Reddit Ads vs Facebook Ads: Platform Comparison

Reddit ads vs Facebook ads represents a choice between two fundamentally different advertising approaches. Facebook offers massive scale and sophisticated targeting through behavioral data, while Reddit provides access to engaged communities organized around specific interests and topics.

This guide compares both platforms across key dimensions to help you decide where to allocate budget.

Platform Overview

Facebook/Meta Ads

• User base: ~3 billion monthly active users
• Ad reach: 2.28 billion users globally
• Targeting: Behavioral, demographic, interest, lookalike
• Strengths: Scale, sophisticated optimization, mature tools
• Best for: E-commerce, lead generation, brand awareness at scale

Reddit Ads

• User base: ~850 million monthly active users
• Ad reach: Growing, especially in US, UK, Australia
• Targeting: Subreddit, interest, community-based
• Strengths: Engaged audiences, lower costs, niche targeting
• Best for: Tech audiences, community products, B2B, authentic engagement

Cost Comparison

Average CPM (Cost Per 1,000 Impressions)

Platform	Average CPM	Range
Facebook Feed	$10-16	$6-25+
Facebook Stories	$8-12	$5-18
Reddit	$2-8	$1-15

Reddit typically offers 40-70% lower CPMs than Facebook, though reach is more limited.

Average CPC (Cost Per Click)

Platform	Average CPC	Range
Facebook	$0.50-2.00	$0.20-5.00+
Reddit	$0.30-1.50	$0.10-3.00

Reddit CPCs trend lower, particularly for niche B2B and tech audiences.

Cost Per Conversion

Conversion costs vary significantly by industry and offer, but Reddit often delivers:

• 30-50% lower CPA for tech/B2B audiences
• Comparable CPA for e-commerce with the right targeting
• Higher quality leads with longer consideration cycles

Targeting Comparison

Facebook Targeting

Strengths:

• Detailed demographic targeting (age, gender, income, education)
• Behavioral targeting based on purchase history and interests
• Custom audiences from customer lists, website visitors, engagement
• Lookalike audiences for finding similar users
• Precise geographic targeting down to zip code

Weaknesses:

• Privacy changes (iOS 14.5+) reduced targeting precision
• Rising costs as more advertisers compete
• Algorithm increasingly controls targeting decisions

Reddit Targeting

Strengths:

• Subreddit targeting reaches specific interest communities
• Interest targeting based on community membership
• High-intent audiences actively discussing topics
• Less competition in most categories
• Community context for relevant messaging

Weaknesses:

• Limited demographic targeting
• Smaller overall audience
• No purchase behavior data
• Less precise geographic options
• Fewer custom audience capabilities

Audience Differences

Facebook Audience Profile

• Broader demographic spread (though skewing older)
• Passive consumption behavior (scrolling)
• Family, friends, entertainment focus
• Lower tolerance for promotional content
• Established purchase behavior data

Reddit Audience Profile

• Skews younger (18-35), educated, tech-savvy
• Active participation (commenting, voting)
• Interest and hobby focused
• High skepticism toward marketing
• Research-intensive purchase behavior

Ad Format Comparison

Facebook Ad Formats

• Image ads (Feed, Stories, Marketplace)
• Video ads (Feed, Stories, Reels, In-stream)
• Carousel ads (multiple images/videos)
• Collection ads (catalog browsing)
• Lead forms (in-platform lead generation)
• Dynamic ads (product catalog retargeting)
• Instant Experience (full-screen landing pages)

Facebook offers more format variety and interactive options.

Reddit Ad Formats

• Promoted posts (image, video, text)
• Carousel ads (multiple images)
• Conversation ads (in-thread placements)
• Video ads (autoplay in feed)
• Takeover ads (high-impact placements)
• Product ads (e-commerce focused)

Reddit formats are simpler but integrate natively with content.

Platform Strengths by Use Case

E-commerce

Facebook advantage: Product catalog integration, dynamic retargeting, proven purchase optimization, larger audience for impulse purchases.

Reddit value: Lower acquisition costs, authentic product discussions, reaching research-phase buyers, building brand advocacy.

Recommendation: Facebook as primary, Reddit for awareness and niche audiences.

B2B/SaaS

Reddit advantage: Access to technical communities, lower CPL, engaged professional audiences, thought leadership opportunities.

