How To Make a Popular Reddit Comment (Feedback from 100+ Users)
Last updated: 22 October 2025
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Reddit commenting can drive serious traffic to your website, but most people get it wrong and end up banned.
This article compiles proven tactics from entrepreneur communities, developer forums, and indie hacker discussions where founders share what actually works without triggering spam filters.
If you want similar research depth on other platforms or products, check out our market clarity reports where we analyze real customer signals and compile actionable strategies.
Quick Summary
The key to Reddit commenting success is timing (comment within the first 30 minutes), targeting (Rising posts with 20-50 comments), and authenticity (write like a person, not a marketer).
Build 1,000+ karma through genuine contributions before any self-promotion, follow the 90/10 rule (90% helpful, 10% promotional), and focus on 3-8 core subreddits where your target audience actually hangs out. Most importantly, provide massive value first and let people discover your product through your profile, never drop bare links or lead with sales pitches.
The tactics below are ordered from highest impact to most obvious, so start at the top and work your way down.
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17 Proven Tactics to Comment on Reddit and Drive Real Traffic
1. You must comment within the first 30 minutes of post publication
What it is:
Reddit's algorithm exponentially weights early engagement, so comments posted in the first 30 minutes carry way more algorithmic power than later comments, even if those later comments get more upvotes.Why it works:
Reddit uses a time-decay model where early upvotes count exponentially more. BigQuery analysis of 86+ million Reddit comments showed that 17.24% of top-voted comments were first comments, and 56% of top comments were posted within the first 5 comments on a thread. Early comments get maximum visibility before threads become crowded with competition, and the algorithm keeps pushing them higher as more people engage.How to execute it well:
Sort your target subreddit by "Rising" or "New" to find posts gaining early traction. Set up alerts for relevant keywords using tools like F5Bot or Reddit Keyword Alert Tool. Focus on posts with 10-20 comments that show momentum (more comments per minute indicates higher chance of reaching Hot). Comment within the first 30 minutes, then return to engage with replies in the first hour to build that critical early momentum.2. You should target Rising posts instead of Hot posts always
What it is:
Comment on posts in the "Rising" section rather than "Hot" section, specifically looking for posts with 20-50 comments posted within the last 1-2 hours that show upward momentum.Why it works:
Rising posts have proven engagement momentum but aren't yet saturated with hundreds of comments where yours will get buried. If the post reaches Hot or the front page, your early comment rides the wave up with it. You get maximum visibility-to-competition ratio, which is the sweet spot where effort actually pays off instead of getting lost in noise.How to execute it well:
Sort your target subreddit by "Rising" and identify posts with 20-50 comments in the last 1-2 hours, strong upvote velocity (50+ upvotes per hour), and topics relevant to your expertise or product. Leave a substantive comment quickly, then return within 1-3 hours to engage with replies to keep the thread active and signal to the algorithm that your comment is generating valuable discussion.3. You must provide value first and promote last in every comment
What it is:
Answer questions thoroughly and share insights without immediately linking to your product, following the 80/20 rule where you contribute genuine value 80% of the time and only subtly promote 20% of the time.Why it works:
Redditors are looking for solutions to problems, not sales pitches. When you provide genuine value first, people naturally become interested in learning more about you and click through to your profile or links. Helpful comments earn upvotes, pushing them higher in threads where they remain visible for years, driving long-term traffic. Value-first approaches earn goodwill that converts way better than traditional advertising.How to execute it well:
Instead of offering a quote, explain pricing structures and why costs are what they are. Share step-by-step guides with actionable tips and real examples. When promoting, frame it as "here's a tool that helped me with this exact problem" not "check out my product." Include links in your bio or profile rather than direct in comments when possible, or add links in comment replies (not main comment) with context like "if anyone wants to check it out, here's the link."4. You must write in authentic voice not marketing speak ever
What it is:
Write in a conversational, personal tone as if you're a regular community member sharing experiences, not a marketer promoting products, and avoid corporate or polished marketing language entirely.Why it works:
Reddit users are extremely skilled at detecting marketing attempts and aggressively downvote anything that feels like advertising. Comments written in an authentic personal voice build trust and credibility. When founders accidentally post from personal accounts instead of business accounts, they often see better engagement because the personal approach feels genuine to the community. Reddit's audience is sharp, opinionated and allergic to fluff.How to execute it well:
