Shadowban
What is a shadowban?
A shadowban is a restriction where a user can still post, but their posts and comments are hidden from other people, or ranked so low they are rarely seen, without a clear notice. On Reddit, site-wide shadowbans and subreddit-level spam filters both exist; on other platforms the term is used loosely for reduced reach.
Common triggers are spam-like behaviour: posting the same link repeatedly, new accounts posting promotions, or coordinated voting.
Why a shadowban matters
Marketers get shadowbanned when they treat communities as ad space. The fix is to stop the behaviour, appeal where possible and contribute normally.
How to avoid a shadowban
- Do not post the same link or message across many communities.
- Build history in a community before mentioning your product.
- Follow each subreddit’s rules on self-promotion.
- Never use multiple accounts or ask people to upvote.
Related marketing terms
Reddit karma is a score reflecting the upvotes your posts and comments received. Many subreddits require some karma before you can post.
Self-promotionGrey hat
Self-promotion in communities is posting about your own product. Many communities limit or ban it, so check each one’s rules first.
SpamBlack hat
Spam is unsolicited, irrelevant or bulk messaging sent without regard for the recipient, by email, in comments, DMs or community posts.
Vote manipulationBlack hat
Vote manipulation is artificially changing votes on a post, by buying upvotes, using multiple accounts or asking groups to vote together.
SockpuppetBlack hat
A sockpuppet is a fake online identity used to praise, defend or vote for oneself or a brand while pretending to be someone else.