Facebook value: LinkedIn alternative for business targeting, retargeting capabilities, broader reach for awareness.

Recommendation: Reddit as primary for technical audiences, Facebook for retargeting and broader awareness.

Mobile Apps

Facebook advantage: App install optimization, deep linking, SDK integration, massive scale.

Reddit value: Lower CPI for some categories, quality users with higher retention, gaming and tech app success.

Recommendation: Both platforms, testing performance by app category.

Local Businesses

Facebook advantage: Superior location targeting, local awareness objectives, community features, event promotion.

Reddit value: Local subreddit communities for authentic engagement.

Recommendation: Facebook as primary for most local businesses.

Creative Strategy Differences

Facebook Creative

• Polished, professional production value expected
• Clear value proposition and CTA
• Multiple creative variations for optimization
• Video increasingly important (Reels, Stories)
• User-generated content performs well

Reddit Creative

• Native, authentic appearance essential
• Promotional polish often backfires
• Problem-solution framing works best
• Longer text acceptable (users read)
• Community tone and language matter

The same creative rarely works on both platforms. Adapt for each.

Optimization and Learning

Facebook

• Advantage+ and automated campaigns reduce manual work
• Machine learning optimizes toward conversion events
• Requires 50+ conversions/week for optimal learning
• Extensive A/B testing capabilities
• Mature attribution and reporting

Reddit

• MAX Campaigns (2026) provide AI-powered optimization
• Simpler optimization model
• Lower conversion volume requirements
• Improving but less sophisticated reporting
• Growing automation capabilities

Facebook's optimization is more mature, but Reddit is rapidly improving with MAX Campaigns.

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose Facebook When:

• Broad demographic targeting matters
• Scale is essential (millions of impressions needed)
• E-commerce with product catalogs
• Retargeting is core strategy
• Local business with geographic focus
• Budget for sophisticated production

Choose Reddit When:

• Technical or niche B2B audiences
• Lower cost testing and learning
• Community-based products or services
• Authenticity and trust are differentiators
• Reaching audiences skeptical of traditional ads
• Budget constraints require efficiency

Use Both When:

• Full-funnel strategy with awareness and conversion
• Different audiences for different products
• Testing new markets or messages
• Diversifying beyond single-platform dependence

Integration Strategy

Complementary Approach

Use each platform's strengths:

1. Reddit for awareness and research phase

   • Educational content targeting interest communities
   • Build familiarity and trust
   • Capture engaged audiences

2. Facebook for conversion and retargeting

   • Retarget Reddit engagers via pixel
   • Scale proven messages to broader audiences
   • Optimize for purchases and leads

Budget Allocation

Suggested starting allocation for multi-platform testing:

• E-commerce: 70% Facebook, 30% Reddit
• B2B/SaaS: 50% Reddit, 50% Facebook (or LinkedIn)
• Tech/Gaming: 60% Reddit, 40% Facebook
• Local Services: 80% Facebook, 20% Reddit

Adjust based on performance data.

For more comparisons, see Reddit Ads vs Google Ads and Reddit Ads vs LinkedIn Ads.

FAQs

Is Reddit cheaper than Facebook for advertising?

Generally yes. Reddit CPMs typically run 40-70% lower than Facebook, and CPCs trend lower as well. However, Facebook's larger scale and sophisticated optimization can deliver competitive CPA for many use cases. The true cost comparison depends on your audience and conversion goals.

Can I use the same ads on Reddit and Facebook?

You can, but you shouldn't. Facebook users expect polished creative, while Reddit users respond better to native-looking, authentic content. Promotional messaging that works on Facebook often underperforms or receives negative engagement on Reddit. Adapt creative for each platform's culture.

Which platform is better for B2B advertising?

Reddit often outperforms Facebook for B2B, particularly for technical audiences. B2B decision-makers actively participate in professional subreddits, and Reddit's lower costs stretch budgets further. Facebook can work for B2B retargeting and broader awareness, but LinkedIn typically complements Reddit better for B2B strategy.

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Key Takeaways

• Facebook offers scale and sophisticated optimization; Reddit offers engaged niche audiences
• Reddit costs typically run 40-70% lower than Facebook across CPM and CPC
• Creative must be adapted for each platform's culture and expectations
• Facebook excels at e-commerce and local; Reddit excels at B2B and tech
• Multi-platform strategies use each for its strengths

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