Brigading
Definition
Coordinated action — typically organized off-platform — in which groups of users flood a subreddit with votes, posts, or comments to influence its content, suppress opposing views, or express collective disapproval.
Context
Reddit uses cross-community participation pattern analysis to detect brigading, particularly when unusual vote patterns originate from accounts sharing participation history in another subreddit. When detected, Reddit removes coordinated votes and can take enforcement action against the organizing community. Brands with owned subreddits should be aware that communities critical of their product can organize brigading attempts.
Relevance to Reddit
Brigading is prohibited and actively combated by Reddit's anti-abuse systems. Brands inadvertently triggering brigading through missteps — or targeted by competitor-organized brigading — need rapid response protocols. Monitor brand-affiliated content and subreddits closely for sudden engagement pattern shifts indicating coordinated activity.