Use first-person narrative like "I found this helpful when..." instead of "our product offers." Share genuine experiences and mistakes, not just successes. Respond as yourself, not as your brand. Study each subreddit's culture and communication style before posting. Avoid phrases like "we offer," "check out," "solutions provider," or "leverage synergies," and instead share what personally worked for you and why.5. You should post top-level comments not second-level replies for maximum visibility
What it is:
Post as a top-level comment directly on the post rather than replying to existing top comments, because being among the first 3-10 top-level comments on a rising post gives you exponentially more visibility.Why it works:
Reddit's comment tree structure means second-level comments (replies to top comments) get 70-80% less visibility even when the parent comment is highly upvoted. Top-level comments compete for the number one spot based on upvotes and recency, while replies are nested and require users to expand threads. Most Reddit users scroll through top-level comments and only occasionally expand reply chains, meaning your reply gets buried regardless of quality.How to execute it well:
Monitor subreddits using "Rising" filter (not "Hot") to catch posts early. Look for 50+ upvotes with 15+ comments in large subs, or 5+ upvotes in smaller subs. Comment within the first hour of posting for maximum impact. Focus on providing the most useful answer, not just any helpful comment. Use proper formatting with short paragraphs, bullet points, and bold key ideas to stand out among other top-level comments.6. You must use proper formatting with bullets and short paragraphs
What it is:
Break up long comments into multiple short paragraphs (2-4 sentences maximum) separated by blank lines, and use bullet points, bold text, and italics to highlight key information.Why it works:
Wall-of-text comments get skipped by readers scrolling fast. Proper formatting makes comments scannable and accessible, dramatically increasing the likelihood they'll be read completely. Well-formatted comments appear more professional and thoughtful, earning more upvotes. Reddit's markdown formatting helps keep readers' attention and makes key points stand out, leading to higher engagement and more profile clicks.How to execute it well:
Use Reddit's markdown with two asterisks for bold (**text**), one asterisk for italics (*text*), start lines with dash or asterisk for bullet lists, use numbered lists with "1." Keep paragraphs short, use line breaks generously, and bold only the most critical 1-3 facts per section to enable quick scanning. Format links as [text](URL) so they blend naturally into your content. If you want to see examples of well-formatted content that converts readers into customers, check out our market clarity reports where we break down exactly what works in different markets.7. You should write substantive comments with multiple detailed sentences always
What it is:
Provide detailed, well-reasoned responses typically 3-8+ sentences with specific examples, data, or personal experiences that thoroughly address the question or topic.Why it works:
Substantive comments demonstrate expertise and genuine engagement. Reddit's algorithm and community voting favor longer, more detailed responses that add real value to discussions. One-liners and low-effort comments get buried or downvoted. Detailed comments position you as an authority and thought leader, making people more likely to check your profile and click through to your website because you've proven you actually know what you're talking about.How to execute it well:
Answer the "why" behind your advice, not just the "what." Share specific numbers, results, or examples from your own experience. Provide step-by-step explanations when relevant. Reference your own case studies or experiments. Back up claims with reasoning or data. Aim for comments that could stand alone as mini-articles, substantial enough that someone saves them for later reference or sends them to a colleague.8. You must engage immediately after commenting for first-hour momentum building
What it is:
The first hour after posting your comment is critical for building momentum, so reply to responses within the first 1-3 hours to signal activity and quality to Reddit's algorithm.Why it works:
Active engagement in the first hour signals to Reddit's algorithm that your comment is generating valuable discussion, which boosts its ranking. It also shows you're there for genuine conversation, not just drive-by promotion, which earns trust from community members and makes them more likely to upvote and continue the discussion. The algorithm specifically rewards active engagement patterns and pushes "hot" threads higher.How to execute it well:
Set a reminder to check back on your comment 1 hour and 3 hours after posting. Reply thoughtfully to every substantive response (avoid just "thanks," instead ask follow-up questions or provide additional insights). The more active your comment thread becomes, the more the algorithm pushes it higher. Maintain this engagement for the first 24 hours while the thread is hot, then check back occasionally as long as people are still replying.9. You must follow the 90/10 rule for all Reddit activity
What it is:
