How to Use Reddit - Complete Beginner's Guide

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive beginner's guide to using Reddit, covering everything from creating an account to navigating subreddits and making posts. It explains how Reddit's upvote and downvote system works, how to engage with different communities, and the importance of karma. The video also highlights the rules of subreddits, how to create posts with images, videos, or links, and how to comment and contribute to discussions. Additionally, viewers learn about Reddit's coins and messaging features, as well as how to gain karma by contributing valuable content. Perfect for anyone new to Reddit!

Takeaways

• 😀 Reddit is a large social platform, functioning as an online discussion forum where users can post content and interact through upvotes and downvotes.
• 😀 Posts with the most upvotes rise to the top, earning Reddit the nickname 'the front page of the internet.'
• 😀 Reddit is composed of 'subreddits,' which are individual communities focused on specific topics or interests.
• 😀 To participate in a subreddit, you need to join it first, after which you can create posts and engage with the community.
• 😀 Each subreddit has its own set of rules and guidelines for posting, so it's important to read and follow them before contributing.
• 😀 Reddit allows different types of posts, including text, images, videos, links, and polls, but the rules may vary by subreddit.
• 😀 To create a post, you must select a subreddit and click 'Create Post' within that community—posts cannot be created directly from the homepage.
• 😀 Reddit has a voting system where users upvote or downvote posts and comments, influencing which content becomes more visible.
• 😀 Reddit uses a karma system, where users gain points for positive contributions like upvoted posts and comments. Higher karma unlocks more options on the platform.
• 😀 Self-promotion (e.g., sharing personal content for views) is generally discouraged and may violate subreddit rules, unless specifically allowed by the community.
• 😀 Reddit offers a rewarding system where users can give 'awards' to posts and comments they find particularly valuable, using Reddit's virtual coins system.

Q & A

What is Reddit and how does it work?

Reddit is an online social media platform that functions like a massive discussion forum. Users create posts, which can be upvoted or downvoted by others. The posts with the most upvotes rise to the top of the page. Reddit is made up of thousands of niche communities called subreddits, where users can engage in discussions and share content.

How do you create an account on Reddit?

To create an account on Reddit, simply visit reddit.com, click 'Sign Up,' and follow the instructions. Once you have an account, you can participate in discussions, post content, and join subreddits. Your activity on Reddit syncs across both the desktop site and mobile app.

What are subreddits?

Subreddits are individual communities within Reddit, each dedicated to a specific topic or interest. They function like categories where users can share posts, participate in discussions, and connect with others who share similar interests. Each subreddit has its own rules.

How do posts get visibility on Reddit?

Posts on Reddit gain visibility through upvotes and downvotes. When users upvote a post, it moves higher on the page, and the most popular posts, with the most upvotes, appear at the top. This system determines what content is seen by the broader Reddit community.

What types of posts can be shared on Reddit?

Reddit allows users to post different types of content including text posts, image and video posts, links, and polls. However, what you can post depends on the rules of the specific subreddit you are participating in.

How do you join a subreddit and contribute?

To join a subreddit, search for the one you're interested in, and click 'Join.' Once you join a subreddit, you can start contributing by posting content, commenting on posts, and interacting with other members. Each subreddit may have specific rules on what kind of content is allowed.

What is karma on Reddit?

Karma on Reddit is a point system that reflects a user's contributions to the platform. You earn karma when other users upvote your posts or comments. Higher karma helps you unlock more features and may increase your credibility within certain subreddits.

Can you promote your own content on Reddit?

While self-promotion is generally discouraged on Reddit, certain subreddits allow users to promote their own content, such as videos or blogs. It's important to read each subreddit’s rules, as many prohibit self-promotion to maintain the quality of discussions.

What is Reddit's 'upvote/downvote' system?

Reddit's upvote and downvote system allows users to express approval or disapproval of posts and comments. An upvote increases a post's visibility, while a downvote decreases it. Posts with the most upvotes appear at the top, creating a community-driven ranking system.

What are Reddit Coins and how are they used?

Reddit Coins are a form of digital currency that users can purchase with real money. These coins can be used to award other users for their valuable contributions, like posts or comments. It’s a way of showing appreciation and supporting creators on the platform.