Reddit is a wild and wonderful place. With over 50 million daily users, it’s a goldmine for advertisers. But — and it’s a big but — if you don’t know how to play the game, your Reddit ad could flop like a pancake.
No worries though! We’ve got some simple, fun tips to help you master the art of Reddit ads. Let’s dive right in!
1. Know Your Subreddit
Reddit is split into subreddits. Think of them as mini-communities. Each one has its own tone, rules, and fanbase. Some love memes. Others just want cold, hard facts.
Before you post an ad, lurk. Spend a few days reading posts and comments. Get the vibe. Understand what these folks care about.
Pro tip: Don’t advertise in a gaming subreddit with an ad about accounting software. You’ll probably get roasted.
2. Keep It Real
Reddit users can smell a fake ad from a mile away. They’re smart. They’re honest. And they don’t hold back.
Use casual, friendly language. Avoid corporate buzzwords like “synergy” or “driving innovation.” Nobody talks like that on Reddit.
Instead say:
- “We made this tool to take the pain out of budgeting.”
- “Tried every productivity hack? Try this one.”
3. Choose The Right Format
Reddit offers different ad types. The two most common are:
- Link ads – Great for driving traffic to a site.
- Text ads – Perfect for storytelling and engagement.
If you’re launching something new, go with text ads. Tell your story. Ask for feedback.
Running a sale? Link ads are fast and direct. Just make sure your landing page doesn’t scream “BUY NOW!” too loudly.
4. Spend Smartly
Don’t throw your entire budget into one campaign. Start small. Test different subreddits, formats, and headlines.
Here’s a basic budget strategy:
- $5–$10/day per ad for testing.
- Run for 3–5 days and watch the results.
- Scale up what works. Pause what doesn’t.
This way, you spend wisely while learning what your audience likes.
5. Watch The Comments
Reddit ads allow comments. Which is cool — and scary.
But here’s the good news: you can use this to your advantage.
If people ask questions, answer them! If they offer suggestions, say thanks. Show you’re human.
A kind reply can turn a critic into a fan. It also boosts your brand in a place where trust is king.
6. Test Different Copy
Don’t just run one headline and cross your fingers. Try a few versions! Small wording changes can lead to big results.
Example:
- “This app changed how I sleep.”
- “Better sleep in 5 minutes? Yes please.”
Use Reddit’s built-in A/B testing tools. Learn what works and use that info to create better performing ads next time.
7. Use Honest Visuals
Reddit isn’t Instagram. Glossy, airbrushed images usually don’t perform well here. Instead, try designs that look handmade, raw, or simple.
Popular memes, screenshots, and minimal graphics tend to work best. Test a couple and see what gets clicks.
8. Respect The Culture
Reddit has tons of in-jokes and beloved formats. If you’re not sure about one, don’t fake it.
Nothing’s worse than a brand forcing a meme. Users will notice — and mock it fast.
But if you understand it? You could go viral.
Final Thoughts
Reddit ads can be a jackpot if done right. Keep it real. Keep it smart. And most of all — respect the community.
Experiment, reply to comments, and don’t be afraid to have fun with your ads.
Reddit is not your average ad space. And that’s exactly why it works.