Only 10% of your total Reddit activity should be self-promotional content, while 90% should be helpful, genuine contributions unrelated to your business.Why it works:
This ratio keeps you below Reddit's spam detection thresholds and aligns with community expectations. Reddit's algorithm and moderators specifically look for patterns of excessive self-promotion. Staying within this ratio prevents your account from being flagged as spam, shadowbanned, or permanently banned from subreddits. It's literally built into Reddit's official guidelines and enforced aggressively.How to execute it well:
For every 1 comment that mentions your product or includes a link to your website, post 9 comments that provide pure value without any promotion. Track your ratio weekly in a simple spreadsheet. If you promote once, make sure you have 9 non-promotional comments that week. Delete promotional posts that get less than 10 upvotes within 48 hours to keep your history clean and below the radar.10. You should post during 6-8 AM or 6-8 PM US time
What it is:
Comment during peak Reddit activity windows, specifically weekday mornings (6-8 AM EST) or early evenings (6-8 PM EST), with Monday mornings and Saturday mornings being particularly strong.Why it works:
48% of Reddit traffic comes from the US, and these time windows catch users browsing before work or unwinding after work when they have mental space to engage with content. Aligning with when the most eyeballs are on new content gives your comment maximum exposure during the critical early hours when the algorithm is deciding which comments to push higher.How to execute it well:
Convert timing to your timezone (6-8 AM or 6-8 PM US Central or Eastern equals optimal commenting windows). Schedule comments for Monday 6-8 AM or Saturday 6-10 AM for best results. Use later timing (6-8 PM) if targeting discussion-heavy subreddits where users engage after work rather than quick browsing before work. Track which timing works best for your specific subreddits using simple analytics.11. You should reply quickly to early comments but stay selective overall
What it is:
Respond to the first comments on your post within the first few minutes or hours to kickstart engagement, but don't feel obligated to reply to every single comment that appears (focus on substantive ones, direct questions, and constructive feedback).Why it works:
Fast responses show you're actively engaged and value interaction, encouraging others to join the discussion. Reddit's algorithm favors posts and comments with active discussion and early engagement. Quick replies in the critical first hours can determine whether your comment thread gains traction or dies. But replying to everything can look spammy and desperate, and it's not sustainable as posts scale up.How to execute it well:
Monitor your comment closely for the first 2-3 hours after posting and respond to initial replies within 5-15 minutes if possible. Keep responses substantive and add value (don't just say "thanks," instead ask follow-up questions or provide additional insights). Set notifications for your comment so you catch early replies immediately. Skip or limit replies to simple "nice post" comments, off-topic discussions between other users, and obvious trolls or haters.12. You must build 1,000+ karma before promoting in any subreddit
What it is:
Accumulate at least 1,000 karma through genuine participation before posting any self-promotional content or links to your website in any subreddit.Why it works:
Reddit has spam filters that automatically flag new accounts with low karma attempting to post promotional links. Building karma demonstrates you're a legitimate, contributing member of the community rather than a spammer. Posts from accounts with established karma history are less likely to be auto-banned by moderators, and a positive account history makes self-promotional posts more trustworthy and credible when you eventually share them.How to execute it well:
Create your account immediately since users can see your "cake day" (account age matters as much as karma). Spend 2-4 weeks posting helpful comments in target subreddits before any promotion. Share valuable third-party content (not your own) and answer questions where you have genuine expertise. Track your karma score and aim for 1,000+ before your first promotional post, and even after hitting that threshold, follow the 80/20 rule religiously. Building credibility takes time, but it's worth it when you finally share something valuable (like how we built credibility by creating our market clarity reports based on real research, not just opinions).13. You have to know the 4-to-1 link ratio rule
What it is:
For every 1 comment containing a link to your site or product, post 4 genuine comments without any links whatsoever.Why it works:
Reddit's spam detection specifically watches for accounts that consistently post links. The 4:1 ratio keeps you well below suspicious thresholds while still allowing strategic link placement. It makes your promotional comments appear as natural recommendations rather than spam, significantly reducing the likelihood of getting auto-removed or banned by moderators who check posting patterns.How to execute it well:
