Reddit ads are a fun and unique way to reach people online. Unlike most social media platforms, Reddit feels more like a big collection of communities—or as Reddit calls them, subreddits. Each one has its own vibe, interests, and rules. So, when you advertise on Reddit, it’s more about joining conversations than shouting at random people.
So, how do Reddit ads actually work? Let’s dive in!
1. Choose your audience
Reddit offers lots of targeting options. You can target people by:
- Subreddit – Pick specific communities (like r/gaming, r/fitness, or r/cats).
- Interest – Choose general topics people follow (like tech, food, or travel).
- Location – Zero in on countries, states, or cities.
- Device – Target mobile, desktop, or specific devices.
- Time of day – Choose when your ad runs.
This gets your ad in front of the people who actually care about what you’re offering.
2. Pick your ad format
You’ve got a few options here. Reddit ads come in different flavors:
- Promoted Posts: Look just like regular Reddit posts. These can include text, links, images, or videos. They blend in with other posts, so they feel more natural.
- Banner Ads: These show up at the top of the page or in between posts. They’re more noticeable but don’t feel quite as native.
- Video Ads: Great for catching attention quickly. Just make sure the video feels like something a Redditor would stop and watch.
Whatever format you choose, make it friendly and real—Reddit users can spot a boring ad a mile away!
3. Set your budget
Reddit ads work on a bidding system. You tell Reddit how much you’re willing to pay for a certain action, like a click or a thousand views. There are two main types:
- CPC (Cost Per Click) – You pay only when someone clicks your ad.
- CPM (Cost Per Mille) – You pay for every 1,000 impressions (views).
You can start with just a few dollars a day. It’s great for small businesses or side projects on a budget.
4. Write Reddit-friendly content
This is the fun part!
Redditors are smart, curious, and often skeptical. If your ad feels too “sales-y,” they might ignore it—or worse, mock it. The best strategy?
- Be honest
- Be funny
- Be helpful
Treat your ad like it’s part of a conversation, not a billboard.
5. Track your success
Once your ad is live, Reddit gives you tools to measure how it’s doing. You can see:
- How many people saw it
- Who clicked it
- How much you spent
- Which subreddits performed the best
This helps you tweak your ads and make them better over time.
Why advertise on Reddit?
It’s not your typical platform. Here’s what makes Reddit special:
- Super specific targeting – Thousands of subreddits make it easy to find niche audiences.
- Engaged users – These folks aren’t just scrolling. They’re reading and commenting.
- DIY-friendly – Got a clever idea and a small budget? You can still make big waves.
Tips to win on Reddit
Want your Reddit ads to shine? Keep these in mind:
- Read the subreddit rules – Some don’t allow certain ads or formats.
- Hang out before posting – Get a feel for how people talk and what they like.
- Test different versions – Try different headlines or images to see what works.
- Join the chat – Sometimes jumping into the comment section boosts trust.
Conclusion
Reddit ads are more than just flashy banners. They’re your chance to tap into tight-knit, passionate communities. If you take the time to create something thoughtful and relevant, Reddit can be one of the most rewarding places to advertise.
Be real. Be useful. Be a Redditor at heart. That’s how Reddit ads win.
