Getting Started
Reddit Karma: How It Works
What karma is, why communities use it, and how to think about it as a brand.
By Rastislav Molcan. Updated . 5-minute read.
In short: Reddit karma is a score reflecting how other users have received your posts and comments. Some communities use minimum karma or account age to reduce spam. Earn it by contributing genuinely — never by buying or farming it.
What is karma?
Karma is a reputation signal based on votes on your contributions. Reddit does not publish the exact formula.
Karma thresholds
Some communities require minimum karma or account age before you can post. These thresholds are set by moderators and are not always public.
Don't farm karma
Frequently asked questions
How much karma do I need?
There is no universal posting threshold. Communities may use post karma, comment karma, account age, or other requirements, and some do not publish their thresholds. Check the current community guidance.
Is one upvote equal to one karma point?
Not necessarily. Karma is related to the votes your contributions receive, but Reddit does not publish the exact calculation. Do not assume a post's displayed vote score translates directly into the same karma increase.
What is the difference between post karma and comment karma?
Post karma relates to votes on your posts, while comment karma relates to votes on your comments. A community may distinguish between them when setting participation requirements.
Can downvotes reduce my karma?
Downvotes can reduce the karma associated with your contributions, but the calculation is not a simple publicly documented one-to-one formula. Focus on relevance and constructive participation rather than trying to optimise every vote.
How can a new account earn karma legitimately?
Contribute useful answers and original posts in communities that allow new accounts. Read the rules first, respond to genuine questions, and avoid repetitive posting, requests for upvotes, or coordinated voting.
Does high karma mean a marketer is trustworthy?
No. Karma reflects how contributions were received, not verified expertise, compliance, or business results. Assess a marketer's work, transparency, and methods separately; high karma does not exempt anyone from community rules.
Published by ModApproved. We never recommend spam, vote manipulation, or deceptive engagement. Reddit's rules and individual community rules change; always check current policies.
