Reddit promoted posts let you amplify your best content to reach targeted audiences beyond your organic reach. Unlike display ads on other platforms, promoted posts on Reddit look and feel like regular posts—complete with upvotes, comments, and genuine engagement.
This guide walks you through what promoted posts are, how to create them, and best practices for getting results.
Reddit promoted posts are paid advertisements that appear in users' feeds alongside organic content. They carry a small "Promoted" label but otherwise function like standard Reddit posts—users can upvote, downvote, comment, and share them.
According to Reddit's advertising research, 3-in-5 Redditors agree that ads on Reddit feel less intrusive compared to ads on other platforms. This perception stems from how promoted posts integrate naturally into the browsing experience.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Native appearance | Looks like regular Reddit posts |
| Full engagement | Users can upvote, comment, and share |
| Targeting options | Reach specific subreddits, interests, or demographics |
| Multiple formats | Support for images, videos, carousels, and text |
| Live comments | Your post remains open for discussion |
Promoted posts differ from other Reddit ad formats:
Promoted posts work best when you have content that's already resonating organically and want to expand its reach.
Reddit offers two main paths to creating promoted posts: the Simple Create workflow for quick promotion of existing posts, and the full Ads Manager for more advanced campaigns.
Reddit's Simple Create is designed for quickly turning organic posts into ads.
Step-by-step process:
This method works best when you have a post that's already performing well organically and want to amplify it further.
For new campaigns or more advanced targeting, use Reddit Ads Manager:
Step-by-step process:
Ads typically get reviewed within 24 hours.
| Use Simple Create When... | Use Ads Manager When... |
|---|---|
| Promoting an existing post | Creating new ad content |
| Quick campaign setup needed | Advanced targeting required |
| Testing what works | Running multiple ad variations |
| Limited time for setup | Need detailed reporting |
Reddit's community-first culture demands a different approach than other advertising platforms. Following these best practices increases your chances of success.
According to Reddit's official guidance, the most effective promoted posts prioritize usefulness over promotion. Content that works:
Reddit users quickly downvote content that feels inauthentic. Avoid:
Your promoted post remains a live discussion space. Reddit recommends monitoring comments and staying engaged—answering questions and responding to feedback builds trust and maximizes impact.
Start with smaller budgets to validate your approach. Look for posts that generate:
Track both on-platform metrics (CTR, engagement rate, comment sentiment) and off-platform results (time on page, conversions, sign-ups). This gives you a complete picture of campaign performance.
Reddit offers several targeting dimensions:
Reddit promoted posts operate on an auction system. You set a daily or lifetime budget and bid amount. Typical CPMs range from $5-15 depending on targeting and competition. There's no minimum spend requirement to get started.
Most promoted posts get reviewed within 24 hours. Posts requiring additional review may take longer. Ensure your content follows Reddit's advertising policies to avoid delays.
You can promote posts from your business profile. The post must comply with Reddit's advertising policies and community guidelines. Posts with existing organic traction often perform best when promoted.
Generally, no. Open comments let users engage authentically, which builds trust. Monitor comments and respond thoughtfully—Reddit's research shows 3-in-4 Redditors agree conversations on Reddit help them make purchase decisions.
Ready to create effective promoted posts? Contact our team for help setting up and optimizing your Reddit advertising campaigns. Get a free consultation
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