Track your linking activity carefully in a simple spreadsheet or note. If you post a comment with a link, make sure your next 4 comments are purely helpful without any URLs. Better yet, put links in your profile bio and let people discover them there organically. When you do include links, always provide substantial context and value around them (never drop bare links), and the link should be supplementary to genuinely useful advice, not the main point of your comment.14. You should start with 3-8 subreddits for focused engagement
What it is:
Focus on 3-8 carefully selected, highly relevant subreddits rather than spreading yourself thin across dozens of communities, allowing you to build genuine relationships and understand each community's culture deeply.Why it works:
You can learn each community's specific rules, etiquette, and pain points when focusing on fewer subreddits. This allows you to become a recognizable, trusted member rather than a generic poster who shows up everywhere. The manageable scope enables consistent participation without overwhelming yourself or burning out. It also prevents the appearance of spam when the same username appears across too many communities at once, which moderators notice and flag.How to execute it well:
Identify 5-10 potential subreddits using Reddit's search feature, then audit each for subscriber count, activity level, posting rules, and content types. Narrow down to 3-8 that best match your target audience and where you can genuinely contribute. Create a simple spreadsheet tracking each subreddit's characteristics, best posting times, and specific rules. Start with just 2-3 subreddits, then expand once you've established presence and understand what actually works versus what gets removed. This focused approach mirrors how we built our market clarity reports by deeply researching specific markets instead of spreading thin across everything.15. You must never post only self-promotional content in account history
What it is:
Using Reddit primarily or exclusively to promote your own website or product without genuine participation, essentially being "a website with a Reddit account" rather than "a Redditor with a website."Why it's problematic:
Gets you shadowbanned or permanently banned for spam almost immediately. Redditors check your post history when they suspect promotional activity, and an account full of only self-promotion destroys credibility instantly. Violates Reddit's 90/10 rule stating less than 10% of your activity should be self-promotional, triggers automated spam filters and manual moderator removal, and your promotional posts won't even be seen because they're automatically filtered out.How to avoid it:
Follow the 80/20 rule minimum (80% genuine participation, 20% promotion). Post maximum 1 promotional post per page of your Reddit history (about 25 posts). Share content from other sites, not just your own. Comment genuinely on others' posts without always linking back to your stuff. Delete promotional posts that get less than 10 upvotes within 48 hours to keep your history clean and avoid appearing like a serial spammer who just keeps trying.16. You must always disclose your brand affiliation clearly and upfront
What it is:
Clearly identifying yourself as the founder or creator upfront rather than pretending to be a regular user while secretly promoting your product, which creates "fake organic" posts that look like genuine recommendations but are actually marketing disguised as authentic sharing.Why it's problematic:
This is the number one marketing turnoff for Reddit users (49.5% in surveys rate it as most annoying). Violates community trust and Reddit's core authenticity values, gets you permanently banned when discovered, destroys brand reputation when exposed (and communities are extremely skilled at detecting this through post history analysis). It's actually much worse than honest self-promotion because Redditors would rather see transparent promotion than fake authenticity.How to avoid it:
Clearly identify yourself as the founder or creator upfront with simple phrases like "Full disclosure: I built this" or "I'm the founder of X." Be transparent about your relationship with the product you're mentioning and put your brand affiliation in your Reddit profile bio where anyone can see it. According to surveys, 61% of Reddit users say transparency makes brands feel most authentic, so honesty builds more trust than stealth marketing ever will.17. You should start with 2-3 comments daily for new accounts
What it is:
Post 2-3 thoughtful, value-adding comments daily across 3-5 relevant subreddits when you're first starting out with a new account.Why it works:
Gradual, consistent engagement appears organic to Reddit's spam filters. Starting slowly builds karma and establishes account age before ramping up activity, which prevents triggering automated spam detection that targets new or low-karma accounts. New accounts posting too aggressively get flagged as spam or bot accounts, risking immediate shadowban or rate limiting where you're forced to wait 10-15 minutes between posts.How to execute it well:
Spend 10-20 minutes daily finding 2-3 posts where you can genuinely contribute value in your area of expertise. Don't mention your product at all in the first 2 weeks (just build goodwill and karma). Build to at least 100-200 karma before any self-promotion whatsoever. Space comments throughout the day, not all at once in a burst. If you get the "You're doing that too much" message, respect the cooldown period instead of trying to work around it.
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