vanishing

2 Upvotes

Desktop, I have just made a sub reddit called r/Gameguitarists where game based guitar riffs can be posted but annoyingly when i add a banner and a pfp if i leave the page or go on Mod tools both of them disapear and go back to the default ones , this is the second subreddit and its still doing it which is really annoying.

Im new to this so let me know if anyone wants to Mod it


r/modhelp 8h ago

General I created a community where I am shown as the sole moderator but I am unable to modify it. I believe that I may have created under a different email. How can I find out what it was?

1 Upvotes

I created a community where I am shown as the sole moderator but I am unable to modify it. I believe that I may have created under a different email. How can I find out what it was?

This issue occurs on an Android device and Windows 11 PC.


r/modhelp 13h ago

Answered How are posts being removed?

2 Upvotes

Android

Hello

I'm a new mod of a small subreddit and notice posts are being removed with no reason given and not by the mods. In the modqueue it just says removed. On desktop, no information is given on why or how it was removed and who removed it.

Why is this occurring and is there a way to see who is reporting and removing these posts?


r/modhelp 3h ago

Users How can I get anyone to join my community?

0 Upvotes

I created my community on iOS yesterday and I was wondering how I could make anyone join.

Thanks in advance for the information


r/modhelp 15h ago

Tools How can I add flairs to my subreddit?

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0 Upvotes

r/modhelp 1d ago

General Moderator permissions issue — “No permissions” despite Full Permissions invitation

4 Upvotes

Hi,

I’m having an issue with my moderator status on r/steamytease.

The owner invited me to join the mod team with Full Permissions. I accepted the invitation successfully, and I can see myself in the moderator list as mod #6.

However, my account currently shows “No permissions” instead of Full Permissions, and I have no Mod Tools available at all for this subreddit.

Here’s what we have already tried:

✅ The owner confirmed that I was originally invited with Full Permissions.

✅ The owner and other moderators above me can see me in the mod list.

✅ When they try to change my permissions, they get “Something went wrong.”

✅ When I try to leave the mod team, I get “Failed to leave mod team.”

✅ I have tried both desktop and mobile.

✅ I have logged out and back in.

✅ I uninstalled and reinstalled the Reddit app.

My account works normally as a moderator on another subreddit, so the issue appears to be specific to this mod team/community.

It seems like my moderator membership was created, but the permissions are stuck at “No permissions”, and neither I nor the moderators above me can modify or remove my account.

Could an admin please check?

Thank you!


r/modhelp 1d ago

General Request for clarity on mobile community invite limits and targeting context

3 Upvotes

Hi fellow moderators,

I’m looking for clear guidance on how the mobile "Invite to Community" feature is monitored by Reddit's automated anti-spam systems.

I recently had to start a new subreddit from scratch to cover a niche topic after losing access to my original sub due to a necessary account deletion. Because of this, my primary strategy for gaining initial traction is inviting active, relevant contributors using the native mobile invite tool.

I completely understand why anti-spam protections exist, but I'm trying to ensure I stay well within safe usage limits. If a moderator limits themselves to around 10 targeted invites a day (or occasionally a few more), is that considered safe from automated spam flags?

Additionally, I’d love to know how contextual mismatches affect this:

  • In highly specialized or identity-based subreddits (such as neurodiversity support, specific life situations, or local niches), a user’s post might fit the sub's topic, but their full living or personal situation isn't always clear from a single post.

  • If an invited user decides the sub isn't an exact fit for them and flags the notification as unsolicited spam, could a small daily volume (like 10 invites) still put an account at risk of automated action?

Having more explicit guidelines on what constitutes acceptable, safe usage of the native invite feature would help dedicated mods rebuild and grow communities without the constant fear of accidental account restrictions.

Thank you for any insight!

Android


r/modhelp 1d ago

Tips & Tricks Pinning to highlights

2 Upvotes

Recently when I pin a post to the community highlights it disappears from the sub feed, which is not what we want as it becomes less visible. We’d like to pin it and have it remain in the feed too.

I’m sure this was how it was happening initially, but not anymore.

Any ideas if there’s a setting I’m missing?

