Hey Veal, I was hoping for some advice on Reddit if that's cool? (If it's not cool, then I get that.)
Basically the current state of tumblr has me wanting to check out Reddit for the first time.
I'm not really sure how to find subreddits that are cool and how to interact over there.
Is there a way that you generally discover cool new subreddits? I feel like there must be some kind of method other than search that I'm just missing.
I know there are all kinds of Tumblr Ettiquete posts, is there something similar for Reddit?
Thank you for your tags and posts about Reddit. It's motivated me to give it a try.
So start with the hobbies and interests you KNOW you have!
If you like crochet head over to r/crochet If you like a particular animal head to that animal's sub If you like weed, head over to... r/trees If you like trees head over to... r/marijuanaenthusiests
The easiest way to discover new subreddits is to follow your current interests down rabbit holes.
Once you’re in a sub you like, check the sidebar or pinned posts, almost every sub has a “related communities” section. That’s a great way to find similar spaces. You can also click on users’ profiles and see what other subreddits they post or comment in, surprisingly effective for finding little corners of the site you might otherwise never encounter.
If you want a more structured approach, there are some meta-subreddits designed for discovery.
r/findareddit is one of the best for asking what subreddit fits a particular niche or interest you have. r/wowthissubexists is fun for wandering, people post the weirdest, most niche, and sometimes brilliant or just horrific subs there.
Honestly, a lot of discovering Reddit is just wandering and seeing what sticks. There’s no shame in lurking for a while before posting anything; it’s actually VERY encouraged.
Also, remember, the front page doesn’t always equal “quality” content. The algorithm favors popularity and upvotes, which doesn’t necessarily match your taste.
The really good communities are often smaller, more focused, and sometimes a little hidden. You have to go looking.
One big thing to keep in mind, Reddit’s tone can be very different across subs. Some are casual and conversational, others are very strict about format, content warnings, or jokes.
Spend some time reading comments, observing interactions, and seeing how mods enforce rules. You’ll start to get the culture intuitively.
And a heads-up, not all spaces are safe for every identity or interest. Political, queer, or marginalized communities can vary a lot in moderation and culture. It’s totally okay to lurk first, test the waters, and leave a sub if it doesn’t feel right.
Your enjoyment of the site depends on finding the right corners for you.
Finally, have fun with it!
Reddit is huge and varied. Some places will surprise you, some will frustrate you, some will make you laugh. You’ll eventually find your people and your niche, the trick is just being patient and curious, exploring, and trusting your instincts about where to hang out.
Now some etiquette tips for Reddit:
Upvotes and downvotes are not “I agree/I disagree” buttons. They are meant to signal whether a post or comment contributes meaningfully to the conversation, not whether you like it or share the same opinion.
Do not stalk people’s profiles to make jabs. Checking what subs someone follows or comments in to mock them is considered extremely tacky and is widely frowned upon.
Report, don’t engage. Unlike Tumblr, Reddit moderation tends to be more robust. Don’t try to mini-mod or call someone out publicly; you’ll usually just get a warning or worse. Let the mods handle it.
Ignore weird DMs. Reddit has its share of sketchy or predatory users, just like Tumblr. Don’t feel pressured to reply or explain yourself, block and move on.
Use the block system liberally. Blocking on Reddit actually works, unlike Tumblr, where blocked users can still see and often interact with your posts, blocking on Reddit removes them entirely from your view and vice versa. Don’t hesitate to block anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
Read the rules of each sub. Every subreddit is like its own little country, and the rules can vary wildly. Read them carefully before posting or commenting. Ignorance is rarely considered an excuse.
Lurk before you post. Spend some time observing the community culture, tone, and humor. It’ll help you avoid faux pas and understand what kind of content the sub values.
Be aware of cross-posting. Some subs hate content being shared from other subs; others encourage it. Check each sub’s rules about this.
Use proper flair and formatting when required. Many subs have required tags, flair, or post structures. Following them helps your post get traction and avoids friction with mods.
Don’t feed trolls. Some people post just to get reactions. Don’t engage unless it’s productive, ignore or report.
Remember, karma is meaningless. Don’t stress about your score; it’s not a measure of your worth, knowledge, or social approval. Focus on the conversation and communities you enjoy.
Give context when needed. If your post references something obscure, a little explanation helps the community engage with it.
Here are the subs I am following, to get you started! it is a HUGE list so it's under the cut, also not all of these are fun or uplifting, so be safe.
