Subreddit Rules
Definition
Community-specific policies established by a subreddit's moderators governing permitted content, required behaviors, and formatting expectations. Rules are displayed in the subreddit sidebar and apply to all participants.
Context
Subreddit rules are enforced by AutoModerator (automatically) and by human moderators. They can change at moderator discretion, sometimes without advance notice. Brands in long-term community programs should check subreddit rules periodically to ensure ongoing compliance rather than assuming rules from an earlier research period still apply.
Relevance to Reddit
Reading subreddit rules is the mandatory first step before any brand participates in a community. Rules vary dramatically — some ban all promotional content and external links, others require credential disclosure before posting, some define spam in ways that would include standard brand content. Violating rules is the most common cause of brand content removal.