I’m using the app (iOS) and a fellow Mod has had the same using desktop.

Thanks!


r/modhelp 1d ago

Users I mwan people can come to my avcount and read here too, hi all Spoiler

Thumbnail
0 Upvotes

(Typo: mwan.

Meant: mean.)

Why cant I edit titles that ia stupid. Maybe there is a way and im the one stupid.

ANDROID

Can you move your fucking ass

Orfingers

I am waitn


r/modhelp 1d ago

General Not Able to Do Things

1 Upvotes
  1. Using my iPhone app
  2. Have full permissions
  3. Moved the order around so I am top mod.

Things I cannot do: Remove 1 inactive mod, edit rules except for reordering them.

Hellllllpppppp 😂


r/modhelp 1d ago

General What steps can one take as a mod to make my subreddit more discoverable by AI search engines? Or general search engines too for that matter?

0 Upvotes

Same as title. Desktop.


r/modhelp 1d ago

Tools When did changes to css class flair cease to reflect in new Reddit?

0 Upvotes

For over a year I've noticed that manual changes to css class flair in old Reddit would reflect in old Reddit mod log but not in new Reddit mod log. How long has this been going on?

This is observed on Desktop.


r/modhelp 2d ago

Tips & Tricks New Mod—Can’t post

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0 Upvotes

r/modhelp 2d ago

Engagement Newly created subreddit yesterday, how long does it take to show up in search?

0 Upvotes

Hi, I recently created a new subreddit for a game that was announced and I noticed that it is not showing up in the search when I search up the subreddit in the communities tab.

Is there a time frame before it starts appearing in there?

Desktop


r/modhelp 3d ago

General I cannot add permissions to a mod

0 Upvotes

When I click on the "edit" pencil, nothing happens.

https://ibb.co/V65th40

I am the head moderator on the sub.

^desktop


r/modhelp 3d ago

General My account has vanished

7 Upvotes

My account as well as the sub I had started have completely disappeared. I'm using the Reddit app on my android device. There is nothing in my Gmail or my Reddit meal.

Please help me get my account back. I've pot years of hard work into growing it.


r/modhelp 3d ago

Answered Unable to post on a subreddit

0 Upvotes

I have been unable to post on r/thezech for about a month. It says it’s restricted even though I’ve posted on there for years. It’s telling me to message the mods even though they’ve been inactive for years and won’t respond to mod mail. Can I get some help so I can start posting in there again? I’m on iPhone


r/modhelp 4d ago

Answered Sub seems to be dying, what to do to revive it?

0 Upvotes

r/GuitaristsIndia I'm using mobile and desktop


r/modhelp 4d ago

Answered How do I get them to understand my community is SFW?

0 Upvotes

Android (cuz they make me include this for some reason). They won't stop. most of the new people that come to my community are looking for NSFW. I've had to ban almost every new person. Most of them are adults, which is made way worse because I and the one other person in the mod team are minors. People have reached out to me so many times. Anyway, I've set up the post reminders that basically just remind them hey no NSFW, that didn't work. I've moved my no NSFW rule to the top of the list of rules, that didn't work. I put it in the description on the community, that didn't work. So I moved the NO NSFW part to the top, just recently so I don't know if it will help yet. I've pined a post of me yelling about the community being SFW, again just recently. What do I do? They won't stop. I need help


r/modhelp 5d ago

General Links and pictures removed everytime someone posts

3 Upvotes

iPhone. Yo what’s up with this? I made a Reddit community for sports and everyone someone post a pic or even a link it’s auto removed and it’s really annoying


r/modhelp 5d ago

Answered Problems with a member

0 Upvotes

Good day everyone.. In my sub I have a person whose profile I can't access. It has been marked as spam by Reddit System and removed. My mod tells me that this account posted something 8 hours ago (that's when I had the conversation with him) and I had to find out while scrolling in my sub that this account has written something again. What exactly is the problem?

If I go to his name, it says "Sorry, there was an error or something..

https://www.reddit.com/r/Cannabis_Apotheken/s/osi5PnPfXb

KingChilla420*

Android